EPA: Large mine prospect could affect Alaska fish
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says failure of a large-scale mine planned near the headwaters of one of the world's premier salmon fisheries could wipe out or degrade rivers and streams in the region for decades.
The agency's watershed assessment was released Friday in direct response to concerns that have been raised about the Pebble Mine project, a large copper-and-gold prospect near the headwaters of Bristol Bay.
The report lists as certain the probability for contaminants to flow into streams once mine water is not managed. It offers no verdict on whether the Pebble Mine should move forward; it is a draft, with a final report due after public comment and peer review.
The agency says that even without any failures, there would be an impact on fish.
