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Mine Owner to Pay County for Burying Toxic Waste

Press Release, June 8, 2022 The Original Sixteen to One gold mine and its former Chief Executive Officer Michael Miller have resolved a civil lawsuit brought by the Sierra County District Attorney. The case was the result of unlawful burial of toxic waste and other materials on the Mine property in Alleghany. Under the terms of the stipulated judgment, the Mine and Miller will pay $59,000 for clean-up costs, $50,000 in penalties, and $25,000 to a local nonprofit to be named. The Mine is also restrained from further violations of California Toxic Waste And Control Act, and must submit to inspections at any time by State or local officials for potential violations. Further violations could lead to criminal contempt charges. On October 8, 2019, the Sierra County Sheriff's Office along with California Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Toxics, executed a search warrant at the Mine location in Alleghany. During the search, law enforcement discovered numerous drums of

By Sandra Groven, Sierra County District Attorney

August 8, 2022

Press Release, June 8, 2022

The Original Sixteen to One gold mine and its former Chief Executive Officer Michael Miller have resolved a civil lawsuit brought by the Sierra County District Attorney. The case was the result of unlawful burial of toxic waste and other materials on the Mine property in Alleghany.

Under the terms of the stipulated judgment, the Mine and Miller will pay $59,000 for clean-up costs, $50,000 in penalties, and $25,000 to a local nonprofit to be named. The Mine is also restrained from further violations of California Toxic Waste And Control Act, and must submit to inspections at any time by State or local officials for potential violations. Further violations could lead to criminal contempt charges.

On October 8, 2019, the Sierra County Sheriff's Office along with California Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Toxics, executed a search warrant at the Mine location in Alleghany. During the search, law enforcement discovered numerous drums of used oil, pieces of electronic waste and shattered glass of florescent lighting buried on the Mine property. When questioned, Miller took responsibility for the disposal.

The Mine has been in continuous operation since 1911. Inasmuch as the Sierra County Sheriff investigated, and the Sierra County District Attorney's Office, along with special prosecutor, Lawrence Allen, prosecuted, the penalty money will go to the County.

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