November 5, 2009 in Region

Wash. suspends Nile mine operations

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OLYMPIA — Washington state has issued an emergency order to suspend operations at a gravel mine near a landslide that rerouted central Washington’s Naches River and damaged homes.

The state Department of Natural Resources said the order was issued Thursday because operators of Simmons & Son Hauling have said they want to resume mining at the site.

State geologist Dave Norman says additional mining is not authorized by the company’s existing reclamation permit, which was not based on the site’s current conditions.

The emergency order is in effect until DNR approves an acceptable reclamation plan.

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