PLP and Mining Districts
PLP Update
December 2021 by Scott Harn
Public Lands for the People (PLP) continues to refine its reclamation dredging program, which was started in California earlier this year.
The group is working on getting the US Forest Service in California to bless the PLP guide on suction dredge reclamation so they have indisputable federal preemption going forward in 2022, according to PLP researcher Clark Pearson.
PLP is also concluding its funding and review of a scientific study which names the suction dredge as the preeminent tool for reclaiming American waterways to counter atmospheric mercury impacts coming from China.
Additionally, PLP has developed a working group to overcome Oregon’s draconian dredging rules at the DEQ and, as long as more Oregon members join and support PLP, the non-profit group is willing to shift some of its resources to help Oregon miners overcome these obstacles. Several groups in Oregon have already signed on to offer their support.
Some have asked how the trips to Washington, DC, to support small miners have been going. These trips have been shut down due to COVID-19 and due to the current makeup of the House and Senate. We hope to restart these trips soon, pending the results of the 2022 mid-term elections.
PLP Update: How to Restore The Rights of Suction Dredge Miners
A two-pronged approach is necessary to restore suction dredging; federal preemption needs to be established as addressed above via petition; and clarification from the EPA is needed to establish that no Section 402 permit is necessary when there is no “addition” of a pollutant.
PLP Update
We’ve heard from miners in Arizona about federal agencies closing off historic roads that provide access for miners, and we need your input.
Judge Rules Against Dredger in Idaho Civil Case
The path to winning this case should have been to make the plaintiffs prove that a foreign substance was introduced and then discharged, which is the “trigger” for regulations under the Clean Water Act.
MMAC & PLP Update -- 2015 Minerals and Mining Regulatory Reform Act
Is there any hope for a solution? Yes, there is, and we’ve been working with Public Lands for the People, the Minerals and Mining Advisory Council, attorney James Buchal and others on that solution.
MMAC Update
This will provide the opportunity to meet with many of the members of Congress in a more informal setting at several meetings, luncheons and dinners. And we have been offered the chance to meet with President Trump’s staff.
MMAC & PLP Update
…what I’d like to focus on in this update is the assistance they provided to a suction gold dredger in Idaho being harassed by an environmental group.
MMAC Update
Within these districts, some of the roads and trails have been reopened for access, critical habitat designations have been scaled back, and a few Mining Districts were completely removed from proposed withdrawals.
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