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To: koan who wrote (71508)	2/18/2011 1:40:27 PM
From: maxncompany	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 233869

Bad link.......assume he's referring to C'd'Alene area of Idaho. Hecla potentially liable for huge costs of cleanup. Hecla has only set aside a small amount (like $60 million or so) of what they might end up owing. Haven't followed it closely, but if fed govt. has their way Hecla will owe a ton more than they are setting aside. This isn't something recent that caught them off guard, it's been around and evolving through legal channels for a long time. May be final EPA decision this year.

To: koan who wrote (71508)	2/18/2011 2:08:34 PM
From: Pacing The Cage	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 233869

Sorry I wasn't more clear. Hecla delayed their 4th quarter results due to a potential settlement of the CERCLA litigation regarding the Bunker Hill Superfund site. (The EPA asserts claims under CERCLA and the Clean Water Act, and seeks recovery for alleged damages to, or loss of, natural resources located in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin) The link shows (in great detail) that Hecla was previously found liable for 31% of the damages to the Bunker Hill and Upper basin of the Coeur d'Alene river. It appears that HL set aside roughly $65.6 million to cover this liability in the past, but information on the link suggests that they may be liable for $415 million (31% of $1.34 billion) This suit has been hanging over Hecla for years, so it's old news, but any settlement could have a big effect the stock (either direction) depending on the terms agreed to. Hopefully this explanation will make more sense than my first attempt.