May 16, 2023
Contact: Mary Anne Nelson, Surface and Wastewater Division Administrator Mary.Anne.Nelson@deq.idaho.gov.
BOISE — On March 24, 2023, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) filed a complaint in Shoshone County against US Silver Corporation – Idaho, Inc. for violations of the Clean Water Act at the Galena Mine, located three miles from Wallace, Idaho, resulting from discharges into Lake Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River.
The complaint alleges discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States in violation of the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permit issued by DEQ under the Clean Water Act, Idaho Code § 39-175, et seq., and IDAPA 58.01.25. As part of the complaint, DEQ is seeking an injunction requiring US Silver to comply with the permit and all effluent and monitoring requirements and assess against the company statutory penalties.
In compliance with Idaho Code § 39-108(9) and IDAPA 58.01.25.500.04, DEQ is requesting public comment on the proposed settlement to the complaints. The proposed settlement directs US Silver to achieve compliance with the final effluent limits for arsenic under the prescribed compliance schedule, update and submit a quality assurance plan, and submit annual reports to DEQ. A penalty of $222,320 is levied for violations related to this complaint.
The proposed settlement is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton Street, Boise Idaho) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through June 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. MDT. This proposed settlement may be amended or adjusted in the future; in which case, DEQ may provide an additional public comment period.
Submit comments on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page or by mail or email:
Mary Anne Nelson
Surface and Wastewater Division Administrator
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
Mary.Anne.Nelson@deq.idaho.gov