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//  File Name:  OHA_9_14_10.html


//  Author:     patrice


//  Date:       September 14, 2010 , 11pm


//  Full path:  http://www.purewater.org/News/OHA_9_14_10.html


//  Who's minding the store? 

ACTION ALERT - ACT NOW

			
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<H2><FONT COLOR="#006699">Who's minding the store? 

ACTION ALERT - ACT NOW</FONT></H2> 


<p><p>

<b><font color="990000">September 14, 2010 </font></b>

	
<p><p>

<b>from <a href="http://www.okanoganhighlandsalliance.org"> Okanogan Highlands Alliance</a></b>

<p>


In June 2010, the Department of Ecology’s water quality hydrogeologist

retired, leaving no one responsible and/or qualified to review,

analyze and regulate water quality for the Buckhorn mine. In essence,

since June 30th, there has not been anyone at Ecology who understands

and is overseeing the water quality aspects of the Buckhorn Mine.

<p>

WHY ECOLOGY CANNOT ACT:<br>

The Department of Ecology requested but has been denied a waiver from the State hiring freeze.

<p>

WHAT YOU CAN DO:<br>

It is time for the Governor to hear from us. <br>

Please go to <a href="http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact" target="_tlx">www.governor.wa.gov/contact</a>

From the subject drop down menu choose <strong>Natural Resources</strong>

<p>

SUGGESTED COMMENTS:

<p>

◊ We need a Water Quality Regulator at Ecology to oversee the Buckhorn Mine.

<p>

◊  There are problems at the Buckhorn Mine:

<ul>

<li>The mine has not established hydrological control of groundwater

</li><li>Mine pollution is polluting groundwater

</li><li>Kinross has transported millions of gallons of water out-of-basin

with no environmental review, mitigation or permit

</li><li>Kinross has violated their discharge permit without adequate consequences

</li><li>Buckhorn Mine is producing 36% more potentially acid generating rock than predicted, which may be leaching into the ground

</li><li>Downstream water monitoring shows alarming increases in pollutants

in ground and surface water, and the source is not known

</li><li>The mining company is proposing significant expansion of their operations

</li></ul>

<p>

◊ Without qualified enforcement, Ecology cannot ensure that water quality standards will be protected and should rescind water quality certification for the Buckhorn Mine.

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