January 20, 2011

Lawsuit Filed to Stop Release of Toxic Metals at Wisconsin’s Flambeau Mine

PEAC files lawsuit under the Clean Water Act to protect the Flambeau River from toxic mine discharge.

Along with PEAC alum Jamie Saul, PEAC has just commenced a lawsuit under the Clean Water Act (CWA) against the Flambeau Mine Corporation (FMC) for its alleged unpermitted discharges of a wide range of pollutants. FMC is a subsidiary of Australian-based Rio Tinto, one of the largest mining companies in the world.

The mine, situated on the banks of the Flambeau River in northern Wisconsin, threatens local human and environmental health.  The lawsuit against the mine’s discharges has broad implications for mining throughout the region, as it will force the state to regulate mines under the strict requirements of the CWA.