EPA announces new western office for mine cleanup

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is opening a new Colorado-based office that will focus on cleaning up mines. EPA associate deputy administrator Doug Benevento said the new Colorado-based Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains will be closer to mine sites and accessible to the communities that experience mine pollution. “EPA recognizes that the West has distinct needs that aren’t always effectively addressed through existing mechanisms and resources,” Benevento said in an announcement. No additional EPA funding is required, and no staff will need to move to Colorado, Benevento said. The new office will help provide oversight, guidance and technical assistant for cleaning up legacy mines and Superfund sites.

Read more at Bloomberg Law.