Independent experts confirm EPA’s ‘hypothetical mining
scenario’ not sufficient to evaluate Pebble
August 16, 2012, Vancouver, BC – A panel of 12 external
peer reviewers charged with evaluating the US Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) draft Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment (BBWA) report presented their
criticisms at a public meeting last week in Anchorage, Alaska after hearing
testimony from some 100 local stakeholders, Alaska Native interests, the State
of Alaska, technical and legal representatives of Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") (TSX: NDM; NYSE MKT: NAK), Anglo American
plc ("Anglo American"), the Pebble Limited Partnership (the "Pebble Partnership"
or "PLP") and advocacy groups.
The review panel – comprised of academics, scientists and professional
consultants – assessed the quality and sufficiency of scientific information in
the EPA’s draft BBWA report and whether the ‘hypothetical mining scenario’
presented is reasonable to assess potential effects of mining in the Bristol Bay
region. The panel’s comments reflect a common concern that without a detailed
mine plan incorporating modern engineering standards and site-specific
mitigation, and one that clearly meets established environmental regulations and
permitting requirements enforced by the State of Alaska and the US government,
there is too much uncertainly to meaningfully assess the potential impacts of a
project like Pebble…
No comments:
Post a Comment