Good Sam Program Will Allow Trout Unlimited to Clear NCW Mine

Idaho Senator Jim Risch is celebrating a new federal permit aimed at cleaning up abandoned hardrock mines, including one in the state of Washington.  The EPA has issued its first-ever permit under the Good Samaritan program, legislation Risch helped write to make mine cleanup easier for nonprofits and other groups. 

“The first Good Samaritan permit is a momentous occasion, ending decades worth of legal battles that prevented commonsense environmental improvements from taking place at long-abandoned hardrock mines,” said Risch. “Our good faith actors and our Good Sam law give us the tools to finally allow this important work to address water quality issues to move forward in a meaningful way.” 

The permit allows Trout Unlimited to move ahead with the Bodie Mine Project in Okanogan County in north central Washington.

Risch says the program could finally remove legal barriers that have prevented long-needed water quality improvements at abandoned mines across the West.

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