EPA finalizes safeguards for Bristol Bay
by American Sportfishing Association 31 Jan 2023 16:12 PST
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used its 404(c) authority under the Clean Water Act to stop the approval and ultimate construction of the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The EPA's final determination effectively vetoes Pebble Mine, citing concerns about the impacts of mining waste and discharge on Bristol Bay's renowned salmon fishery.
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) lauds this decision and is grateful to the EPA for acting to secure clean waters throughout Bristol Bay for years to come. Stopping the development of this mine was a team effort among Alaskans, tribes, the outdoor recreation community, partner organizations and the millions of anglers and sportsmen and women throughout the country.
"The EPA's final determination will protect the iconic fisheries of Bristol Bay from the impacts of mining waste, extending crucial safeguards to one of the world's greatest salmon fishing destinations," said ASA Inland Fisheries Policy Director Connor Bevan. "ASA thanks the EPA for incorporating the voices of Alaska's communities and tribes, as well as anglers across the country, who have long opposed Pebble Mine's potential impact on Bristol Bay's headwaters."
Bevan also thanked the thousands of sportfishing advocates that continually voiced their opposition to the construction of Pebble Mine through ASA's Keep America Fishing Action Center.
Before the veto, the Army Corps of Engineers denied issuing Pebble Mine the necessary federal permits to extract copper, gold and molybdenum from the mine. ASA is hopeful that this is the final step in the process of this mine's potential construction.
For any future updates or changes to the EPA's decision, sign up for updates from ASA's Keep America Fishing Action Center.