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S 1787 106th Congress Senate Environmental Protection Administrative procedure Administrative remedies Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Civil actions and liability Congress Congressional reporting requirements Crime and Law Enforcement Environmental Protection Agency Environmental law enforcement Government Operations and Politics Government paperwork Law Licenses Mine wastes Mines and mineral resources Public Lands and Natural Resources Right of petition Water Resources Development Water pollution control

Good Samaritan Abandoned or Inactive Mine Waste Remediation Act

Introduced: October 26, 1999 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 21, 2000
Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 106-955.
Oct 26, 1999
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Oct 26, 1999
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13166-13169)
Oct 26, 1999
Introduced in Senate
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Good Samaritan Abandoned or Inactive Mine Waste Remediation Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, with the concurrence of the applicable State or Indian tribe, to issue an abandoned or inactive mined land waste remediation permit to a remediating party (the United States, States, Indian tribes, or municipalities) for discharges associated with remediation activity at abandoned or inactive mined land that modifies otherwise applicable requirements under provisions regarding the national effluent discharge elimination system and effluent limitations.

Authorizes remediating parties to apply for such permits at abandoned or inactive mined land from which there is or may be a discharge of pollutants to U.S. waters. Prohibits such a party from applying for a permit if the party owns the land unless the land was purchased for the express purpose of remediating pollutant discharges related to past mining activities to improve water quality.

Sets forth application requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to issue a permit if: (1) relative to the resources available to the remediating party for the proposed activity, such party has made a reasonable effort to identify current land owners, lessees, and claimants and other persons whose activities may have contributed to the discharge of pollutants; (2) no identifiable owner or operator exists; and (3) the applicant's remediation plan demonstrates that it will result in improved water quality to the maximum extent practicable.

Authorizes enforcement actions against parties who fail to comply with permit conditions. Provides for permit termination under certain conditions and absolves parties whose permits are terminated from enforcement liability for any remaining discharges.

Makes remediation plans under permits issued under this Act eligible for certain grants.

Terminates the Administrator's authority to issue permits under this Act ten years after this Act's enactment.

What's happening now June 21, 2000

Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 106-955.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2