We have this problem in WV, too, but also with coal mines.
Mining companies have to put up reclamation bonds to get permits, but those bonds aren’t even close to the cost of cleanup. So companies just abandon ship, forfeit the bonds (which are far less than the cost of cleanup/remediation), and the taxpayers are left to foot the cleanup bill. In the meantime, they leach heavy metals and other toxic crap into nearby communities.
We have this problem in WV, too, but also with coal mines.
Mining companies have to put up reclamation bonds to get permits, but those bonds aren’t even close to the cost of cleanup. So companies just abandon ship, forfeit the bonds (which are far less than the cost of cleanup/remediation), and the taxpayers are left to foot the cleanup bill. In the meantime, they leach heavy metals and other toxic crap into nearby communities.