Kilmer Statement on the EPA Pebble Mine Review Process
Today Representative Derek Kilmer released a statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that it will be initiating a process under the Clean Water Act to examine whether the proposed development of the Pebble Mine by a foreign firm would adversely impact the world’s premier sockeye salmon fishery in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Last year, Representative Kilmer contacted the EPA to express concern about the proposed mine’s impact on this salmon habitat.
“I have heard from commercial fishermen, sportsmen, and Tribal leaders in our region about the importance of Bristol Bay for their families and businesses. This isn’t just an Alaska issue – it impacts us here in Washington too. I applaud the EPA for taking steps to ensure this critical watershed is protected. At a time when people are struggling to find work, we need to make sure that we’re acting to protect our natural resources and the jobs that depend upon them.” Representative Kilmer said.
The Pebble Mine is the largest proposed open pit copper mine that would excavate gold, molybdenum sulfite, and copper from 150 square miles of the Bristol Bay watershed. This announcement followed the January 2014 release of EPA's "Assessment of Potential Mining Impacts on Salmon Ecosystems of Bristol Bay, Alaska." The report concluded that allowing a mine in this area would cause as many as 94 miles of salmon streams and up to 5,350 acres of wetlands—including important spawning grounds—to be destroyed.
Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the EPA is directed to develop the environmental criteria the Army Corps uses to make permit decisions. It also authorizes the EPA to prohibit or restrict fill activities if it determines such actions would have unacceptable effects on fishery areas.
The announcement to pursue a 404(c) review does not mark a final decision on behalf of the Administration, but now that the 404(c) process has been initiated, the Army Corps cannot issue a permit for fill in wetlands or streams associated with mining the Pebble deposit until the EPA completes the 404(c) review process.
The area is home to the largest sockeye salmon production in the world and has served the salmon fishing industry for over 125 years. The watershed and other ecological resources in the region contribute 14,000 full-time and part-time jobs at an annual value of $480 million.
[[{"fid":"273","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full"},"type":"media","attributes":{"class":"file media-element file-full"}}]]
[[{"fid":"274","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full"},"type":"media","attributes":{"class":"file media-element file-full"}}]]
###