Idaho Conservation League: Gold miner receives $150,000 fine

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — In a September 28 ruling, federal Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco levied $150,000 against suction dredge miner Shannon Poe of California, according to the Idaho Conservation League. Poe has been fined for polluting the South Fork of the Clearwater River, which is a major tributary of the Snake River running through North-central Idaho.

The Idaho Conservation League filed the lawsuit against Poe in 2018 for illegal suction dredge mining on the river, which is critical habitat for salmon, steelhead, bull trout and other sensitive species.

Suction dredge miners are required to obtain Clean Water Act permits, known as National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permits. The reason for this is due to the nature of suction dredge mining which utilizes an underwater hose to suck up riverbed materials. The process creates a sediment plume that flows down the river and often leaves behind dredge holes and waste rock piles in the riverbed.

The Idaho Conservation League said Poe and his organization, the American Mining Rights Association, have encouraged other miners to ignore the Federal rules and regulations on the South Fork of the Clearwater River and other rivers across Idaho.

In a statement from Judge Patricco on the severity of the fine levied, "There is no dispute that Mr. Poe violated this prohibition time and again when he suction dredge mined on the [South Fork Clearwater River] without an NPDES permit. These violations are unquestionably serious. They not only violated the law but also caused environmental harm by lowering water quality.”

Jonathan Oppenheimer of the Idaho Conservation League says: “Judge Patricco’s decision should be a warning to anyone who flouts the rules designed to protect clean water, whether you’re a boater, angler, logger or miner, you have to follow the rules; it’s our responsibility as citizens. This ruling, which represents one of the largest Clean Water Act fines ever levied in Idaho against an individual, should send a clear message to miners, or anyone, who refuses to follow the rules.”

According to the Idaho Conservation League, similar cases throughout Idaho have garnered fines in the $3,600 to $24,000 range, however, Poe was slapped with the massive individual fine based on his repeated violations, disregard for warnings and encouraging others to violate the law.