EPA: Protect Bristol Bay's Salmon From Toxic Mine Waste
- da: Earthworks
- destinatario: Environmental Protection Agency
Alaska's Bristol Bay watershed supports the world's largest remaining wild salmon fishery. Year after year, the salmon return to Bristol Bay in astounding numbers, like no other place on earth.
A massive gold and copper mine -- the Pebble Mine -- is proposed for development at the headwaters of Bristol Bay. The mine is projected to be the largest in North America, generating as much as 10 billion tons of toxic mine waste and jeopardizing salmon habitat.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority under the Clean Water Act to restrict mine waste dumping in the pristine waters and wetlands of the Bristol Bay watershed.
In February, EPA announced it would consider using this authority after assessing the watershed and taking public input.
Urge the EPA to protect the world's greatest remaining wild salmon fishery.
I urge the EPA to use its Clean Water Act authority to protect the world's greatest wild salmon fishery from the Pebble Mine's toxic mine waste. The Bristol Bay salmon fishery is an internationally significant resource and the lifeblood of the region.
