EPA official cites concerns with Pebble Mine review

By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – A regional official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says a draft review of a proposed mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region likely underestimates impacts the project could have on fish and other resources.

Chris Hladick (lad-ick) says the draft appears to lack critical information about the proposed Pebble Mine and mitigation. EPA has said Bristol Bay produces about half the world’s sockeye salmon.

Hladick submitted his comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is reviewing a permit application submitted by the Pebble Limited Partnership for the proposed copper and gold mine in southwest Alaska.

Mine opponents have criticized the corps’ review as flawed. Mike Heatwole, a Pebble spokesman, said Monday the corps has done a “credible, transparent job.”