July 30, 2009	View as Webpage | Forward | Subscribe
	Dear River Advocate, A recent Supreme Court decision that upheld a Bush-era decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could have significant national implications. The decision (Coeur Alaska, Inc. v. Southeast Alaska Conservation Council) permits the discharge of more than 200,000 gallons of toxic wastewater a day from a gold ore processing mill directly into Lower Slate Lake in Alaska. This could set a precedent that would allow toxic wastes to be dumped into streams and rivers across the country. Please take action today to help reverse this decision. The Court decision relied on a Bush administration policy that redefined this toxic wastewater as "fill material," which is exempt from Clean Water Act pollution standards, creating a loophole for industrial pollution and other wastes. This destructive result is entirely unnecessary as an alternative waste disposal option supported by the Environmental Protection Agency would eliminate discharges of the pollution into any stream or lake.  Our rivers, streams, and lakes should not be polluted with mining waste. Take action now -- tell the Corps that using our waterways as a waste dump threatens our clean water, public health, and fish and wildlife. The deadline for comments is August 3, 2009 so please act today! Sincerely Katherine Baer Senior Director, Clean Water Program

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