June 23: Pebble Mine Update

On June 6 of last year, I summarized the content from the EPA's presentation of their assessment of the impact of a large scale mine on the shores of Lake Iliamna. The assessment, as it was presented at that meeting, was that even without something going wrong (and if I remember correctly, I think there is data that says that so far, there has been no mine where nothing went wrong) because of the porosity of the ground here, the ecosystem is very likely to be contaminated, meaning, I think, that the mine would put the fishery at very likely risk.

They were in Naknek last year in early June to present the findings and check in with people who were here at the time (and at that time of the year, there weren't a lot of fishermen yet) to see if they overlooked any perspective or information for their report. Many people got up to testify. Few responded to the actual question that they asked, "What is your reaction to the report? Did we miss anything?" because they were impassioned by their reaction to the proposed mine. I can't say the room was unanimously opposed to the mine, but I can say it was overwhelmingly and passionately opposed to it. And that I admire the courage, if not the position, of those who got up to speak in favor of the mine.

One of the comments that has stuck with me is "I would rather melt down the Statue of Liberty for the copper than allow the Pebble Mine." Many others from last year's meeting are summarized in last year's June 6 blog posting. The EPA is now in its final week of soliciting comments on the "revised" draft of the assessment - due June 30 of this year. The EPA website that gives more information about how to comment is:

http://www2.epa.gov/bristolbay/current-public-involvement

Or, here is the information copied from that page

How to Submit Your Comments

*(Preferred method) Submit online at: www.regulations.gov. Specify Docket #EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0189.
*Send an email to ORD.Docket@epa.gov. Include EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0189 in the subject line.
*Fax them to (202) 566-9744. Include EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0189 in the subject line.
*Send a letter to EPA Bristol Bay docket at:
Office of Environmental Information
(Mail Code: 28221T)
Docket #EPA-HQ-ORD-2013-0189
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20460

Opposing Pebble Mine was one of Alex's passions. If you also oppose it, sending in a comment to that effect before the deadline of June 30, which is also the first anniversary of his death, might be a powerful and constructive way to remember him.