RE: RE: Court decisionhttps://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/atlanta-gold-ordered-to-pay-2-million-fine-and-stop-arsenic-pollution-in-boise-river
As the Court stated:
Water is the West's most precious resource. Keeping Idaho's waters sufficiently clear of toxic elements so that they can support all the beneficial uses for which the State has designated them is a critical public interest that profoundly outweighs a company's bottom line.
“We are hopeful that this strong ruling will cause Atlanta Gold to come into compliance with the permit and allow for the restoration of Montezuma Creek and the Boise River,” said plaintiffs’ attorney Kristin Ruether of Advocates for the West.
“Today the court reaffirmed our conviction that the Boise River is more precious than gold,” said John Robison, public lands director of the IdahoConservation League. “Hundreds of thousands of Idahoans rely on the Boise River for drinking water, irrigation and recreation. Keeping it clean is in everyone’s interest."
“The court held that clean water is more important than corporate profits,” said Mark Riskedahl, executive director of the Northwest Environmental Defense Center. “Mining companies do not have a pass to pollute Idaho’s waters and Idahoans are going to hold them accountable.”
“The less arsenic in our headwaters, the better for everyone.” said Perry Brown, a local pediatrician who has been tracking this issue closely. “Irresponsible mining and lack of regard for environmental protections and public health are never reasonable and should not be tolerated. This is great news for everyone who lives downstream.”