Scientists Ask EPA To Strengthen Conductivity Limits In Mining Guidance

摘要

A group of stream ecologists is asking EPA to strengthen the conductivity limits the agency says should be included in Clean Water Act (C WA) permits granted to surface mine operators in Appalachia, arguing that the upper boundary recommended by EPA is not sufficiently protective of aquatic life. The scientists also say EPA should further limit mitigation options available to mine operators in the region, saying there is no evidence that "created" streams can match the function of a natural waterbody. In Nov. 29 comments filed on EPA's CWA permitting guidance, three biology professors point to emerging science they say shows EPA needs to tighten its limits on conductivity, which measures salinity in water, while they broadly endorse EPA's efforts to use the measure as a proxy for ionic pollution generated in mining.