Decision on Federal Tort Claims Act Claims
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August 4, 2017 Update: EPA Administrator announces EPA will reconsider claims.
August 4, 2017 Update
On August 4, 2017, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced that the agency will reconsider claims by businesses and individuals under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The previous EPA administration denied 79 administrative claims filed by farmers, ranchers, homeowners, businesses, employees, state and local governments, as well as other individuals seeking damages in connection with the Gold King Mine incident.
"EPA should be held to the same standard as those we regulate," said Administrator Pruitt. "When I was appointed EPA Administrator by President Trump, I committed to review the Gold King Mine decision made by the previous Administration. A new review is paramount to ensure that those who have, in fact, suffered losses have a fair opportunity to have their claims heard."
Read the August 4, 2017 press release about the decision. Read the letter sent to claimants.
January 13, 2017 Decision
On January 13, 2017, the independent claims officer within the Environmental Protection Agency - guided by the U.S. Department of Justice - made a decision on the administrative claims brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) in connection with the Aug. 5, 2015 Gold King Mine release. After careful analysis, the claims officer concluded that the agency is not legally able to pay compensation for the claims.
When passing the FTCA, Congress wanted to encourage government agencies to take action without the fear of paying damages in the event something went wrong while taking the action. So the act does not authorize federal agencies to pay claims resulting from government actions that are discretionary - that is, acts of a governmental nature or function and that involve the exercise of judgment.
Because the agency was conducting a site investigation at the Gold King Mine under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the agency's work is considered a "discretionary function" under this law. Therefore, the circumstances surrounding the Gold King Mine incident unfortunately do not meet the conditions necessary to pay claims.
However, those who have filed claims and whose claims have been denied may challenge this decision with the United States District Court within six months of the date of the denial.
The EPA has taken responsibility for the Gold King Mine incident, including providing financial support, continued water treatment and monitoring, developing and implementing a permanent remedial plan for the broader mining region, and research to improve our understanding of how contaminants move through complex river systems.