Yesterday, the EPA announced that it is extending the comment period another 30 days, until June 30, 2013, on its study of the impacts to Alaska' Bristol Bay wild salmon fishery from the proposed Pebble Mine.
Additional delays in the process can't change the overarching problem – this is the wrong mine in the wrong place.
Alaska's Bristol Bay is the last stronghold for wild salmon in these numbers. Millions upon millions of wild salmon return to the rivers and streams that feed Bristol Bay every year, like no other place on earth. It's an irreplaceable, renewable resource. It can continue to supply 14,000 jobs a year, and provide nearly half of the world's supply of sockeye salmon as long as salmon habitat is protected.
The study's findings leave no doubt about the severe and lasting impacts to Bristol Bay salmon if the Pebble deposit is developed. Under routine operation, it would:
- destroy 90 miles of streams.
- eliminate 4,800 acres of wetlands.
- decrease flows in 34 miles of streams.
There is overwhelming support for protecting Bristol Bay salmon. You can be a part of it.
Take a moment to send a comment to the EPA. It's simple: http://bit.ly/EPA-BristolBay
