"EPA Official Cites Concerns With Pebble Mine Review"

"JUNEAU, Alaska — A draft review of a proposed mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region likely underestimates impacts the project could have on fish and other resources, a regional official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said.

In written comments dated Monday but released Tuesday, Chris Hladick said the draft environmental review appears to lack critical information needed to more fully evaluate the proposed Pebble Mine.

The EPA has said Bristol Bay produces about half the world’s sockeye salmon.

Hladick submitted letters and the agency’s more detailed comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is reviewing the Pebble Limited Partnership’s permit application for the proposed copper and gold mine in southwest Alaska. The comment period on the draft environmental review and application closed Monday. The Pebble partnership is owned by Canada-based Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd."

Becky Bohrer reports for the Associated Press July 2, 2019.

SEE ALSO:

"Alaskan Gold Mine Gets Boost as Trump’s EPA Intervenes on Permit" (Bloomberg)

"EPA Says Pebble May Be Riskier Than Study Says, Rekindling Hope For Mine Foes" (Alaska Public Media)

"EPA Breathes New Life Into Controversial Alaska Mining Project" (Reuters)