BLM Whistleblower Wins Appeal Over Toxic Nevada Mine

— Labor Department Confirms Retaliatory Firing in Violation of Anti-Pollution Laws

Washington, DC — A federal review panel has ruled that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management illegally dismissed a manager overseeing the cleanup of the Anaconda Mine for raising serious worker safety, as well as serious radiation, air and water pollution problems, according to a final order released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). This decision represents a rare pro-whistleblower verdict from Bush administration appointees.

Earle Dixon, the Project Manager for the Anaconda Mine at Yerington, Nevada, clashed with top Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials for raising issues that were being ignored because they would drive up clean-up costs and raise political hackles. As a result, BLM removed Dixon from his position in October 2004, one day before his probationary period ended, over objections of his direct supervisors.