NEWS
Conservation groups request permit suspension for mines By Cameron Rasmusson Reader Staff Hecla Mining Company is facing more opposition from conservation groups in implementing plans to open new Montana mines. A coalition of environmental groups have requested that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality suspend permits for the Coeur d’Alenebased mining company on the basis of “bad actor” provisions. If successful, the move would hinder the Rock Creek and Montanore mining operations proposed for Northwest Montana. The proposed Montana mines have long been of interest to Bonner County conservationists, who worry runoff from the mines could affect water quality in local lakes and rivers. “The Rock Creek and Montanore mines, which are planned in the heart of a spectacular and ecologically vital wilderness, must comply with the laws that protect Montana’s water, taxpayers, and the communities that are most at risk from mining,” said Mary Costello of Rock Creek Alliance and Save Our Cabinets, two organizations involved in the dispute. The conservation coalition, which also includes Earthjustice, Earthworks, Montana Environmental Information Center and Clark Fork Coalition, argues that Hecla’s permits should be suspended due to company leadership’s history with Pegasus Gold Incorporated. They say the company’s ownership of the Zortman-Landusky, Basin Creek, and Beal Mountain mines produced acid drainage and toxic metals that polluted local streams and groundwater, endangered fisheries and contaminated sacred Native American sites. Hecla Mining Company officials, meanwhile, argue that the mines will produce a major economic boost for rural Montana and that “protection of the environment and wildlife is paramount.” What’s more, the company may have some friends in high places. Former Montana Congressman and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke came out last year in support of the mining projects. And last month, Montana Republican Congressmen Sen.
Rock Lake in Montana, near the site of the proposed Rock Creek Mine. Photo courtesy Rock Creek Alliance Facebook. Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte sent a letter to Zinke and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue supporting the project last month. “Many in the local community are concerned this work will once again
be needlessly delayed, this time by the level of agency prioritization and staffing issues for work on the Biological Opinions,” the letter reads. “We urge you to resolve these challenges as expeditiously as possible.”
The Montanore Mine is proposed to be located south of Libby, Mont., in Lincoln County, while the Rock Creek Mine is proposed to be located in Sanders County.
Gov. Otter makes Ponderay Capital for a Day By Lyndsie Kiebert Reader Staff Writer Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter fielded the concerns of North Idaho citizens Thursday, Oct. 19, when Ponderay had its turn as Idaho’s Capital for a Day. Otter said Capital for a Day is a way to hear “small community” concerns straight from community members. The goal in holding the day-long open meeting at the Holiday Inn Express was to hear questions and issues and then to look for solutions or action plans moving forward. The governor has visited every county in Idaho through Capital for a Day. “Those local solutions are always best, but sometimes we have to have that interaction (between the state and local governments),” Otter said. Several state officials joined Otter on
his trip north, including representatives from the Office of Species Conservation, Department of Lands, Department of Correction, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Fish and Game and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The Department of Health and Welfare as well as the Department of Parks and Recreation had local representatives on hand.
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, left, talks to constituents in Ponderay last week with gubernatorial candidate and current Lt. Gov. Brad Little, center, looking on. Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert. October 26, 2017 /
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