2020 Milestones & Permitting Next Steps An Update
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An Update from Tom Collier, CEO
In 2019, forward progress for our plan to develop a mine at the Pebble Deposit was achieved with the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project. This document, produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and with input from a range of cooperating agencies, showed our stakeholders that the project can be developed responsibly without harm to the Bristol Bay fishery. The DEIS further demonstrates the tremendous economic contribution the project could make to the communities closest to the deposit.
The DEIS was released to the public in February 2019 and was subject to a 120-day public comment process. The USACE received more than 100,000 comments — including extensive comments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the state of Alaska. It is worth noting that the USACE must address each of the comments it received as it works toward completion of its review of our plan.
Milestones in 2020
With these actions, 2020 should see the most important milestones for the project — the publication of a final Environmental Impact Statement for the project and a record of decision. These documents will conclude the federal permitting review of our plan. The USACE has indicated their intent to publish the final EIS for the project this summer. Should we secure our federal approvals, we can begin the process of navigating the state permitting process.
Permitting Next Steps
Other federal permitting actions on the horizon include the U.S. Coast Guard permits for bridge construction, biological assessment consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, and the completion of the pipeline right-of-way from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. The draft Compensatory Mitigation Plan for our wetlands permit was published by the USACE earlier this week. I share this information to keep stakeholders looped in about ongoing developments within the federal permitting process for the project.
Opportunity for Alaskans
The Pebble Deposit is on state of Alaska land and represents a significant opportunity for Alaskans. Our view is that it can be developed responsibly in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal permits. As these agencies continue their work reviewing the technical aspects of the project, the project team encourages Alaskans to keep engaged about the issues we face — and if you see something you like, please let others know.
Learn more about the Project on our website.
For more information, contact Mike Heatwole: (907) 339-2600