There are approximately 4000 metallic mine sites in the
state of Washington. By the nature of mining and the processes associated with
both extraction and refining of the ore, it is likely that many of these mines
may be ongoing sources of contamination. To date, however, efforts to address
Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites within Washington have been primarily in
response to specific releases or problems brought to regulatory agencies’
attention. No regulatory agency in Washington has undertaken a detailed
inventory and assessment of the conditions at these sites, nor developed a
comprehensive effort to respond to problems encountered. In response to this
need, the Department of Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program (Program) is creating and implementing a coordinated approach to AML
issues in Washington. The primary goal of these efforts is to locate,
characterize, and repair environmental damage from past mining activities and to
assist communities impacted by mining and its associated processes (i.e., Mills
and Smelters).
What do we currently know about AML sites in Washington?
Where is the Toxics Cleanup Program focusing its efforts
related to AML sites?
Please direct your questions to Ecology's primary AML contact, Rick Roeder 509-454-7837.
