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Agreement Reached for Mine Waste Removal in Butte

Some residents are concerned that heavy metals will contaminate groundwater and nearby Silver Bow Creek

By Associated Press

BUTTE – Halted efforts to remove mine and mineral processing waste dumped near Butte Civic Center are back in motion under a new agreement between the state and Montana Resources.

The Montana Standard reports about 350,000 cubic yards of waste will be moved behind the mining company’s main office.

Mark Thompson manages environmental affairs at the mine and says a liability issue that held up the project has been resolved.

He said company will be responsible for the waste per the state’s Metal Mine Reclamation Act.

Montana Resources expects to spend $1.2 million on removing the contaminated soil.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said the waste can be left where it is.

Some residents are concerned that heavy metals will contaminate groundwater and nearby Silver Bow Creek.