EPA takes steps to Protect Bristol Bay from Toxic Mining Wastes

Environment America

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 18, 2014
Contact: Anna Aurilio, Anna Aurilio, (202) 725-0268, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposal to protect the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery in Bristol Bay, Alaska from the potentially destructive impacts of the proposed Pebble Mine. The EPA is proposing to effectively block the mine by prohibiting it from dumping mining waste into nearby streams and wetlands.  The agency will be taking comments until September 19, 2014. Anna Aurilio, director of Environment America’s D.C. office, issued the following statement in response:

“We are thrilled that EPA is moving to protect the priceless watersheds around Bristol Bay and the wild salmon that depend on pristine rivers from what would be the largest open pit ever constructed in North America.  This pit would be nearly as deep as the Grand Canyon and leave mine tailings impoundments covering approximately 19 square miles, leading to complete and irreversible loss of fish habitat.  This area is a national treasure that should not be threatened with toxic mining wastes.”

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Environment America is the federation of 29 state-based, citizen-funded, environmental advocacy organizations working toward a cleaner, greener, healthier future.