The Center for Science in Public Participation

The Center for Science in Public Participation provides training and technical advice to grassroots groups on water pollution and natural resource issues, especially those related to mining. CSP2 seeks to focus the debate on factual issues, as brought to light by its technical analyses, and whenever possible to seek consensus and win-win solutions. CSP2 also performs policy related work with federal, state and tribal regulatory agencies on the implementation of water quality, waste disposal, and mining reclamation regulations.

CSP2 was organized in 1997 to provide technical assistance to public interest groups on issues related to mining and water quality. The Center has a staff of seasoned professionals with experience from the mining industry, academia, and government.

Technical support is often needed by grassroots groups and tribal governments in several areas – for example, presenting technical arguments to the state and federal agencies that have permit authority over large industrial and natural resource development projects. Providing this support in a timely manner can be critical to influencing a fast moving development proposal. Because experts are not readily available, groups must often use whatever volunteer technical assistance is available locally; or rely on technical consultants that, if available, are expensive. In addition, because of the very close relationship between the mining industry, its technical consultants, and the academic community, it is very difficult for non-profit groups to gain access to technical and financial expertise on mining. CSP2 is in a unique position to provide this service to the non-profit community.