Still time to comment on Pebble EIS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Pebble Project. The USACE is accepting comments through May 30. Public hearings in April across Alaska have drawn hundreds of comments including many opponents often funded by outside anti-development groups. The current comment period is part of due process and the rule of law and is an early step in a very long process, which will also include multiple and ongoing opportunities for public input. Alaska utilizes a well-established permitting and review process, with multiple opportunities for public input, and review by local, state, and federal agencies. This permitting process is the foundation for reviewing any development project in Alaska. Project proponents have incorporated a number of alternatives to the newly-proposed mine plan. The footprint of the facilities has been reduced to minimize the impact to areas of known subsistence use, waterbodies, wildlife, and areas of cultural significance. The project plan has eliminated the need for a permanent waste rock storage facility. Action Requested: The public comment process is an important step and your voice is needed. Please take a moment to make your support of responsible development, the diversification of Alaska’s economy, and the permitting process for all projects heard.
Submit online : https://pebbleprojecteis.com/or https://peb- bleprojecteis.com/publiccomments/neweiscomment Send an email to: drafteis@comments.pebbleprojecteis.com Mail to: Program Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 645 G Street, Suite 100-921, Anchorage, AK 99501 Points to consider: • Project proponents have greatly reduced the projected footprint of the proposed mine and have mitigated potential impacts in a way that will allow the mine to be responsibly developed. • There will be no major mine facilities in the Upper Talarik/ Kvichak Rivers drainage. • The project is in a region of Alaska where few other economic opportunities exist. In addition to jobs and economic benefits, the project is expected to provide an estimated $1 billion to the State over 20 years. • Project proponents have responded to public concerns and have committed to no use of cyanide for gold recovery. • Every project, no matter the size or location, should have an opportunity to be reviewed under existing legal processes. In the case of mining, there are more than 60
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