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BAY PROJECT FINAL PROJECT
Citation preview
TEAL SIGLER
My name is Teal Sigler, I am a
native of Vashon Island, WA.
Currently I am a freshman at
Portland State University, with a
plan of majoring in criminology
and criminal justice. As well as
being a student at PSU I am also
a student athlete, competing in
Division 1 soccer for the Vikings.
For me the greatest goal of this
project is the collective work
done to create a fantastic end
result.
JOEL KING
Hi, my name is Joel King and im a
freshmen here at PSU from Lacey,
Washington. Currently im majoring in the
Health Studies. Physical Activity/
Excersise. i reallly enjoy the city, the
people are nice and getting around is
really convenient. I Plan on returning to
PSU in the fall looking forward to another
great year.
Aaron Smith
I have been attending PSU for about a year and a half now. My
long term educational goal is to become a psychologist! I enjoy
the NW for the clean air I get—that is a privilege for someone
who comes from Phoenix!
Aaron Smith
I have been attending PSU for about a year and a half now. My
long term educational goal is to become a psychologist! I enjoy
the NW for the clean air I get—that is a privilege for someone
who comes from Phoenix!
SHEENA DASS
My name is Sheena Jezlynn Dass and I am
currently a freshman taking Human Nature
Inquiry (for Becky Boesh’s class 2010-2011). I
am majoring in Biology in hopes of becoming a
Pharmacist. My hobbies include art, music,
dance, and fashion.
ISAAC THOME
My name is Isaac. I'm currently
A Freshman at PSU. My inquiry
is focused on Humans/Nature,
which correlates to my interest
in humans, their actions, and
their history. I'm currently
undecided as to a major but my
interests include history, film,
and writing, primarily
journalism. In my free time I
love playing Basketball,
watching the Blazers, and
enjoying the oh so rare
Portland sunny day.
Contents
SALMON FAMINE? : EPA TO CONDUCT RESEARCH ON NUSHGAK AND
KVICHAK WATERSHEDS by Aaron Smith. This is a preliminary report that explains the
possible effects of a hard rock mine in the Bristol Bay
area.…………………………………………………………………………...……………………………….……Page 6
NEED A JOB?: A Blueprint for Economic Resurgence: Bristol Bay and the
Pebble Mine Proposal by Isaac Thome. Mining companies Northern Dynasty and
Anglo American get a shot at telling us why mining in the heart of our economic
livelihood would be great for
us.……………………………………………………………………………………………….….Page 12
BLOOD IN THE WATER?: One of the World’s Greatest Fisheries Now Looms on
a Threatening Proposal by Teal Sigler. A daughter from a family of world class fly
fisherman shares her analysis of the situation in Bristol Bay in relation to the sport and
commercial fishing industry…………………………………………………………………..Page 19
FACTS DON’T LIE: Why Bristol Bay is in danger by Joel King. Joel takes a look
at the scientific perspective of the Bristol Bay watershed issue. He identifies factors
about the potential mine that will leave you wondering why we mine at all……….Page 25
SALMON DON’T HAVE A CHOICE: We Do! by Sheena Dass. We are shown the
importance of subsistence to the Alaskan way of life. Also a brief look at the process of
environmental justice.
STATISTICS…………………………………………………………………..Page 36
ASSIGNMENT………………………………………………………………..Page 37
EPA TO CONDUCT RESEARCH ON
NUSHAGAK AND KVICHAK WATERSHEDS
By Aaron Smith
05/20/2011
Bristol Bay, AK – Anglo American and
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd have been in
collaboration for the past five years in
developing plans for what would be the
largest open-pit copper, gold, and
molybdenum in the world. This proposed
mine would be in Bristol Bay, Alaska;
Alaska residents have raised alarming
questions, including from nine Alaskan
tribal governments, as to how the proposed
mine will affect the pristine environment
the proposed mining site is located within.
Of many concerns, most are being
expressed towards the potential dangers of
toxic agents from the mining process
finding their way into one or many of the
waterways that encompass the land that is
earmarked for mineral extraction. If mining
waste did enter the watershed of the Bristol
Bay area, damage to the community would
be expressed in the possible loss or
diminishment of an existing renewable
resource that has been keeping residents
sustained physically, culturally, and
economically; wild salmon. EPA has been
called upon to assess the risks associated
with not only the development of a mine in
the area but of large-scale development in
general.
To address the concerns of the
people of Alaska and protect the
environment, EPA has agreed to conduct an
Environmental Assessment (abbreviated EA)
of the Bristol Bay Watershed (Holsman). The
purpose of this EA is to bring clarity to the
understanding of how future large-scale
development, the Pebble prospect being a
good example, could affect water quality
and the fishery of Bristol Bay at large. This
assessment will focus on two areas – the
Kvichak and Nushagak watersheds. Both of
these rivers could be adversely impacted by
large-scale industrial development in the
region. EPA was originally requested by the
Alaskan people to enact its statutory
authority under section 404(c) of the Clean
Water Act (CWA), which authorizes EPA to
veto ―…the discharge of such materials into
such area [that] will have an unacceptable
adverse effect on municipal water supplies,
shellfish beds and fishery areas (including
spawning and breeding areas), wildlife, or
recreational areas.‖ (EPA 11/27/2002) EPA
concluded that proceeding to a veto
process before looking at all facets of the
issue would not be conducive to a well
documented, fact-based course of action on
their behalf. The exercise of 404(c)
authority usually is subsequent to an EA, if
not to an EIS (Environmental Impact
statement), which comes after an EA to
determine if factors that would disturb an
environment can be mitigated. The decision
to conduct an EA as an initial step in the
process of protecting the resources of
Bristol Bay is reflected in this statement by
our own EPA Regional Administrator,
Dennis McLerran:
―The Bristol Bay watershed is essential to
the health, environment and economy of
Alaska. Gathering data and getting public
input now, before development occurs, just
makes sense. Doing this we can be assured
that our future decisions are grounded in
the best science and information and in
touch with the needs of these communities.
We look forward to working with Alaskans
to protect and preserve this valuable
resource.‖ (Holsman)
Three main questions will be the
driving force in the scientific assessment of
the Bristol Bay Watershed. These questions
will be kept in mind throughout the
assessment, in listening to community
members and reviewing existing studies,
and upon drawing conclusions on our
findings. We believe there will be hundreds
of questions about the Bristol Bay area that
will be answered in the process of our
research, but the overarching ones we will
explain.
Is the Bristol Bay salmon
fishery the one of a kind,
world class fishery that it is
depicted to be (EPA*
)?
From the information about the Bristol
Bay fishery that has been brought to the
attention of EPA in light of this issue, we
are comfortable saying that Bristol Bay is an
important fishery for the United States. This
determination is based on the high
sustainability of the fishery due to the
salmonid stock complex of the area. Stock
complex is a term for the total number of
separate spawning populations of a fish. In
the case of the salmon in Bristol Bay, that
number is known to be at least several
hundred stock populations of unique
bioidentity throughout the watershed
(Hilborn et al, 2003). The result of this high
stock complex is an elevated level of
genetic diversity throughout the
populations. This biocomplexity in the
salmon population allows for, much like
human populations, different strains to
increase or decrease in population in
response to varying climatic and
environmental variables. So, while one
particular year may not be optimal for one
population of salmon, it doesn‘t necessarily
mean ill for the next – times hundreds of
spawning populations across the
watershed. Thus, the fishery of Bristol Bay
can be said to be ‗sustainable‘. Whether it
is a one of a kind, world class fishery is yet
to be determined by the cumulative
research collected through the upcoming
assessment process. It is promising,
though, that a thorough ERA
(Environmental Risk Assessment)
completed October 2010 for The Nature
Conservancy, contained cited research that
are including Bristol Bay ―supports the
largest runs of sockeye salmon on earth.‖
((Ruggerone et al. 2010) Ecology and
Environment, Inc., 2010. Pg 19)
What are the potential impacts
to Bristol Bay’s salmon fishery
from large‐scale development
activities such as hard rock
mining (EPA*)?
There are an incalculable number of varying
impacts to the environment when it comes
to large-scale development. It cannot be
determined what each and every such
impact would be to the Bristol Bay area in
particular as there is no way to estimate
those impacts without precedent or fact-
based research. In relation to the
generalized dangers associated with hard
rock mining, though, there have been some
key areas of impact that have been
identified from other mining sites around
the world (some in Alaska). Let it be known
that the Pebble Partnership has not
released an MMP (Mine Management
Plan)(Ecology and Environment, Inc., 2010.
Pg 14). An MMP is a document generated
by a mining company prior to beginning a
project that describes the mining activities
that are to be done at a site, explains the
management system for environmental
concerns related to mine operation, and is
informative of all mine workings from
commencement to closure procedures.
Without this document, it is not possible to
truly assess the potential risks associated
with the imposition of the Pebble prospect
on the Nushagak and Kvichak watersheds.
The listed impacts have resulted from
mining projects that are similar in nature to
the Pebble prospect. EPA is listing these
solely to address the question of what
potential impacts could be, not to imply
that they may occur. These potential
impacts are indicated as stressors on the
environment and are sourced directly from
the Ecology and Environment, Inc. ERA
done for The Nature Conservancy.
Physical Stressors: these have had a
documentable, physical effect on the
affected waters.
Dewatering and Loss of Instream
Flow
o Most mines use water from the
streams/rivers around it during
the process of mineral
production. This decreases the
amount of water within as well
as the fps (feet per second)
that the stream/river moves at.
Both of these factors have been
shown to be instrumental to
successful spawning in breeds
of fish that spawn in the
streams/rivers of the Nushagak
and Kvichak watershed.
Loss or Alteration of Supporting
Habitat
o Any area containing salmon
habitat that is changed due to
development of a mine is
subject to no longer be a
sustainable habitat for those
populations. For example, if
the Pebble Prospect was
commenced, there would be a
road built that would connect
the mine to a port. On the way
to the port, this road would
cross over 89 streams; 14 of
these streams would need a
culvert installed to be passable
PICTURE. Salmon may be
unlikely to run upstream
through a culvert and similarly
young salmon may be unlikely
to pay through it on the way to
sea. This alteration of habitat
could decrease the genetic
diversity of Bristol Bay‘s stock
complex. (pg 108)
Chemical Stressors: these have changed
the chemical composition of affected water
Fugitive Dust
o Dust from mining operation is
common. Dust that may come
from the Pebble mine could
contain heavy metals such as
copper, or chemicals that could
change the composition of the
water in streams/rivers as far
as the dust could reach. The
effects of such dust would
depend on weather conditions,
fps of streams/rivers, dust
composition, as well as many
other factors. The metal or
chemicals in the dust could
result in bioaccumulation in
plants and animals that are all
part of the interlinked
ecosystem of Bristol Bay. The
effects of that bioaccumulation
could interrupt the salmon
spawning process and/or kill
fish, permanently increase
heavy metal content of soils,
alter the plant life biodiversity
around the mine area and
beyond, and possibly be a
health risk to humans.
Pipeline Spills
o Alongside the proposed road
for the Pebble prospect would
be two pipelines that would
carry ore ‗slurry‘ from the
mine. These would travel a
course of 104 miles with slurry
moving through them at about
40/mph. It is common in
mining operations for these
types of pipelines to rupture
and spill their contents
(moving 40/mph) into the
environment. Considering that
the pipelines would cross 89
streams; 89 chances to
instantaneously disrupt the
environment, 14 of which are
known streams to hold salmon
species.
Episodic and Large Scale Pollution
Events
o This type of stressor is
categorized as a structural
failure of a dam holding
tailings and waste water from
the mining process, of which
there would be billions of tons
of tailings and hundreds of
billions of gallons of
contaminated water, from
causes such as: engineering
miscalculations, earthquakes
(the Pebble prospect and
proposed dams are in a
geologically active area), flood
from precipitation/high runoff,
etc. Should a proposed dam
break, it would cause
deleterious environmental
effects to not only the
surrounding streams but the
entire watershed and possibly
Bristol Bay itself. Cleanup of
such an event could take
decades. Fish populations
could be easily decimated with
low likelihood for return.
Chemical Spills
o The chemicals used to process
minerals at mining sites have
to be transported to the mine.
Possible spills during
transportation of these
chemicals could have a direct
or indirect effect on salmon
habitat in the case of the
Nushagak and Kvichak
watershed. If a spill were to
occur, large machinery would
have to be brought in to clean
up, which could result in
further deterioration of the
environment.
Acid Mine Drainage
o AMD (Acid Mine Drainage)
results from the oxidization of
metal sulfide, such as pyrite,
from exposure to air and
water. Chalcopyrite, a form of
pyrite, is the ore rock that
copper is mined from. Mining
chalcopyrite has been shown in
other mines in the US to cause
AMD. Considering that most
mines are below the water
table, defunct copper mines
are at a great risk factor for
AMD. Also AMD can come from
waste rock piles, leach out of
tailing dams, and come from
spills. AMD in Bristol Bay could
seriously affect the water
quality.
Are there technologies or practices
that will mitigate these impacts
(EPA*)?
The impacts that have been listed are
ones that are associated with other
mines. EPA is just beginning the
process of researching the possible
effects of these and other impacts in the
Nushagak and Kvichak watersheds.
Mitigation for the impacts listed could
be addressed by the MMP that will be
submitted by the Pebble Partnership
before their permitting process for
mining operations. The EA that will be
conducted through the next few months
will answer these questions as well.
Federal regulation of impacts that an
establishment has on its environment is
strictly monitored and all parties
concerned with the protection of the
Nushagak and Kvichak watersheds
should be assured that upon any
development that those policies will be
observed.
Upon EA completion EPA will be
conducting two sets of meetings. The
first set of meetings will be held
sometime between August 2010 and
November 2010, depending on the
availability of participants. This set of
meetings will be to present the
preliminary findings of the EA and to
gather public input on the first two goal
questions of our assessment. The
second set of meetings will be held
between November 2010 and January
2010, again dependent on participant
availability. This second set of meetings
is intended to address the third
question: Are there technologies or
practices that will mitigate these
impacts? These meetings will be
conducted after peer-review of the EA
and will serve to determine what action
is required to protect the watersheds of
the Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers (EPA:
Region 10)
Additional Reading
Holsman, Marianne. (02/07/2011) EPA
plans scientific assessment of Bristol Bay
watershed. Retrieved from
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf
/0/8C1E5DD5D170AD99852578300067D3
B3
Hilborn, Ray, Quinn, T., Schindler D.E.,
Rogers D.E. (2003) Biocomplexity and
fisheries sustainability. Retrieved from
http://www.pnas.org/content/100/11/656
4.long
EPA*: EPA (May 21st
, 2011) Bristol Bay: What
is EPA Studying and Why? Retrieved from
http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/ECOCOMM.N
SF/bristol+bay/summary
Ecology and Environment, Inc. (2010) an
Assessment of Ecological Risk to Wild
Salmon Systems from Large-scale Mining in
the Nushagak and Kvichak Watersheds of
the Bristol Bay Basin. Retrieved from
http://ourbristolbay.com/pdf/TNC-Pebble-
Ecological-Risk-Assessment.pdf
EPA (02/07/2011) Outline for the
Development of EPA’s Bristol Bay
Watershed Assessment. Retrieved from
http://www.epa.gov/region10/pdf/bristolb
ay/outline_bristol_bay_watershed_assessme
nt.pdf
A Blueprint for Economic Resurgence: Bristol
Bay
and the Pebble Mine Proposal by Isaac Thome
In 2007 Northern Dynasty and Anglo American,
to create beneficial mine for the Alaskan people
and their economy, created the Pebble
Partnership. The mine in planned to be on the
Pebble property, which is said to be ―the
world‘s most extensive mineralized system.‖
(U.S. Geological Survey) The mineralized system
is comprised of 186 miles of untapped
resource to be explored. The Pebble
Partnership has been exploring those
resources.
The economy of Bristol Bay is heavily reliant on
seasonal work; the Pebble mine will provide
stability and new jobs. While the salmon trade
has done great things for the Bristol
community, it has not always proven to be
consistent. Which leads us to a question: why
should an entire community put their livelihood
on an industry that is prone to fluctuating
cycles and variables? Not only is the harvest of
fish taken into account but also the varying
prices dependent on the harvest, as well as
sockeye returns; all of which have been at
historical lows lately. This community indeed
works hard at their trade and it evident that
they are highly skilled yet nonetheless they
remain susceptible to downward trends.
Harvests were especially strong in eighties and
nineties, peaking in price at $3.15 a pound in
1989. Harvests of more than 45 million fish
anually in the early 1990‘s showed promise for
the stability of the industry. But these trends
only gave way to new historical lows, with
Bristol fish only yielding $0.40 a pound by
2002.
Salmon returns for commercial fishing is
also, as mentioned before, dependent on the
variable of sockeye returns. In fact, Kvichak
River provides the largest sockeye salmon
resource in the world, perhaps. Yet sockeye
returns dramatically vary, and are known to
produce in varying cycles. The returns have
been noticeably weaker in recent years. The
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, as well as
the Alaska Board of Fisheries, has referred to
the decline by classifying it as a ―stock of
management concern‖.
Our hope at Northern Dynasty and
Anglo American is not only to run a successful
mine but to ease the strain of a faltering
economy. To assist a community that, as of
March 2011, had a massive unemployment rate
of a whopping 10.3%. A project such as our
proposed Pebble mine will require the strength
of a community workforce; upwards of 2,000
workers during the construction phase and a
constant 1,000 more thereafter. Skilled jobs
can pay up $60,000 a year, and there are more
than enough to provide employment
opportunities for every one of the 1,200 plus
inhabitants within this Alaskan borough.
For the mining of the Pebble area we will
apply our traditional mining techniques. This
means responsible resource development and
high standards. For the 50-80 year lifetime of
the mine we will exercise only environmentally
sound and socially responsible operation
methods. That is, not only fitting by U.S.
regulation, but maintaining the beautiful
landscape for the Alaskan people and visitors.
The proposal development of the Pebble
mine has not come without extensive research
and consultation and reputable banks of local
knowledge. Our company standards require
thorough project planning. The Pebble
Partnership has been gathering data in regards
to the technical and environmental aspects
needed for a successful mine in the Bristol Bay
area since 2001. The research consists of the
collaborative efforts of 20 senior engineers
along with technical specialists, in addition to
the 58 engineering firms globally. We are
conducting studies supplemented by public
input led by the Keystone Center, a non-profit
organization that specializes on serving the
interest of all stakeholders without bias. We are
also going through the various options in which
to model the Pebble deposit, whether it is an
open pit mine, high volume underground
mining, or a variation on the two. Also taken
into account is the planning for transportation
and infrastructure, including pipelines, access
roads, and fuel systems. All of this, of course,
will be determined in accordance with
environmental standards. The development of
the Pebble mine is supported and driven by one
of the most expansive environmental studies
conducted to date in Alaskan history, with over
$130 million in funding. Northern Dynasty and
Anglo American have socially responsible
development in the forefront of all our plans
The development of a mine such as the
one we are proposing in Bristol Bay cannot be
conducted without the right experience and
manpower; as an organization we have the
right people for the job. Those involved in the
management of the Pebble Partnership are
exceedingly attentive and qualified, with
underlying experience. As a whole, our
management has well over 100 years of mineral
development experience combined. This
mastery of the mining craft covers all sectors
including development, forestry,
transportation, energy, sustainability, corporate
management, and mine operations. We wish to
emphasize our attention to detail and
qualifications that will allow not only us, but
also the people of Bristol Bay to succeed. A
common misconception is that as a junior
mining company based outside of the United
States, we only are looking for what directly
benefits us. But upon further examination the
public will see that we not only prepared to
stabilized the economy of Bristol Bay;
revitalization is the goal.
Stability is a key word that should be
appreciated in relation to any economic
climate. Northern Dynasty and Anglo American
have done their homework on the storied
salmon trade; mining offers more than
seasonal work which is not dependent on the
trending factors previously mentioned in
relation to the salmon trade. This project is
long term and we have no plans of abandoning
our work force in a short time period.
Enough about logistics; what do you
stand to gain? We can start by telling you what
you stand to lose if we as a partnership were to
not go through with this development: 55
billion pounds of copper, 66.9 million ounces
of gold, and 3.3 billion pounds of
molybdenum. The U.S. Geological Survey has
determined the deposit at Pebble to be ―the
world‘s most extensively mineralized system‖.
A recent independent resource estimate by the
NW Corporation found it to be not only, ―the
largest gold deposit‖ but also ―the second
largest copper deposit‖ in North America.
Traditional industry may be difficult to part
with, but there is too much on the line here to
be simply brushed off. To put it lightly, it would
be a definite mistake from the perspective of
economic benefit on the part of Bristol Bay to
pass up Pebble.
How do we plan to enrich the Bristol Bay
community? Besides stable jobs for Alaskans,
we are offering significant annual payments to
state and local governments, supply and
service contracts, spin-off benefits for local
communities, hundreds of millions of dollars in
annual operating expenditures. All of these
benefits are being flown under the flag of
soundly researched, well-funded capital
investment estimated between 4 to 5 billion
dollars. Now is clearly the time to join the
Dynasty, for we all stand to gain so much, to
make the unattainable, attainable admits these
dark economic times.
Additional Reading
"Fact Sheet ." northerndynastyminerals.com.
The Pebble Partnership, n.d. Web. 26 Apr.
2011.
Bacsujlaky, Mara. "Sorting through the Pebble
hype:." northerndynastyminerals.com. N.p., 1
Sept. 2004. Web. 27 Apr. 2011.
"Convergence of Opinion About Pebble Mine."
renewableresourcescoalition.org. Renewable
Resources Coalition, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2011.
Heinrich, Austin. "Pebble Gold Mine:
Alaska's Next Gold Rush?."
fliesandfins.com. N.p., 28 Mar. 2008. Web.
28 Apr. 2011.
Drew, Lisa W. "Prospect of Mine Near a Salmon
Fishery Stirs Worry in Alaska." The New York
Times. nytimes.com, 26 Apr. 2005. Web. 1 May
2011.
"Investors Oppose Pebble Mine, Call for Clean
Water Review." http://www.ens-newswire.com.
N.p., 13 Apr. 2011. Web. 15 May 2011.
Kean, Sam. "Fishing for Gold in The Last
Frontier State." 15 Jan. 2010: 263-265. Science
Magazine. Web. 15 May 2011.
One of the World’s Greatest Fisheries
Now Looms on a Threatening
Proposal by Teal Sigler
I grew up as member in a family who, for
generations, have enjoyed the sport and
pastime of fishing. My father and grandfather
are considered to be two of the best salt-water
fly fisherman in the world. I grew up as a native
of Vashon Island, WA, which is located in the
Puget Sound just south of Seattle, WA. For as
long as I can remember, every summer on
Fourth of July morning I would hop in a boat
with my dad and grandfather. We would
venture out into the Sound and fish for large
salmon to bring back to cook for the Fourth of
July. As I have gotten older I have noticed the
depletion in the number of salmon where I live.
It makes you realize that something which has
always been a ritual in your life may no longer
be there one day.
This leads me into the main issue at
hand. Bristol Bay, AK is home to the world's
largest sockeye salmon fisheries, as well as
strong runs of chum, silver, and king salmon.
One can reasonably say Alaska is America‘s big,
back yard for salmon runs of huge quantities.
These runs, however, are under potential threat
due to a proposed open pit mine. The mine in
question has been dubbed as the Bristol Bay
Pebble Mine.
Bristol Bay not only supports the largest
runs of wild salmon on the planet, but also
trophy-quality rainbow trout, grizzlies, caribou,
and many other forms of wildlife; a strong
commercial and sport-fishing economy based
on the salmon that are prolific there is like a
cherry on top of an already massive sundae.
The Nushagak and Mulchatna Rivers support
other species such as Arctic Char, arctic
grayling, lake trout, dolly varden, northern pike
and whitefish.
“Most of the rock
that would be removed
from the pit mine will be
waste…”
Sadly, all of this is now being
threatened by the companies Northern Dynasty
and Anglo American, ―neither of which are
American-owned companies‖. These two
companies are looking to partner together to
create what would be the largest destruction of
natural habitat and species of fish yet known.
Working in tandem, the State of Alaska and
Canadian mining companies want to create
what would become North America‘s largest
open pit porphyry copper, gold, and
molybdenum mine. Where is the proposal site
for the mine? The headwaters of Bristol Bay that
above Lake Iliamna is the chosen ground –
these headwaters are sandwiched between two
large national parks, Katmai and Lake Clark.
Most of the rock that would be removed from
the pit mine will be waste; to be a little more
specific, close to 2.5 billion tons of waste rock.
The main issue is that the waste rock material,
along with discharge chemicals, would be
stored (forever) in two artificial lakes behind
massive earthen dams. The largest of the dams
containing these lakes would be 740 feet
(230 m) tall and 4.3 miles (6.9 km) long. The
potential threat of toxic pollution to the
watershed, which then could seep into the
many lakes, rivers and national parks, and
preserves in the area that are home to some of
the world‘s greatest fishing habitats is
abominable. If the salmon vacate the area it
won‘t be long before the jobs, sustainable
living, subsistence lifestyle, and economy of
Bristol Bay go out with the tide.
Sport fishing, along with commercial
fishing, tourism and hunting
Highland Valley Copper Mine seen above as
an example of what the Bristol Bay area
could end up looking like.
are key components of the local and
state economies in Alaska. Recreation
and tourism spending in Bristol Bay
brings in $90 million annually in the
form of taxes, fishing fees, and licenses.
Sport fishing accounts for roughly $60
million of that spending, with
nonresidents and high-end lodge clients
contributing the most. In 2007, anglers
fishing in Alaska spent nearly $1.4
billion on fishing trips, fishing
equipment, and development and
maintenance of land used primarily for
the pursuit of sport fishing in Alaska.
Resident spending was $733 million and
nonresident spending was $652 million.
15,879 full and part-time jobs were
supported by money spent on sport
fishing in 2007 and accounted for $545
million in total wages and benefits paid
to employees and proprietors. In total,
an estimated 37,000 fishing trips are
taken annually to Bristol Bay freshwater
fisheries. Tourists from outside of Alaska
comprised about one-third of those
trips. These losses could be a drastic
loss to Alaska as a whole not just the
Bristol Bay area.
People come from all over the world to
fish in the paradise that the Bristol Bay area has
to offer. It is one of the only untouched
watersheds still out there today in the world,
for this reason the salmon population is full
force. Anglers and people from all over the
world come to experience this wonder. "UK
anglers see Alaska as the great untouched
wilderness and to many it is a ‗once in a
lifetime' dream to fish its pristine waters," said
Peter Cockwill of Albury Game Angling in
Surrey. He has been guiding people in Alaska
towards life-changing fishing experiences for
about 21 years. "Some achieve the dream that
others possibly never will. But destroy Bristol
Bay, and the dream no longer exists. Why take
the risk, however small, of ruining nature's
perfection in the quest of short term personal
gain for a very few?"
For these very reasons we, as people of
Alaska and, on an even greater picture, we as
citizens of the United States, need to stand up
and recognize the horrid and scary
complications that could arise from a realized
mine in Bristol Bay, AK. As an avid fisherman I
want to be able to one day get up at a way-too-
early hour in the morning, hop in my boat and
take my kids out on Fourth of July morning and
catch a nice, fat, and healthy wild salmon. This
proposed mine could kill this dream of mine
along with many other peoples. We need to
stand up right now and stop this proposed
mine. It is a threat to commercial and sports
fishing alike. Luckily I do not stand alone in my
conviction.
Nearly 200 leading companies in the fly
fishing industry, including Albury Game
Angling, Farlow's, and outdoor gear icons such
as Orvis and Patagonia, have rallied to help
protect the Bristol Bay salmon habitat from
destructive. They have voiced their concerns
publicly with ads like the one on the following
page designed by the Sportsman's Alliance for
Alaska.
The local sport fishing industry in
Bristol Bay has around 40 commercial fishing
lodges on the rivers connected to the Bristol
Bay area. The lodges offer many different types
of experiences from rustic-style wilderness
exploration to world-class luxury tours. Almost
all of them have taken up strong opposition to
the proposed Pebble Mine. A reflection of that
opposition can be seen in this statement from
Sportsman‘s Alliance:
“…This region is the
Serengeti of Alaska…”
"There has never been a successful re-
creation of wild salmon runs once they have
been decimated, making the potential risks and
uncertainties of Pebble too great," said Brian
Kraft, owner of Alaska Sportsman's Lodge and
two other Bristol Bay fishing lodges. "This
region is the Serengeti of Alaska. Here, snow
fed streams flow crystal clear from the
mountains, through rolling tundra and to the
sea. Anglers from around the world see this as
the pinnacle of fishing opportunities.
There are not many, if any, places like this left
in the world."
Is there any clearer answer than a big NO
for the question of whether or not building a
mine in Bristol Bay is sensible? It‘s time to
stand up and use all of our voices, efforts, and
resources to protect an area of the world that
makes the world a truly beautiful place with its
natural radiance and outstanding supply of
sports fishing joy: Bristol Bay, Alaska. Don‘t
just say no to the Pebble Mine. Take the voice
of the locals into account – one, two,
three…Hell No!
The Facts don’t lie!
The people in Bristol Bay, AK know
that their home is also home to the
world‘s largest Sockeye salmon fishery; it
has been for generations. The people
pride themselves on what they know of
incorporating this abundance of salmon
species into their everyday lives. For
thousands of years, these people have
utilized the rich subsistence wildlife
resources in the area to provide for their
families and sustain their economy.
They rely heavily on these resources and,
if there is any interruption to the supply
of these resources, the Alaska people will
start to feel the effects immediately.
20% of the annual diet in Bristol Bay
consists of subsistence foods. This 20%
comes to a total of over 265,000 pounds
of subsistence food utilized each year.
The average subsistence fish
consumption for Bristol Bay residents‘
accounts for 55 percent of all
subsistence foods utilized. (Animal
welfare Institute)
However, salmon is just one
subsistence resource for local residents.
Others include moose, caribou, bear, and
smaller terrestrial animals such as fox
and beaver. The major industries in
Bristol Bay include a combination of
commercial fishing, sport fishing, and
hunting. This mixture of nature-based
industry in Bristol Bay makes the area
stand out as a wildlife haven which
happens to draw almost 2 million
tourists a year. Alaska natives embrace
their culture by contributing to a
peaceful environment maintaining the
pristine ecosystem that brings in the
abundance of salmon species in the local
watershed. Lately, though, there has
been a burdening situation that many
Alaska natives are facing. Currently in
the
exploration phase, Northern
Dynasty Minerals (a Canadian mining
company based out of Vancouver) plans
to create the biggest open pit mine in
North America, as well as the largest
dam in the world. Guess where? There
plans start right in the heart of the
Bristol Bay watershed headwaters. The
idea of the Pebble mine has been in the
making since it was first presented in
2001 by the Canadian company Northern
Dynasty Minerals.
According to Alaska Trekking,
Metal ores are common throughout the
Bristol Bay region because of volcanic
history. The ores have been around for a
long time, but the isolated location and
poor quality of the ore has prevented any
kind of serious development. During the
past few years metal prices have doubled
and then tripled; development of these
ores is suddenly worthwhile. Mining
companies around the world are setting
their sights on Southwest Alaska as the
new frontier of mineral harvest.
Open pit mining refers to the
extraction of minerals close to the
surface of the earth through an open pit
(Animal welfare Institute). The Northern
Dynasties proposal includes the building
of an underground mine, the removal of
massive amounts of water from Upper
Talarik Creek and the Koktuli River (both
important fish habitats), and the
construction of the world's largest dams
to hold all of the subsequent waste. Less
than one percent of the extracted
material resulting from this destruction
will hold any value in the form of copper,
gold, or molybdenum. What the
industries fail to see are the ecological
damages that a mine could cause in this
area. Due to the fact that the site is so
remote, just providing power and access
to the proposed mining area could have
incalculable negative ecological effects.
Bristol Bay is well known for
possessing the largest salmon runs in
the world. It is also known for the
rainbow trout, grizzly bears, moose,
caribou, rare migrating birds, and one of
only two colonies of freshwater seals in
the world. For Alaska‘s wildlife to thrive,
their habitat must be left in its current
pristine state. The proposed Pebble mine
would involve removing water from the
rivers which would disrupt their
ecological integrity and destroy habitats
of Bristol Bay wildlife. It could even prove
to be harmful to the ecological system in
its entirety. Copper alone is one of the
most toxic heavy metals to fish and it
can limit the production of algae, an
essential food source for a huge majority
of the water dwelling species in the area.
Even a small impact would affect other
species higher up the on food chain.
Very small amounts of copper can
destroy a salmon's olfactory sense, which
can leave a fish seriously disoriented
because of the role that sense has in
navigating streams and distinguishing
predators from prey. To put it simply:
copper has a toxic affect on salmon
which makes them stupid. They lose
their sense of direction and purpose; for
the people of Bristol Bay, salmon getting
confused and forgetting to run upstream
would pose a huge problem. Salmon
return to their stream of birth when it‘s
time for them to spawn. Damage to their
habitat or birthplace will leave the rivers,
and Bristol Bay, up a creek without a
paddle.
Even if precautions are taken, it is
inevitable that some fine materials such
as dust and dirt will wash into the
waterways and begin to accumulate,
introducing toxins and degrading the
water quality. The Environmental
Protection Agency has found that mining
activities have polluted over 40 percent
of the headwaters in the Western United
States alone. Ultimately, the placement
of this pebble mine poses a serious
threat to the wildlife and people of
Bristol Bay. If the Pebble Mine project
moves forward, the door would be
opened for similarly destructive mining
projects in Bristol Bay. This outcome
would not only threaten Alaska's wildlife
and its untouched landscape, but it
would also contribute to the rapid
disappearance of true wilderness in the
United States.
Additional Reading
"Open Pit Mining: The Growing Threat to
Alaska's Bristol Bay Ecosystem." Animal
Welfare Institute. Animal Welfare
Publications. Web. 18 May 2011.
<http://www.awionline.org/ht/d/ContentDe
tails/i/2042/pid/2494>.
"Pebble Mine Statistics." Alaska Trekking.
Alaska Trekking | Ground Truth Trekking,
11 Feb. 2011. Web. 18 May 2011.
http://www.aktrekking.com/pebble/facts.ht
ml
THE SALMOND DON‘T HAVE A CHOICE –
WE DO! By Sheena Dass
Bristol Bay, AK – Home to the largest
sockeye salmon fishery in the world. The
waters of Bristol Bay are pure and
untouched by human intervention. This
pristine land is facing a dilemma: the
proposed development of an open pit
mine that if not kept in check would rival
with the beauty of the nature that would
surround it! If created, this mine could
potentially create long-term
environmental, social, and economic risks
to the indigenous peoples of Bristol Bay,
Alaska (Kelty). The main issue is that the
proposal to start this major mine, that
would provide other foreign markets with
copper, gold, and molybdenum, is on state
land, and dangerously close to an
abundant sockeye salmon habitat. While
popular media is broadcasting
consideration of the Alaskan people and
their home, we need to understand that
Alaskans in the Bristol Bay area rely on
subsistence. The sockeye salmon fishery is
not just revenue or food, but a complete
way of living with the land.
Bristol Bay, AK is one of the last, not to
mention the largest, sustainable salmon
fisheries in the world. This land is very
crucial to the local indigenous peoples;
Yupik Eskimo‘s, Denaina, Athabascans,
Aleuts and Alutiiqs have lived in the area
for thousands of years and depend on the
Bay‘s renewable resources for subsistence,
lifestyle, and commercial uses. When
asked about the salmon habitats that have
been a part of his life since childhood, Luki
Akelkok, Sr., a 72-year-old Yupik patriarch,
laments, ―Once that‘s gone (referring to
the region‘s biological vitality) you can‘t
get it back‖ (Dobb). The Yupik have always
relied heavily on the land. Subsistence is
the only way of life known inside the walls
of their villages. The contents of their
watery pantry are not only sockeye salmon
but also Coho, chum, pink, and king
salmon. These fish are the major
subsistence resources in the Bristol Bay
area (and most of Alaska) and makes up
most of the diet of Alaskan peoples.
However, there are many ways to improve
this industry, and many more ways for the
natives of Bristol Bay to bring their way of
life to light in relation to their concerns
about the potentially damaging effects of a
open pit mine in their back yard. The
potential impacts of the Pebble project on
subsistence resources, including wildlife
and drinking water resources are not taken
lightly in an area of such delicate balance
as Bristol Bay. The potential socioeconomic
impacts on the local indigenous
population, such as job opportunities and
revenue issues, are all hazardous (Dobb).
The largest fear is that the mine would
destroy the salmon returns by polluting
the water. The Pebble Partnership insists
that the mine would create many jobs for
the Alaskan people and that the waters will
not be polluted. Even if this is true, how
many Alaskan people will they hire and
how will it be more beneficial to them than
the commercial fishing industry that
already thrives in the area? Many natives
do not have the training to work in a mine
or never have before; would they even find
such job opportunities appealing after
fishing for so many years? Although
fishing can be dangerous, working in a
mine is also dangerous. Which occupation
comes with more health related hazards?
These are questions Bristol Bay natives are
indubitably thinking about when
discussing the proposed mine with each
other and others.
The proposal of a open pit mineral
mine in Bristol Bay, AK started catching
speed in 1986 when the two mining
companies, Northern Dynasty (British
Columbia) and Anglo American (England),
teamed up as The Pebble Partnership.
They began to discover a cache of
minerals in what today is expected to be
the largest copper mine, and second
largest gold mine deposits in North
America; most likely one of the largest in
the world. (Anchorage Daily News, 2008) It
seems as though The Pebble Partnership
understands the risks associated with such
a project and, for this reason, they
guarantee they will meet the concerns of
the people in doing justice by protecting
the pristine natural environment
surrounding the proposed mining site.
Despite promises of a clean project by
officials, the accident-plagued history of
hard rock mining in conjunction with the
proposal of a mine at the headwaters of
one of the largest remaining sockeyes
salmon runs in the world has brought on
one of the biggest land use battles Alaska
has ever faced. The growing
unrest among native, commercial, and
sport-fishermen can be likened to an
incoming tide. (UFVA)
Alaska and the Alaskan people have
a right to a safe, healthy, productive, and
sustainable environment for all who live
within and from it. The word environment,
in this case, encapsulates everything a
Bristol Bay residence can take in by turning
about: land, water, plants, animals, air,
and of course, the salmon. Likewise, the
proposal of an open pit mine that could
affect the people of Bristol Bay in an
irreversible way comes at the from a
variety of perspectives: ecological,
biological, natural, social, political,
cultural, environmental, moral, economic,
and ethical. Environmental justice should
be exercised, so that groups and
individuals are preserved, and respected in
a way that provides for community
empowerment. Indigenous communities
should have an understood involvement in
the permitting process for the Pebble
Mine. The right to a safe, healthy and
productive environment is a large concern
with the proposed Pebble Mine for
indigenous peoples, since some 20% of the
average indigenous family‘s diet in
Bristol Bay consists of sockeye salmon
alone. (Raizer)
It is not just conventional wisdom
when it is said that ecosystems are fragile.
It is clear that the Pebble Mine could create
a huge impact on Bristol Bay. The fate of a
large, productive wild sockeye salmon
fishery that sustains an entire economy
and its people is in the ink that will be
penned for or against the proposed mine.
Bristol Bay produces immense amounts of
wild salmon not only as a food source for
people, but as one for bears, killer whales,
and other vital parts of the natural ecology
of the area. Wild salmon protein is a
necessity; not just for Alaskans but for us
as well! Salmon and their eggs are
highly valued and eaten as a
premium food (delicacy in the case
of caviar) around the world. The
North Pacific creates a certain way
of life that coordinates the fish with
the natives who have depended on
salmon for centuries. Sockeye
salmon is the social, economic, and
cultural back bone of the Bristol Bay area.
In 2008, the Bristol Bay salmon fishery
generated more than 300 million dollars
for the Alaskan economy.
Alaska is an amazing, awe-striking
spectacle of natural beauty. Anyone who
visits will also feel this experience as they
look out on the practically untouched
natural frontiers of one of America‘s most
beautiful states. Alaska relies on a good
clean environment for survival. Sustaining
this environment is so important that even
some jewelers who rely on the efforts of
mining, such as Tiffany and Co.
(tiffany.com), vowed against using any
resources from the proposed mine:
Despite the economic and social benefits that miing
can contribute to communities, we believe that there
are special places where mining should not
take place. Bristol Bay, Alaska is one such place.
Tiffany & Co. supports the many Alaskans who
believe that the development of the Pebble Mine
poses too large a risk to the world’s most productive
salmon fishery and to the wilderness and recreational
resource values that Bristol Bay embodies. Tiffany &
Co. is a signatory to the Bristol Bay Protection Pledge
stating that we will not use gold from the proposed
Pebble Mine should it be developed.
According to Red Gold, a
documentary covering the potential effect
of the Pebble mine in relation to various
stakeholders of the issue, the Alaskan
people live a unique way of life that will
not survive if the salmon don‘t return with
Bristol Bay‘s tide.
The Pebble Mine project no doubt is
a very controversial issue. The proposal by
Northern Dynasty Minerals to build one of
the largest gold and copper mines in the
world has many gray areas; coming to a
unanimous decision will be very difficult.
Northern Dynasty has not yet applied for
permits, but if they do, and succeed in
undertaking this mining catastrophe,
Alaska will be changed forever. Mining at
the headwaters of the world‘s greatest
Sockeye salmon fishery poses a large
threat to not only the environment as a
whole and salmon return, but could be a
huge stroke to the heart of the people of
Bristol Bay people, their way of life, and
the world‘s supply of Sockeye salmon. This
proposal today is still a major political
issue in Alaska, pitting pro-mining forces
against local native villages and
commercial and sport fisherman.
(McKittrick) Salmon season is right around
the corner in Alaska. Will it be the last? If
the Pebble Partnership doesn‘t pack up
their drills and get out their fishing poles –
it just might be.
Additional Reading
Kelty, Ruth & Kelty, Ryan. 2010. ―Human
Dimensions of a Fishery at a Crossroads:
Resource Valuation, Identity, and Way of Life in
a Seasonal Fishing Community‖ Society &
Natural Resources: An International Journal V.
4, Iss. 4
Felt Soul Media, producer. Red Gold. University
Film and Video Association, 2010. Film.
Lee, Jeannette J. (2008, March 19) “Forum
Weighs Fishing, Drilling in Bristol Bay.” [Online]
Retrieved May 12, 2011 from
http://www.adn.com/money/story/349523.ht
ml
McKittrick, Erin. (2006-2007) Review of the
Earthworks Mining Water Quality Study: What
it means for the Pebble Mine project
Retrieved May 14, 2011 from
http://www.aktrekking.com/pebble/news/Wat
erQualityStudy.htmlc
Raizer, Julie. (2007, December 14)
“Environmental Justice Definitions”
Retrieved May 13, 2011 from
http://eelink.net/EJ/definitions.html
Human/Nature
Electronic Magazine Project
Due: Thurs., June 3rd
The culminating project this term will be a group generated electronic magazine. This project will allow you to demonstrate your development in such areas as web design skills, writing and research abilities, and statistical and data representation. The topic for each magazine will revolve around an ongoing conflict between humans and the natural world. You have already chosen both your groups (4-6 individuals) and the area you will look at in depth.
Here are some concrete steps and guidelines for the
project.
In order to accomplish this project it is absolutely essential to be organized, so you should make a concerted effect to be conscientious and deliberate about working together, defining your project, generating ideas, dividing up responsibilities, and holding one another accountable. Teams should develop standards for attendance and participation, i.e., a group contract. In addition, each member must take on specific roles and functions as they relate to the creation of the electronic magazine. If any member of a team does not follow the agreements that are developed by the team or live up to his/her responsibilities, the team has the right to ask this person to step down from the team (after consultation with your mentor and myself) and that person will be responsible for creating their own e-magazine.
The team as a whole should discuss and decide overall format and organization for the e-zine. Note that while it is instructive to employ the metaphor of a traditional print magazine, an e-zine is quite different: it is much more a graphical medium, both in content and in the way it needs to be laid out; words an visuals need to be in a nearly equal balance; it is automatically slightly interactive and can be
made more so; sound and dynamic visuals can be included; navigation cues need to be more clear and/or self evident; links to non-authored sources can be very important. Things that need to be included in the design are: A front or “cover” page A consistent aesthetic design style and
organized format A “table of contents” A rich array of appropriate visuals and
graphics A relevant numerical representation of
the conflict **Please see attached Tenets of Effective Web
Site Design
At least one feature “article” from each member of the team of at least 1000 words of original text (approx. 4 double-spaced computer pages) drawing in identified resources. (You will need to cite consistently, i.e. either MLA or APA format throughout.) These articles should represent the voices of the key stakeholders, vested interests, or constituents in the issue. Taken together—and appropriately related to one another—these articles should address and cover the different sides and arguments regarding the policy, practices and positions relevant to the conflict that your group has selected. In other words, all voices in the conflict must be represented equally and fairly. As part of gathering information for your e-magazine, the group will interview at least one key contact in the Portland area that understand one or more stakeholders in the conflict and this interview should either be included in entirety on the website or incorporated into one of the stakeholder positions. If you need help finding these sources, please consult either your mentor or myself. .
The team should also include numerical/statistical/graphical data critical to understanding the conflict. This could include a variety of data sets and the appropriate representation of this data in a variety of graphs as well as an accompanying explanation of this data. This could be presented as a separate link/component or could be integrated into the feature “articles.”
The group also needs to include specific suggestions and actions necessary for successful conflict resolution. In other words, once you
have considered all the voices and interests in this conflict, how can this conflict be successfully resolved so that all persons or groups will benefit? Because of this complexity of the issues you will be examining, you are not limited to offering up one suggested course of action. Please use the terminology presented in the website reading in class to propose conflict resolution.
Possible additional components of the e-zine might include (but are not limited to): reportage, opinion polls, interviews, book reviews, opinion pieces, editorials, resource databases, annotated bibliographies, links to relevant and reputable web sites, charts, maps, illustrations, graphs, statistics, historical studies, short fiction, poetry, artwork, cartoons
The E-Zines will be assessed along four major criteria:
Design Content Referenced Sources Appropriate Credits
Design includes the following:
Functional layout, o One which can be visually and easily
grasped o One that can be readily navigated
Colors that work together to create the desired effect
Effective use of space
Attention to shapes and forms Content includes the following:
Informatively defines the issue from all relevant position and voices
Includes direct research gathered through a community link
Provides a clear set of main ideas/issues related to the conflict
Includes critical information in appropriate numerical and/or graphical form
Well structured and organized—cogent, coherent and logical
Links to additional on-line sources Referenced Sources includes the following:
Provides appropriates credits for outside authors and sources—in writing, for numerical data, for images, for interviews….
Appropriate Credits includes the following:
Identification of the authors of the e-zine
Clear identification of individual contributions of members—writing, design, organization etc.
Graded Components and Weighting:
Group Components
26%
Web site design and layout
7%
Content
7%
Appropriate Sources
3%
Community Link Integration
3%
Group Participation/Contribution
6%
Individual Components
12%
Individual Written Component
6%
Individual Magazine “Responsibility”
6%
For examples of past electronic magazines, please
check out the following websites.
http://www.web.pdx.edu/%7Eburdab/ezine.html
In addition, your mentor will give you more
examples of websites.
Recommended