Bill to Ensure Water Safety in Mining Reclamation Passes Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
March 7, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted this afternoon 3-2 to advance HB19-1113, Protect Water Quality Adverse Mining Impacts, a bill sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) to hold mining operations accountable for the future impact of their businesses on water quality standards. The bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
“Water is the lifeblood of the high country and much of our state. When it comes to mining, we must consider the effects on our environment and on our precious resources that all Coloradans depend on – like water,” said Senator Donovan. “This bill will help make sure that we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans by making sure that water quality standards are upheld during the mining process.”
HB19-1113 strives to protect water quality around mining operations by requiring that most reclamation plans demonstrate an end date for any water quality treatment necessary to ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards. It also requires all reclamation bonds to include proof they can financially afford to protect water quality, including costs for any necessary treatment and monitoring costs.
“The water quality requirements specified in this legislation will make our state a better place to live for generations to come,” added Senator Donovan.
For more information on HB19-1113, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1113.
###