A federal judge approved a $263.4 million settlement to settle a Superfund lawsuit that was originally filed by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho.

The tribe file the case in 1991 to address pollution in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin. The state of Idaho and the federal government joined the suit, which resulted in a settlement with Hecla Mining Co.

“The tribe has fought long and hard to preserve this water and this land,” Howard Funke, the tribe’s attorney, told The Spokesman Review.

Hecla will pay $167 million within 30 days, with the remainder to be paid over three years. The money will be split between the tribe, the state and the U.S., though the amount going to the tribe wasn't reported.

Get the Story:
Hecla Superfund settlement approved (The Spokesman Review 9/9)
Court OKs Hecla Superfund settlement (AP 9/9)
Press Release: Hecla Receives Court Approval on the Coeur d'Alene Basin Environmental Settlement (Hecla 9/9)