Senate Passes Senator Donovan’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Water Quality in Mining Reclamation

March 14, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate voted this morning 22-to-13 to pass HB19-1113, Protect Water Quality Adverse Mining Impacts, a bill from Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) that will hold new mining operations accountable for their impact on water quality standards. The bill is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“I’m excited that the Senate voted this morning to protect Colorado’s water quality from some of the harmful effects of mining operations,” said Senator Donovan. “This legislation will ensure that Colorado prioritizes the protection of our rivers and streams for generations to come. I am proud that HB19-1113 is on its way to becoming law.”

HB19-1113 will protect water quality around mining operations by requiring most reclamation plans to 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 will be able to afford the costs of protecting water quality, including for any necessary treatment and monitoring costs.

For more information on HB19-1113, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1113.

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