MINING NEWS: Greens Creek settles with EPA

Sarah Hurst

Kennecott Greens Creek Mining Co. and Connors Drilling LLC have agreed to pay a $12,900 penalty to resolve two alleged federal Clean Water Act violations at the Greens Creek mine near Juneau, Alaska. Connors was conducting exploratory drilling operations near Zinc Creek in June 2004, when there was a discharge of drilling mud and diesel fuel into the creek, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

“The mining industry is an important part of Alaska’s economy, but it must operate responsibly and manage its waste water in a way that protects the environment,” said Kim Ogle, manager of the EPA’s Northwest Regional Offices NPDES Compliance Unit. To prevent further discharge of drill mud, Kennecott and Connors voluntarily placed silt fences and absorbent pads around the area. They also began implementing new best management practices to ensure that similar discharges do not happen again, the EPA said.