Win for Salmon: New Proposal Would Block Pebble Mine in Alaska
By Mark J. Palmer
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule under the Clean Water Act to protect the watershed for Bristol Bay’s Alaska salmon runs, the largest salmon fishery left in the world.
The rule would effectively block construction of the proposed Pebble Mine, a huge open pit mining project in the heart of the Bristol Bay watershed rivers that provide spawning for sockeye salmon. EPA proposes to ban any mining waste from being dumped within a 308 square mile section of the watershed, making the mine impractical.
In a press release, Michael S. Regan, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency stated: “The Bristol Bay watershed is a shining example of how our nation’s waters are essential to healthy communities, vibrant ecosystems, and a thriving economy. E.P.A. is committed to following the science, the law, and a transparent public process to determine what is needed to ensure that this irreplaceable and invaluable resource is protected for current and future generations.”
President Joe Biden, during his campaign, said: “It is no place for a mine.”
The Bristol Bay watershed and salmon provide food for grizzly bears and other animals, as well as generating $2 billion in 2019 alone in economic activity such as commercial and sport fishing. Indigenous Alaskans living in the watershed are also dependent on healthy salmon runs. Orcas and other marine mammals in the ocean will share the benefits from protections of the spawning grounds for their salmon food.
In 2020, the US Army Corps of Engineers rejected a permit request from the Pebble Mine to proceed with the mine. The decision has been appealed by the mining companies.
The proposed rule is the subject of public comment before implementation. The companies behind the Pebble Mine are likely to file lawsuits against EPA and the Biden administration to overturn the decision.
The International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute is working to protect habitats of importance to whales and dolphins like the Bristol Bay salmon spawning grounds. We have seen a terrible decline in Pacific Northwest orcas due to the damming and degradation of salmon spawning streams in Washington State and British Columbia. Don’t let those mistakes be duplicated in Alaska!
Two orcas. Alaskan orcas in the Bristol Bay area can feast on the largest concentration of salmon left on Earth. Photo Credit: Mark J. Palmer
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
You can comment on the proposed EPA rule. Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the Bristol Bay watershed by implementing the proposed rule.
To comment online, go here.
You can also submit comments directly via email to: ow-docket@epa.gov and include the docket number EPA–R10–OW–2022–0418 in the email subject line.
Deadline for comments is July 5th, 2022.
*****************************
The International Marine Mammal Project needs your support to continue protecting whales, dolphins and their ocean habitats. Your donations help us move the needle in ending dolphin and whale slaughters and in halthing pollution and development projects like offshore oil drilling. Thank you for your generosity.
