Les Blumenthal of McClatchy Newspapers has an interesting look at the tug-of-war between EPA officials trying to hold the Canadian smelter responsible for the cleanup of slag at Lake Roosevelt and Bush administration officials who quietly cut a deal.

Many of the officials formerly worked for the mining industry.

Former EPA officials fear that it will be taxpayers, not Teck Cominco, who will pay for the clean-up.

(S-R file photo of the type of slag found at Lake Roosevelt)