EPA proposes general wastewater permit for small suction gold dredging in Idaho
January 27, 2010
The EPA is proposing to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for placer miners using small suction gold dredges in Idaho. The permit would apply to dredges with intake nozzles of 5 inches or less, equipped with motors of 15 horsepower or less. Miners using larger dredges would need to submit an individual application to the EPA.The proposed rule has been published and interested miners are encouraged to provide comments. There are many issues that need to be addressed. For example, the General Permit as proposed currently states that "...motorized winches or other motorized equipment to move boulders, logs, or other natural obsctructions..." would be prohibited (page 17, section G).
A Fact Sheet is available, which describes the proposed permit conditions.
Suction dredgers would be required to obatins a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) General Permit and have a copy of the permit on site.
Comments are due on this proposed rule by March 8, 2010.
Public meetings have been scheduled as follows:
February 22, 2010
Nez Perce National Forest
104 Airport Rd
Grangeville, Idaho
February 23, 2010
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Conference Room C
1410 N Hilton
Boise, Idaho
February 24, 2010
Salmon-Challis National Forest
1206 S Challis St
Salmon, Idaho
February 25, 2010
Idaho Department of Fish & Game
4279 Commerce Circle
Idaho Falls, Idaho
The complete notice, including comment addresses and technical contacts for more information, is available here.
