Idaho’s top environmental official is asking lawmakers for money for continued cleanup efforts of toxic discharge from an abandoned silver and lead mine in central Idaho near one of the world’s top ski destinations.
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Director John Tippets Friday also told the Legislature’s budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee additional money is needed as the agency takes over regulating pollution discharge into waterways from the federal government.
Tippets is requesting $1.5 million for work at the Triumph Mine, about 7 miles southeast of Sun Valley Resort’s Bald Mountain ski area. Tippets also wants $750,000 for the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System as the state takes control of permitting and enforcement aspects under the federal Clean Water Act.
The budget request will be considered by lawmakers in the coming weeks. (AP)
