FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nelli Williams, Trout Unlimited, nwilliams@tu.org or (907) 230-7121

ANCHORAGE, AK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a letter to Pebble mine permit reviewers at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers detailing ongoing concerns with the impacts of the proposed open-pit mining project and associated infrastructure. While the letter was delivered on the deadline for the EPA to elevate its concerns about the project under section 404(q) of the Clean Water Act, it stopped short of doing so and will rely instead on the on-going permit review process to address its concerns.

In response to the letter, Trout Unlimited issued the following statement:

While the EPA has undervalued the overwhelming body of science by not elevating its concerns at this time, this letter highlights several of the fundamental flaws of Pebble’s proposal.
The letter recognizes the national importance of Bristol Bay for its natural resources, and economic and cultural value; and points out unresolved issues, including concerning evidence about impacts to Koktuli River salmon and the land access issues for its new preferred transportation route.
The project lacks public support, has no financial partners, is not economically viable without significant expansion and additional impact to the fish and water resources of the region, and will cause devastating impacts that cannot be permitted without violating the law. If you look at the science and economics, it is obvious the proposed Pebble mine cannot be built without damaging salmon and permanently marring an outdoor paradise. The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers should respond accordingly and responsibly, and deny the permit.

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