Say thanks to Senator Cantwell for her support of Alaska’s Bristol Bay
Salmon spawing in the Bristol Bay watershed.
Photo: Nick Hall
This week Senator Cantwell (WA) sent a letter to the EPA urging the agency to protect Alaska’s Bristol Bay – home to our nation’s largest wild salmon fishery.
10 billion tons of toxic mine waste
The Bristol Bay watershed is at risk from the proposed Pebble Mine, which would dispose of up to 10 billion tons of toxic mine waste at its headwaters.
EPA protection Needed
The Senator has asked the EPA to use its authority under section 404c of the Clean Water Act. This provision gives it authority to prohibit or restrict the disposal of mine waste into rivers, streams or wetlands, if science shows it will harm the fishery.
Watershed study underway
The EPA is currently undertaking a watershed assessment to evaluate the impact of large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed. The results are expected in Spring 2012.
Please click here to send a thank you to Senator Cantwell for her leadership!
More Information:
- To learn more, go to ourbristolbay.com.
- Learn more about Earthworks’ outreach to jewelers in support of Bristol Bay.
- Read Senator Cantwell's letter to the EPA.