Officials must oppose Rock Creek Mine

The Revett Silver Co. came to Sandpoint recently to make its pitch for the Rock Creek Mine in Montana. They made a presentation to the Lakes Commission detailing alleged economic benefits and claiming that waste water from their mill will exceed drinking water standards.

In response, as Mary Mitchell of the Rock Creek Alliance pointed out, wastewater from the mill is only one source of potential pollution of the Clark Fork River and Lake Pend Oreille. Other hazards are posed from water leaking from the mine itself, and when storms hit the area washing toxic waste into the rivers.

Revett says it can't help where the mine is located. But as audience members pointed out, the mine is planned next to a wilderness area. And as Bonner County Commissioner Marcia Phillips pointed out so succinctly, 'This lake is the engine of our economy. And we don't want sand poured into our gas tank."

The Bonner County commissioners have taken a stand opposing the mine. The fact that Idaho officials, including the governor, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Legislature has not, is a betrayal of their sacred trust to the people of Idaho and a sell-out to vested interests.

We need all our local officials and legislators to oppose this mine which poses a long-term threat to this pristine river and lake which are the backbone of our economy and are the reason why many of us choose to live here.

JIM RAMSEY

Kootenai