EPA Approves the First Ever Good Samaritan Program Permit for Clean Up at the Bodie Mine Site

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the first ever Good Samaritan remediation permit for Trout Unlimited Inc. to address contamination at the Bodie Mine site in Wauconda Mining District, Okanogan County, Washington. This is the first of 15 pilot projects under a new program to remediate contamination at abandoned hardrock mines under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024. These projects can better protect human health, improve ecological conditions for fish and other wildlife, and support local economies. Work under the permit for Bodie mine will reduce the release of mine-related contaminants and environmental hazards associated with abandoned mine tailings from entering nearby Toroda Creek, which flows adjacent to the Bodie Mine site. 

“The Trump EPA is committed to using creative solutions to improve human health and revitalize communities across America. EPA’s Good Samaritan Program is cutting the red tape, allowing for streamlined cleanups at long abandoned mining sites, restoring watershed quality, and facilitating better coordination with local, state, and Tribal partners,” said Office of Land and Emergency Management Acting Assistant Administrator Tom Croci. “This first ever Good Samaritan Permit is EPA’s new program to establish cleanup projects controlled by local stakeholders who are in the best position to understand the needs of their own communities.” 

“Hardrock Abandoned mines are a scourge on the landscape. No-one is required to clean them up, so every day they release their toxic brew of zinc, cadmium, lead, and arsenic into our drinking water and trout streams. Bully for the EPA recognizing that fact and authorizing the first abandoned mine clean up under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024,” said President and CEO of Trout Unlimited Chris Wood. “May their efforts lead many more states and communities, non-profits, and yes, even mining companies, to lend a hand and make our waters more fishable and swimmable for our kids.” 

“The Good Samaritan Program is a win-win, and shows that EPA, states, tribes, conservation groups, and industry can work together to make meaningful environmental improvements in communities across the country. For too long, abandoned hard rock mines have impacted and degraded water quality in watersheds throughout the nation. EPA is committed to supporting the work of Good Samaritans focused on improving water quality in streams and rivers impacted by abandoned mine sites. This first permit for the Bodie Mine sets the stage for additional Good Samaritan permits that improve water quality that would not happen otherwise,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer.

“Protecting the health of communities and watersheds in Washington is a top priority and the Bodie Mine project demonstrates how EPA’s Good Samaritan Program empowers local partners to take meaningful action at long‑abandoned sites,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon. “We are committed to working closely with partners to ensure this project’s success from reducing contaminants entering Toroda Creek, to improving habitat for fish and wildlife, to supporting the communities that rely on these resources.”   

The cleanup work under this permit will address the exposed mill tailings from eroding into the creek, to prevent contamination downstream. The streambank will then be rebuilt and reinforced to prevent future erosion. Native plants will be installed to restore the natural habitat and armor the streambank. Completion of this work will help prevent streambank erosion; improve ecological conditions, soil and sediment quality; and protect human health and the environment. 

Background 

The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act was passed by Congress in December 2024 with bi-partisan support. The act establishes a pilot program for the U.S. EPA to provide up to 15 Good Samaritan permits for low-risk projects designed to remediate abandoned hardrock mine sites. The EPA has 7 years to implement the pilot program and having the first permit issued in the first two years shows that EPA can move quickly and is motivated to make this program a success. Applicant interest in the program is rising and EPA plans to have all 15 permits granted and implementing the cleanups in the field over the next 2 to 3 years. 

EPA’s pilot program encourages qualified “Good Samaritans” to voluntarily clean up abandoned hardrock mine sites by allowing them to obtain investigative or remediation permits. These permits enable Good Samaritans to carry out remediation activities while being protected from certain liability risks. 

To learn more about EPA’s Good Samaritan Program, please go to the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Program page.