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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- An environmental group will file a lawsuit asking the federal government to force hard-rock mining companies to bond for environmental cleanup costs before being allowed to work on public land.
Washington D.C.-based Earthjustice spokeswoman Lisa Evans says the bonds would ensure site cleanup, or force the Environmental Protection Agency to declare the mines Superfund sites.
She says the bonds would also encourage pollution control by the companies.
Utah mines with toxic tailings could be affected if the Earthjustice lawsuit prevails. Coal-waste sites, metal finishing facilities and wood treatment plants could also be affected.
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Information from: Deseret Morning News
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
