Former mine official sentenced for clean water violations

ANCHORAGE — A former operating officer of a western Alaska mine has been sentenced to a year in prison for violating the federal Clean Water Act.

Federal prosecutors said Friday that James Slade of Calgary, Canada, is the third senior executive of the Platinum Creek Mine to be convicted in the case. Prosecutors say all three had worked for the now-defunct XS Platinum, which had owned the mining claims.

According to prosecutors, Slade was convicted for discharging polluted wastewater into the Salmon River during the 2010 and 2011 mining seasons. Prosecutors say samples of the wastewater showed toxic levels of metals.

Prosecutors say to other XS Platinum officials who live in Australia also were indicted, but have refused to return for trial in the U.S.

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