Suction Dredge Mining in Oregon: A Threat to Endangered Species

The recent influx of hobby miners flocking to Washington's waterways has sparked concerns about the devastating impact suction dredge mining can have on endangered species and the environment. As a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, Jonathan Evans is well aware of the lax state regulations that are leading to routine violations of federal laws, including the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act.

In Oregon, the operators of small suction dredges must obtain NPDES permit coverage, but conservation groups argue that this is not enough. According to Gabriel Scott, a staff attorney with Cascadia Wildlands, there is no way to track or enforce regulations on the activity, which can devastate stream bed environments. Suction dredge miners use floating gas-powered vacuums to suck up gravel on the bottom of rivers and streams in search of gold flakes.

The problem lies in the fact that the nature of suction dredge mining is to vacuum up the stream bed, destroying habitat for endangered salmon and steelhead. In Washington, the only permit required is a pamphlet that miners are supposed to print from a website, which conservation groups claim is insufficient. This lack of regulation has led to a mini-gold rush in Oregon, with thousands of hobby miners fanning out across the state's waterways.

The situation is dire, and conservation groups have threatened to sue the state unless new regulations are passed. The Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act are in danger of being flouted, and it is up to Oregon lawmakers to take action. Suction dredge mining may be a controversial recreational activity, but it must not come at the expense of endangered species and the environment.

In conclusion, suction dredge mining in Oregon poses a significant threat to endangered species and the environment. It is imperative that new regulations are put in place to ensure the protection of these species and the streams they call home. The people of Oregon deserve better than to have their waterways destroyed for the sake of gold.

Suction dredge mining in oregon