Gov. Bill Walker’s office on Friday asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to suspend the Environmental Impact Statement process for the proposed Pebble Mine.
In a letter to the Army Corps, Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallot contend that Pebble Limited Partnership has yet to present a “feasible and realistic” project. In order for the Corps to fully consider all alternatives in the draft EIS, they recommend a preliminary economic assessment at minimum, and preferably a pre-feasibility study.
The letter was submitted on the final day of the EIS scoping period.
Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation CEO Norman Van Vactor called the decision “fantastic.” BBEDC has long opposed the mining project.
“I’m glad to see the governor and this administration and Byron Mallott step up and do it. I think it speaks to our concerns,” Van Vactor said. “It speaks to the fact that the Army Corps of Engineers seems to be rushing the whole permit process … There’s just so many ongoing uncertainties about it. I hope and pray that the Army Corps of Engineers listens to the state.”
Pebble Limited Partnership could not be reached for comment.
