HELENA - It's a dirty business, but now it's time to clean it up. That word from a group of local leaders and stakeholders who are calling on Montana's Congressional delegation to bring a mining law into the twenty first century.

Ranchers, local representatives and environmental activists are asking the nation's leaders to bring an 1872 Mining Law up to speed, saying it lacks necessary foresight and protection. "The 1872 Mining Law is not a problem that was created by the mining industry," said Montana Wildlife Federation member Stan Fraiser. "It's a problem that was created by Congress and Congress needs to take the responsibility to honestly deal with these issues and fix this."

"It does not even recognize the public's demand for multiple uses on the landscape," added former Congressman Pat Williams. "Hunting, fishing, farming, ranching, skiing." A mining reform package has already passed through the U.S. House and is awaiting a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, a committee that includes Montana Senator John Tester.

The concerned group is expecting the state's representatives to keep them in mind. "That A, that it has adequate provision to protect water quality and quantity," explained rancher Kelly Flaherty Settle. "And B, to make sure that this money made available to clear up the legacy of the abandoned mines."

A significant issue to be included is mine reclamation and restoration. Local leaders say pollution from mines is contaminating water sources and rendering thousands of acres of water and land unusable. They say the clean-up can even be lucrative for the mining industry, but it will take money from the government and the corporations to get done.

The advocacy group says Montana is home to more than 6,000 abandoned mines and 2,200 miles of unusable waterways.