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Thursday, September 4, 2003

In the largest Superfund case to go to trial, a federal judge on Wednesday held two mining companies liable for damages to the Coeur d'Alene Basin in Idaho.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe and the federal government sued Asarco Incorporated and Hecla Mining Company for environmental damage to the area. The companies left mine waste that have polluted waters and posed health hazards to residents.

U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge did not disagree with the claims but said they were "exaggerated" by the tribe and the federal government. He said there have been improvements in the basin in recent years. He will hold a second trial to determine how much the companies owe.

The tribe has reached a settlement with Asarco but no other settlements were reached.

Get the Story:
Judge holds mining companies liable for some damage (AP 9/3)
Username: indianz@indianz.com, Password: indianz Press Release: Hecla Reports Judge's Ruling in First Phase of Coeur D'Alene Basin Trial (Hecla 9/3)

Get the Decision:
Coeur d'Alene Tribe v. Asarco (September 3, 2003)

Relevant Links:
Coeur d'Alene Tribe - http://www.cdatribe.com
Superfund, EPA - http://www.epa.gov/superfund

Related Stories:
Bush funding cleanup of Coeur d'Alene basin (07/17)

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