Travis Campbell on Why We Should Protect Bristol Bay

No fish, no fishing, no us.

Seattle EPA Bristol Bay Watershed Hearing

Arrived at the Jackson Federal building in Seattle yesterday afternoon to attend the EPA's first Bristol Bay Watershed public hearing and was greeted by a scene more akin to a TSA airport checkpoint. A very lengthy line was waiting to get through security for an opportunity to submit public comments regarding the EPA Watershed Study and the Pebble Mine.

In addition to all the major enviro and sporting groups in attendance, the fly fishing industry was also very well represented. Most notably, AFFTA Board President Jim Klug was there to express the entire fly fishing trades opposition to the Pebble project. Other fly industry comapanies that were attendance were the Far Bank family of brands, Deneki Outdoors, Emerald Water Anglers, Patagonia and Orvis. A total of 85 comments were ultimately read into the public record by a broad spectrum of individuals, the VAST majority coming from those who support the EPA's efforts and oppose the Pebble Project.

There were a few pro mine advocates in attendance, including representatives of Northern Dynasty and Anglo American, Pebble's primary investors. Northern Dynasty put out this press release just minutes after their Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Magee testified.

If you live in Alaska or Bristol Bay, additional hearings will be taking place next week. More importantly, it is critical that everyone submit written comments to the EPA on the draft watershed assessment prior to the deadline on July 23rd. You can easily submit those comments via TU's Save Bristol Bay website.

The next stop for the EPA's Pebble road show is Anchorage, that meeting is schedued to be held in an auditorium that holds 1,000 people.

TODAY!! - Attend the Seattle EPA Pebble Mine Public Hearing

The EPA released its draft Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment on May 18th and is holding a Seattle public hearing to listen to public comments about the proposed Pebble Mine. The public hearing is next week Thursday, 5/31 and is the only known hearing in the Lower 48, all others will be held in Alaska the following week.

Here is your chance to stand up for the protection of North America's greatest wild salmon fishery. Help send the message that Pebble Mine is the wrong mine in the wrong place. A huge turnout will send a loud message to the pro development side who will most certainly turnout for this meeting. 

When: Thursday May 31 at 2pm

Where: Jackson Federal Building, North Auditorium

915 Second Avenue - Seattle, WA

Full Details

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released a statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that the agency will hold a public hearing in Seattle next week to discuss how large scale development in Bristol Bay, Alaska – like the Pebble Mine proposal – could hurt salmon and Washington state jobs.

“I’m glad that Washington state voices will be heard as EPA works to finalize its scientific watershed assessment”

My bosses and consulting colleagues will sit me down and politely admonish me

Mining consultant Jack Caldwell weighs in on the EPA report on Bristol Bay and the Pebble Mine.

Those who oppose Pebble Mine will laud the EPA report and back up their beliefs with the authority of the EPA.  Those who support the mine, will attack the EPA as a bunch of hopeless innocents beholden to Obama.  One potential peer reviewer of the EPA report has already told me he will attack the report for generalization:  they did not evaluate the Pebble Mine; they simply looked at averages and statistics.  That is not science, he will say.  That is opinion based on prejudice, he will say.

He who shouts loudest may win.  She who coins the best sound bite, will win.  Those who can write the most eloquent letter, may win.  And those with power behind the curtain will prevail.  Oh where is Hamlet to pierce the curtain to Polonius when we need him?

Read More (via:Think Mining)

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The pro Pebble Mine constituency is not at all pleased with the EPA.

A Blinding Glimpse of the Obvious

Huge Alaska Mine could impact premier salmon fishery EPA says.

LINK (via:MSNBC)