Cleaning Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines
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A Fact of Consequence...
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a big problem, but it is not a problem beyond solution. Working on the solution develops skills, strengths, and capacities that will serve you and your neighbors well in many dimensions of your lives. If you invest your attention and energy in this cause, the return on this investment will enrich you, your fellow Westerners, and Westerners of the future.
...and an Introduction
In this report, we seek to give you practical information and guidance on the key aspects of the abandoned mine problem. We will make the case for adjustments in federal legislation, in particular for a law that would allow environmental "Good Samaritans" to engage in voluntary efforts without exposing themselves to high financial risk; we will suggest certain strategies for funding remediation efforts; and we will explore the tricky question of what role the mining industry itself can play in curing the West of this ailment. The virtues and shortcomings of all of these recommendations may be debated by reasonable people. One thing, however, is clear, in the course of writing this report, we have come to realize that the success of cleaning up specific mine sites requires the formation of broad, cooperative coalitions of interested parties, including environmentalists; federal, state, and local groups; and local communities.
We invite and welcome your comments, suggestions, and criticisms. We relish the opportunity to discuss these issues further, in full knowledge that this report is only one part of an ongoing conversation and growing momentum to deal with the problem.