Friday,1 June,2012 08:23:15
Yesterday's bloodshed in Seattle has left many of the area's residents in shock. But another slow-moving threat could bring a different kind of devastation to the Pacific Northwest community.
The Pebble Partnership is working on a permit application to submit to the state of Alaska for a potential copper and gold mine at the head waters of Bristol Bay.
Meanwhile, the EPA released a draft scientific study of the watershed, under the authority of the federal Clean Water Act. The agency will accept public comments until July 23.
The Bristol Bay commercial fishery delivers about $100 million in revenue to the state of Washington. If you have a stake in this fishery, you are probably in Alaska already, poised for the start of fishing tomorrow.
But if you are in Seattle today, or know someone who can represent you, please find your way to the Jackson Federal Building at 915 2nd Ave. by 2 p.m. for a public hearing hosted by EPA.
For more information on the study and how to submit your comments, go to the EPA's Bristol Bay information page.
Alaska public meetings are scheduled for the coming week.
Anchorage: Monday, June 4
5:30 p.m., University of Alaska, Wendy Williamson Auditorium
Dillingham: Tuesday, June 5
11:30 a.m., Middle School Gymnasium
Naknek: Tuesday, June 5
5 p.m., Naknek School Auditorium
Levelock: Wednesday, June 6
4 p.m., Rainbow Hall
Igiugig: Wednesday, June 6
5 p.m., Igiugig Airport Hangar
Nondalton: Thursday, June 7
5 p.m.,
Nondalton Community Center
New Stuyahok: Thursday, June 7
1 p.m., Cetuyarag Community Center