Bristol Bay, Pebble Mine, and today’s Settlement Agreement in PLP v. EPA
(May 12, 2017) ON SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN EPA and PEBBLE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (re: Pebble Mine, Bristol Bay, AK)
TU Friends:
Many of you are wondering about today’s Announcement regarding a Settlement Agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Pebble Limited Partnership. Please see a summary below covering what happened, what TU is doing, and next steps.
TU Response to Announcement of a Settlement Agreement between the US EPA and Pebble Limited Partnership.
(May 12, 2017)
What Happened:
Earlier today, the EPA and PLP announced they had reached a settlement agreement in their protracted court battle over the proposed Pebble Mine. Pursuant to this agreement, the EPA agreed to start the process for withdrawing its proposed protections for Bristol Bay. Importantly, the Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment, which provides the scientific underpinnings for the proposed protections, remains in place and was not undermined in any way by the settlement. While the political climate within the EPA may have changed, we still know that a mine like Pebble will have dire consequences for Bristol Bay’s world-class fisheries and that the people of Bristol Bay and sportsmen throughout the globe overwhelmingly oppose the mine.
Why This Matters for Trout Unlimited:
Bristol Bay is the world’s best remaining wild salmon fishery. All five species of North American Pacific salmon return by the tens-of-millions to the Bristol Bay watershed annually to spawn in the region’s many pristine rivers and streams. Bristol Bay is the best place on the planet to catch a native rainbow trout in excess of 30 inches, and hosts robust populations of Dolly Varden, arctic grayling, arctic char, and other resident species. The region is a world-class fishery and once-in-a-lifetime destination for fishermen throughout the globe.
Bristol Bay fisheries are also the foundation of the region’s economy, communities, and culture. Wild salmon support a $1.5 billion per year commercial fishery, provide thousands of jobs, and are at the core of the region’s traditional cultural heritage. Alaska Natives from Bristol Bay have subsisted off the region’s bountiful salmon runs for thousands of years.
While PLP, and its parent corporation Northern Dynasty, are touting today’s settlement as clearing the path for developing the proposed Pebble Mine, it is important to recognize that many roadblocks remain in PLP’s path. The EPA will still have an important role to play during any permitting process for the mine and has the authority to deny necessary permits. PLP needs to obtain dozens of state-based permits before it may construct the mine. PLP lacks the capital and expertise to develop the mine if it doesn’t obtain new major investment. Additionally, even if PLP moves forward with permitting it will take years to navigate the permit process.
The science has shown that a mine of the type and scale of the Pebble Mine cannot coexist with Bristol Bay’s unique fisheries. 65% of all Alaskans, and 80% of all Bristol Bay residents, remain opposed to the mine.
While we are disappointed that the EPA and PLP have reached a settlement agreement, we are reinvigorated in our opposition to the mine and remain committed to the fight over the long haul.
TU’s Response:
Nelli Williams is on point and working in coordination with Austin Williams and the TU Communications Team on TU statements. Please direct all media inquiries or requests for sign-on to statements, letters, calls to action to them so that we can maintain a consistent TU voice on this issue.
- Chris Wood blog (5/09/2017): http://www.tu.org/blog-posts/in-it-for-the-long-haul
- AK TU Press Release (5/12/2017): http://www.tu.org/press-releases/epa-pebble-agreement-makes-opposition-to-mine-grow-stronger
What’s Next and What Can You Do:
We will continue to work with our partners in the fishing and hunting community, Alaska Natives, and the Bristol Bay commercial fishing community to call on elected officials within Alaska and in key districts from the lower 48 to oppose the Pebble Mine. Per the terms of the settlement agreement, within 60 days the EPA will initiate a process to propose withdrawing its proposed protections. This process will provide yet another opportunity to weigh in with the EPA and urge it to not allow PLP to obtain the necessary permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Take Action: Stand Up For Bristol Bay
It is critical that hunters and anglers speak up to ensure federal regulatory agencies provide rigorous oversight and to defend against erosion of the permitting process by Congress.
- Take Action! Tell the EPA not to withdraw the proposed determination: The EPA needs to hear loud and clear that Alaskans and sportsmen around the country oppose the Pebble mine and support EPA protection for Bristol Bay. www.standup.tu.org.
- Has your chapter/council or business signed on to the Sportsmen for Bristol Bay Letter? If not, send ebooton@tu.org a note and add your group or business to the list.
- Do you live in Alaska? Call Senator Murkowski’s office and ask her to stand with Alaskans and American jobs and vocally oppose Pebble Mine.
Further Information on Bristol Bay and the proposed Pebble Mine:
Want to learn more about TU’s work to defend Bristol Bay from irreversible damage from large mining operations?
- Trout Unlimited Bristol Bay Project Page
