Legislature dropped ball on mine

Rep. George Eskridge agreed to introduce a bill this session to allow local residents an opportunity to present their concerns about the proposed Rock Creek mine to Idaho's legislators. This concern has been expressed in resolutions passed by the Bonner County Commissioners, the city of Sandpoint, and several other local municipalities that recognize Lake Pend Oreille as the keystone of our economy.

In the past, the Legislature has acknowledged the importance of Pend Oreille by designating it a "special resource water" and a "health and recreation place." Unfortunately, members of the 2004 House and Resources and Conservation Committee refused to even consider the bill, thus denying a significant segment of Idaho's constituency a voice in Boise.

Rep. Lenore Barrett of Challis went so far as to label the bill as "inflammatory and anti-mining." I challenge Rep. Barrett to find any statement in the bill that is not factual. There was no need to include "inflammatory" language in the bill. The facts speak for themselves, and there is no denying that there will be pollution flowing into Idaho on a daily basis from the mine. The Record of Decision states that the pollution from the mine will require long-term monitoring and treatment, and that this pollution could in fact be perpetual.

Those of us who live, work, and recreate in and around Lake Pend Oreille — and pay taxes to the state of Idaho — deserve a say in Boise about how our lake is managed and protected for our future.

Once again, the concerns of North Idaho residents have been swept under the rug.

MARY MITCHELL

Rock Creek Alliance

Sandpoint