US SB568

Authorizes compensation up to $3,300,000 for individuals, businesses, and organizations harmed by the August 5, 2015 Gold King Mine spill, when EPA released over 3 million gallons of acid mine drainage containing heavy metals into the Animas and San Juan Rivers in Colorado

Eligible claimants include homeowners, livestock grazers, farmers, and recreation companies that filed claims with EPA by August 5, 2017 and were either denied or not fully compensated for documented damages

Covered damages include personal injury, lost business income (August-December 2015, excluding vacation rentals), livestock relocation and alternative water costs (August-October 2015), and agricultural crop losses (August-December 2015)

EPA Administrator must determine and pay claims within 180 days of enactment; claimants who accept payment release all related claims against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act

Claimants may appeal EPA decisions to the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado within 60 days; funds are designated as emergency spending under the Balanced Budget Act