Posted on 03/13/2004 7:48:59 PM PST by writer33
IDAHO FALLS _ Two environmental groups have sued a phosphate mining company, charging that it has allowed selenium-contaminated water to flow into a creek in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the Idaho Conservation League claim that Nu-West Industries, Inc., which runs Agrium Conda Phosphate Operations, is violating the Clean Water Act by contaminating Mill Creek, a tributary of the Blackfoot River.
"We have given Nu-West Industries ample time to remedy the pollution in this area," said Marv Hoyt, Greater Yellowstone's Idaho director. "Unfortunately, nothing has changed on the ground, and the dangerous selenium levels continue putting people, livestock, and wildlife at risk."
Selenium is a natural trace mineral found in the bedrock of the region's phosphate mines.
More than 500 sheep have died, and six horses had to be destroyed because of selenium poisoning in southeastern Idaho's phosphate mining region, the groups said.
"The negative impacts to the public, human health, livestock, wildlife and fisheries are well-documented," said Justin Hayes of the Idaho Conservation League.
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