Groups Appeal Proposed Buckhorn Mine Water Quality Certification

October 29th, 2007

Today, the Okanogan Highlands Alliance, Washington Environmental Council, and the Center for Environmental Law & Policy announced the appeal of a "Water Quality Certification" issued by the State Department of Ecology for the proposed Buckhorn Gold Mine in north-central Washington. The groups charge that this permit is based on flawed and inadequate information and, that as proposed, the mine would pollute streams and wetlands around Buckhorn Mountain.

"It is sad day when the State Department of Ecology issue a permit to allow a multi-national mining corporation to pollute our water" states David Kliegman director of OHA, "Unfortunately, this is forcing us to file appeals to protect our clean water and the public interest."

The 401 Certification (this most recent permit) is based on a flawed and inadequate model of the geohydrology of Buckhorn Mountain which incorrectly assumes that all contaminated groundwater will be detected and captured prior to treatment and discharge. Additionally, the 401 Certification is based on an incomplete assessment of existing water quality and an underestimation of the way in which the mine would impact waters in and around the mountain, including: water flow, effects of water being taken from the aquifer, loss of natural aquifer recharge, and the discharge of wastewaters.

"Any gold mine proposal must past the test of protecting the streams that flow off of Buckhorn Mountain," said Patrick Williams, staff attorney with CELP. "In 2000 the PCHB ruled that the mining company did not provide adequate assurances. The latest mine proposal has also failed to show that it will protect the mountain's water."

The 401 Certification and supporting documents rely on studies and modeling that were rejected by the Pollution Control Hearings Board in January of 2000.

The original Crown Jewel open-pit mine proposal stalled in 2000 based on the failings of its Water Quality Certification. The state's Pollution Control Hearings Board found that water quality was not adequately protected, noting that the proposed approach was "tantamount to entering a busy interstate highway on an exit ramp against the traffic." While the new proposal uses underground mining instead of open-pit mining, resulting water pollution remains a strong concern.

The appeal was filed with the Environment and Land Use Hearings Board in Olympia, a new hearings board designed to expedite projects within a single forum. This proposed mine will require many more permits that will be consolidated into one legal challenge.

The Okanogan Highlands Alliance is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating the public about the environmental threats of large-scale mining. The Washington Environmental Council has worked for nearly 40 years as a leading voice in the state for our land, air and water. The Center for Environmental Law & Policy serves as a voice for the public interest water resource management and preservation in Washington state.

Contacts:
David Kliegman, Okanogan Highlands Alliance: 509-485-3361
Michael Mayer, Washington Environmental Council: 206-622-8013
Patrick Williams, Center for Environmental Law & Policy: 206-547-5047

More information can be found at: www.okanoganhighlandsalliance.org