After years of lawsuits and legislative battles, the Northern Plains Resource Council (north of Yellowstone Park) took matters into its own hands and negotiated a legally binding “Good Neighbor Agreement” with the Denver-based Stillwater Mining Co. This first-of-its-kind agreement includes standards that go beyond those required by law and are legally binding for the life of the mining operation (which could be decades), regardless of who owns the company.
Top management and an 11-person community team hammered out an agreement that calls for zero wastewater discharge and measures that will greatly reduce the need for waste dumps. Two such dumps are under construction, each the size of 90 football fields. SMC also agreed to fund independent environmental audits (and implement their recommendations), and put thousands of acres of land into conservation easements. Citizens’ groups will have access to company environmental information, and the right to inspect operations with independent consultants.
SMC CEO Bill Nettles calls it a “win-win” for all parties. “We have set the stage for a long-term, positive relationship in which we can openly communicate to resolve any future issues.” Issues will be dealt with through meetings between management and a “Citizens Oversight Committee.”
Ted Lange, Northern Plains Resource Council: ted.lange@nprcmt.org
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