Published: Wednesday, February 15, 2012
EPA proposes big cuts in mining cleanup
SPOKANE -- The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to cut nearly in half the massive cleanup of a century's worth of mining pollution in Idaho's Silver Valley.
The agency on Wednesday released a plan that calls for cutting the cost of the Superfund cleanup from $1.3 billion to about $740 million.
The time frame would be cut from more than 50 years to between 20 and 30 years.
The changes are partially the result of a huge outcry from Silver Valley residents and Idaho politicians, who contend the cleanup work and the Superfund label are hindering economic development in the depressed region.
The agency on Wednesday released a plan that calls for cutting the cost of the Superfund cleanup from $1.3 billion to about $740 million.
The time frame would be cut from more than 50 years to between 20 and 30 years.
The changes are partially the result of a huge outcry from Silver Valley residents and Idaho politicians, who contend the cleanup work and the Superfund label are hindering economic development in the depressed region.
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