Suction dredge miners use gas-powered dredges to suck up the bottom of riverbeds and streambeds. Creating common-sense measures to regulate this harmful mining practice is an essential step for protecting our endangered salmon and the highly imperiled orcas that rely on them for survival.” “Taxpayers have spent millions of dollars to restore salmon habitat, but we still allow a small group of hobby miners to trash critical spawning areas. “This bill will go a long way toward protecting Washington’s salmon and waterways from this toxic mining,” said Sophia Ressler, a Washington-based staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. It would also create rules similar to measures in California, Oregon and Idaho meant to protect water quality and endangered species. 5322, would prohibit suction dredge mining in habitat for endangered salmon and help bring Washington into compliance with laws protecting fish and water quality. Suction dredge mining is currently not tracked or monitored in Washington, despite the state’s commitment to restoring salmon habitat. ![]() It also destroys important habitat for endangered fish and increases sediment and toxic mercury in waterways. ![]() The destructive mining practice vacuums up stream bottoms and riverbeds in search of gold. OLYMPIA, Wash.- In a vote that could come as early as today, the Washington House of Representatives will consider a bill to protect salmon and waterways from harmful suction dredge mining. Contact: Sophia Ressler, (206) 399-4004, House to Vote on Bill to Protect Endangered Fish, Rivers From Toxic Suction Dredge Mining
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