Bristol Bay News
On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made a major announcement: they will keep the 404(c) protections that can offer permanent protections to Bristol Bay on the table.
In a statement, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt explained that after listening to stakeholders within the Bristol Bay region, Alaska and nationwide, “it is my judgment at this time that any mining projects in the region likely pose a risk to the abundant natural resources that exist there. Until we know the full extent of that risk, those natural resources and world-class fisheries deserve the utmost protection. Today’s action allows EPA to get the information needed to determine what specific impacts the proposed mining project will have on those critical resources.”
What does this mean for fishermen?
It’s a clear setback for Pebble and renews hope that the protections that fishermen have been asking for are back on the table at the federal level. Pebble Limited Partnership can still move forward with permitting however, the permit application must “clear a high bar, because EPA believes the risk to Bristol Bay may be unacceptable.”
Fishermen should understand the EPA’s announcement on Friday does not offer permanent protections to Bristol Bay. The agency will offer additional opportunity for stakeholders to weigh in on whether it should implement – and not just keep the option open – the 2014 proposed determination that offers permanent protections to Bristol Bay’s world-class fishery resources.
United Fishermen of Alaska is opposed to the Pebble Mine. UFA has consistently expressed its support for the EPA’s initial 404(c) action to protect Bristol Bay from large-scale mining. You can read the organization’s recent comments here.
SHIP will continue to keep fishermen updated on the decision and ways to weigh in. Thank you for all of your support. This is no doubt big, good news for Alaska Salmon and those of us who catch them.