The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations for Small Entity Representatives (SERs) from the hardrock mining industry who may be affected by a proposed Superfund rule that would hold them financially responsible for environmental cleanup.
The nominations, which will be open until June 22, will fill spots on a legally mandated federal panel that will include representatives from the EPA, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of Management and Budget. The EPA previously defined hardrock mining as the extraction, beneficiation or processing of metals and minerals that are not metals or fuel.
SERS will provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their communities and companies to the federal panel.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the owners and operators of facilities that are contaminated must pay to clean them up, removing the cost burden from taxpayers.
Previously, hardrock mining SER nominees were solicited to serve on a 2010 panel. While those who applied at that point are eligible to serve on the upcoming panel, they must reapply.
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