All Hands On Deck! EPA Public Hearing TODAY at 5:00 PM
by Jeanne Devon and Linda Kellen Biegel
Today is the day.
The EPA findings tell us that Pebble Mine is an unacceptable risk to thousands of sustainable jobs, and the last great wild salmon fishery on earth. With the stroke of a pen, the EPA can assure that this special place remains safe from development, and intact for generations to come.
One of the most, if not THE most important meetings there will ever be on mining in the Bristol Bay Watershed will be held today at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on the UAA Campus. The EPA will be hearing testimony regarding their Watershed Assessment Report of Bristol Bay.
You are needed to show up and speak out in support of the EPA and their findings. A recent hearing in Washington was packed to overflowing, with attendees estimating 90% in support of the EPA. This is great news, and it is critical that we do the same here in Anchorage, and show that Alaskans are not willing to risk our most precious resource. Not for anything.
Tonight we can all make a stand with the fishermen of Bristol Bay to help protect their livelihood:
Dear Anchorage Bristol Bay Permit-Holder,
We hope to see you at the Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment Public Hearing in Anchorage this Monday. It is crucial that you attend and express your views regarding the potential impacts on the Bay’s salmon fishery from Pebble and other large-scale mineral development projects; please participate in the public process and speak for Bristol Bay.
WHAT: Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment Public Hearing
WHEN: Monday, June 4th at 5:30 PM
WHERE: University of Alaska’s Wendy Williamson Auditorium
Please, keep in mind the 60-day public comment period will end before you are back from your fishing season in Bristol Bay, so this public hearing with the EPA is of utmost importance in protecting wild salmon in the Bristol Bay region and your jobs. It is the position of the Bristol Bay RSDA that scientific and economic data should guide decision-making in Bristol Bay.
More information can be found on http://FishermenforBristolBay.org/
Bob Waldrop,
Executive Director – BBRSDA
**************************************************************************************************
THIS IS OUR BEST CHANCE TO STOP THIS PROJECT IN ITS TRACKS.
If you only speak out once, make this the time.
(For further information on Pebble Mine, see SaveBristolBay.org)
I was there in spirit (the only way I could attend, since I’m on a tiny island off the other end of the continent). I’m looking forward to reading about the testimony.
How did it go?
I can’t think of a worse folly than allowing the Pebble copper mine in the precious and productive Bristol Bay area. Only blind greed and an uncaring attitude toward the Earth can explain why they’ve gotten this far.
Donna Grant
The State should stop all permitting and exploring for the proposed Pebble Mine in one of the most pristine areas affecting more then just the acres it would use.The Bristol Bay area, any marine and wildlife in that area, marine life that might migrate into the area could be affected by the Pebble Mine. It is a devastating possibility. We wrote and gave our opinions a couple of years ago to the EPA, when we were concerned about the Chuitna River system and the proposed coal mining. We live across the Inlet from Mt Iliamna which is right now at “Yellow Alert” as it has been venting for quite a few months now. Plus, we have had, and the area where the Pebble Mine is proposed, has had recent earthquakes. Just more reasons not the build the Pebble Mine there. The State has more appropriate areas for mining. I hope our written opinions will help save the State from such a big mine in such a beautiful area. “Stop the Pebble.” Thank you.