ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hosting public meetings in Alaska on proposed restrictions for development of the Pebble Mine.
Meetings are set for Tuesday in Anchorage, Wednesday in New Stuyahok and Nondalton, Thursday in Kokhanok and Dillingham and Friday in Iliamna and Igiugig.
EPA has concluded large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed poses significant risks to salmon. The agency later invoked a rarely-used process through which it could ultimately restrict or prohibit development of the proposed mine to protect the fishery.
EPA recently proposed restrictions that would effectively block the level of development that the Pebble Mine's owners have publicly laid out. That's what the agency is taking comments on.
The Pebble Limited Partnership and state have sued EPA, alleging the agency overstepped its authority.