The Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that mining activity be stopped in the vicinity of the Pebble deposit. The fate of the controversial copper-and-gold prospect is still unknown to Bristol Bay residents.
Gayla Hoseth (second chief of Curyung Tribal Council) said, “It sends a strong message that science is there; it’s going have unacceptable adverse effects upon our watershed.”
Hoseth is happy for the move. She stated that those opposed to the mine had wanted this decision for a while.
As proposed by Pebble in its permit application, the EPA would like to ban the release of mining materials into the North Fork Koktuli River’s watersheds. To do this, the agency relies on its Clean Water Act authority. The agency would also prohibit any further proposals to mine the Pebble deposit, which could lead to a similar loss in aquatic resources. This would effectively endanger the mine.
Casey Sixkiller, EPA Region 10 Administrator, stated that if the Office of Water approves this recommendation, it will protect commercial and sport fisheries as well as provide a way of living for “one of last intact wild salmon-based culture in the world.”
Hoseth stated that it took some time to absorb the information when it came out yesterday. “That we finally got this far, that was the result of the recommendation.”
Pebble has been opposed by a wide coalition over the years. These include tribes, community groups, commercial and sport fishing organisations, and many others. Hoseth stated that tribal consultation with EPA has been a crucial part of this process.
“I want to encourage tribes to take advantage of that government-to-government opportunity that we have,” she said. “Because it’s the only time we can actually sit down together and have the dialogue back-and-forth to make our voices heard from the tribal perspective. Then, when you have a voice to share about what we are protecting, how salmon has been sustainably for generations after generations, and because we are here today in order to ensure that the protections that exist today continue into the future, we can make our voices heard.
Jonathan Salmon was present at the state Board of Fisheries meeting in Bristol Bay when the recommendation came out.
He stated that EPA officials, including the Region 10 Administrator Sixkiller made every effort to get to know this area. They also visited his village of Igiugig earlier in the year.
They got to meet us and gave them a tour through Igiugig, who we were and why they were there. It was amazing to see how our emotions and our responsibilities could be shared with him, so he can understand what a mine would do to the region.
Pebble has been the subject of debates for many years. Mining is opposed by most people in the area. Salmon stated that this is not the case everywhere.
“Of course, we all have our friends, family, and fellow villager, but we all have different opinions. It isn’t always the same across the board. Salmon stated that it does not mean that you have to end personal relationships over opinions.
Chasity Anelon is one of the opponents to a ban. She lives in Iliamna, and works for Pebble Limited Partnership. This company plans to develop the mine.
“I was very disappointed with the EPA because rural Alaskans need jobs to provide for their families. She said that this would be a great chance for them.
Anelon was grateful Administrator Sixkiller visited Iliamna. She is disappointed by his decision. Stormi’s family fishes for salmon in summer and fall. Stormi wants to be able harvest and live there.
She said, “It’s just really difficult.” “I understand that everyone has their own opinions about it, but I want Stormi do the same subsistence jobs that we do. It costs money to get fish. You need a boat, a motor and net. It’s not cheap. It’s not easy, but I am very grateful to be where I am. This is why I chose to live in Iliamna. It is a wonderful place to live. It’s a great job.
Anelon stated that she knows fishing is an important economic foundation in other areas of the region. Iliamna’s commercial prospects are deteriorating. Anelon stated that many people have already sold their commercial fishing permits.
Mike Heatwole, spokesperson for Pebble, stated that the EPA’s actions are political.
“This is a new action. To clarify, EPA is pursuing a veto (what we call a preemptive veto) of the project before the permitting process has ended. “We believe that the best process for the EPA is to obtain a permit from the Corps of Engineers. Then the veto actions follow.”
Pebble was denied a federal permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers two years ago. Heatwole stated that the permitting process continues.
Heatwole stated that “they made a decision” and that they have the right to appeal it. The appeal was accepted once we made it. We are currently working on that. Technically, the Pebble permitting process remains in progress, if needed.
Heatwole stated that the company is currently reviewing its legal options.
Radhika Fox (assistant administrator for water) has 60 days to decide if she will impose, modify, or reject the veto recommendation by the regional administrator.
