What are the major obstacles to voluntary cleanups of abandoned mine sites?
There are volunteers who are interested in helping restore watersheds impaired by abandoned mines. Many watershed organizations believe that funding for cleanup work constitutes the largest obstacle to abandoned mine clean ups. However, EPA understands from discussions with prospective volunteers that the threat of liability pursuant to the Clean Water Act (CWA) and/or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) can also be obstacles to Good Samaritan cleanups. A volunteer conducting a partial cleanup could have concerns about being found liable for the entire cleanup or being obligated to obtain a discharge permit which requires compliance with strict water quality standards in streams that are already in violation of these standards. The Agency’s administrative tools reduce the threat of liability under CERCLA and will encourage more Good Samaritans to restore watersheds impacted by acid mine drainage from abandoned mine sites. A targeted legisla
