For years, Trout Unlimited has worked to minimize the impacts runoff from old, abandoned mines have on coldwater fisheries in the United States, but archaic mining laws and liability issues have limited the organization’s role significantly.
Despite efforts to change laws and to seek “Good Samaritan” exemptions in existing law, it’s simply very difficult to engage in productive abandoned mine cleanup–in many cases, moving a shovelful of dirt from one place to another means TU would take on the liability for the heavy metals and other toxins entering streams from long-abandoned mines.
Thankfully, there have been a few instances where TU, with the help from government agencies and corporate assistance, has been able to accomplish significant cleanup of abandoned mines, particularly in West. TU’s work in American Fork Canyon in Utah is a prime example, and so is work currently under way at the Tiger Mine, near Leadville, Colo.
In the video above, U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colorado, details some of the efforts under way at the Tiger Mine, and at about the five-minute mark, he mention’s TU as a Good Samaritan for the organization’s efforts to assist with the cleanup of this site.
Of course, all of TU’s cleanup efforts are made with the sole intent of improving water quality, which improves habitat, which eventually improves trout and salmon fisheries in watersheds that suffer from heavy-metal pollution.
TU is grateful for the cooperation it receives from its partners in the very challenging world of abandoned mine cleanup. Perhaps one day, the law will be altered so Good Samaritans like TU can take on more responsibility without incurring the liability risk that comes with moving earth, digging settling ponds and, eventually, improving habitat and fisheries so future generations will be able to enjoy opportunities currently lost to us.
