Archives: Articles - Page 5

6

August 2020

President Trump to be briefed on Pebble mine

In a press conference held today, President Trump indicated he would be briefed within 48 hours about the Pebble mine. As the Corps of Engineers prepares its final decision about whether to issue a Clean Water Act permit, opponents of the mine are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to intercede to block the project and … Continued

25

July 2020

Anticipating the Record of Decision

General Post

Wondering what will be in the Joint Record of Decision, the next step in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pebble permitting process? This template helps the Corps develop the ROD. In addition to the final Environmental Impact Statement, the Corps needs to address how the project would comply with laws, regulations and executive orders … Continued

25

July 2020

What you won’t see in the next EIS

General Post

As you read the final EIS for the Pebble project’s 20-year plan, keep in mind you’re reviewing one of the last EIS documents developed under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidelines in place since 1978. The Pebble project is expected to try and expand operations at some time in the future. Any EIS associated with … Continued

25

July 2020

Corps Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement

General Post

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lead federal agency for permit decisions on the Pebble project, has finalized an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) disclosing impacts of a 20-year mine plan proposed by the Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) and parent company Northern Dynasty Minerals (NDM). Although it is a significant milestone, the publication of the … Continued

25

July 2020

Partnering on Pebble still up in the air

General Post

The Pebble Limited Partnership has been looking for additional partners for the last seven years, ever since Anglo American and Rio Tinto divested. Parent company Northern Dynasty Minerals (NDM) hopes to find that partner in 2020/2021. According to its July 16, 2020 corporate presentation, COVID-19 travel restrictions have hampered the process. The company believes that … Continued

11

July 2020

Coast Guard requests public comment on proposed Newhalen Bridge by August 5

General Post

The Coast Guard will make a decision soon regarding the Pebble project’s request to build a bridge over the Newhalen River as part of its transportation corridor. In a public notice released July 6, the Coast Guard explained that its decision “to grant approval of the location and plans for the proposed project rests primarily … Continued

29

May 2020

Pebble ditches ferry route; northern road is now the preferred transportation corridor

General Post

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed in a media advisory last week that it has made a preliminary decision on a Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) for the Pebble project. That LEDPA hasn’t been entirely spelled out to the public, but major components mirror those evaluated under “Alternative 3 – North Road Only.” This LEDPA excludes … Continued

29

May 2020

EPA will not formally elevate decision-making on Pebble project permit

General Post

Today was the deadline for the EPA to submit an elevation letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of an established dispute resolution process between the two agencies. The EPA had been critical of the Corps’ Draft EIS and the two agencies have been meeting regularly to address those. In a letter to the … Continued

21

May 2020

What do you know about Iliamna Lake seals?

General Post

From ice to isotopes, our new fact sheet provides an overview of a rare population of harbor seals that make their home year-round on Alaska’s largest lake. Iliamna Lake Harbor Seal Fact Sheet Quick read • There are about 400 Iliamna Lake seals. • They are the only freshwater harbor seal population in the United … Continued

6

May 2020

Alaska Department of Natural Resources: Keep Pebble moving forward

General Post

The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which will decide on certain state permits for the Pebble project, has written the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urging it to keep moving ahead with the federal permitting process. Several Bristol Bay groups have asked the Corps to suspend the process during the COVID-19 pandemic. … Continued