Stop Dumping Mining Waste Into Our Water
Fix the Fill Rule Dear Friends, Mines are using a loophole to dump waste into America's lakes and streams: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to close this loophole in the Clean Water Act, protecting our nation's clean water from mining pollution. Please join this national call-in effort to stop the dumping of mining waste in America's waters. Call the White House today at 202-456-1414, and ask President Obama to restore the Clean Water Act's prohibition on dumping mining waste into our clean water. The Problem: Taking advantage of a loophole that the Bush administration created in Clean Water Act rules, mining companies are using America's streams and lakes as dumping grounds for unlimited amounts of solid mining wastes. For example, the Kensington Gold Mine near Juneau is planning on destroying a freshwater lake by calling mining waste "fill" and dumping it untreated into the lake. This loophole is also being used to allow mountaintop removal coal mines to dump their waste into Appalachian streams. The Solution: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to close the waste loophole in the Clean Water Act, and President Obama should instruct the agency to do so immediately. The Action: Please call the White House at 202-456-1414 today! Please let us know you took action and called the White House by clicking here. Together, we can demonstrate to the White House the urgent need for action to restore the prohibition of dumping mining waste in our water. Talking Points:
Lauren Pagel, Policy Director EARTHWORKS
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What does it mean that we are supporting Bristol Bay - the community, the fisheries, and the eco-system? It does not mean that we are anti-mining. It means that we are concerned about the risks and we will do what we have to to hold court until we are absolutely positive that the risks don't outweigh the benefits. If it is possible for the habitat (eco-system and community of Bristol Bay) to harmoniously co-exist with the proposed mine, then pro we are.
Let it be said, that SATELite is not anti-mining. Understandably that would be a contradiction given the jewelry business that spurred the SATELite concept. We are seeking the support for ethical practices that consider the full circle effects of actions. Accountability in all realms - be it community, eco-system, and otherwise. SATELite chose this years cause for its longevity, specificity, and progressive full circle approach to seeking a desirable outcome - Earthworks. Their mission in short: EARTHWORKS is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development, in the U.S. and worldwide. EARTHWORKS stands for clean water, healthy communities and corporate accountability. We're working for solutions that protect the earth's resources and communities. How They Work We fulfill our mission by working with communities and grassroots groups to reform government policies, improve corporate practices, influence investment decisions and encourage responsible materials sourcing and consumption. We expose the health, environmental, economic, social and cultural impacts of mining through work informed by sound science. I researched a variety of NGO's prior - and Earthworks stuck out as the most solid with the most reasonable principles. In any of my environmental efforts the first thing I ask myself is - If we say "NO" with a hard line, then what is the alternative? in this case meaning - do we have a plan b in case we don't get what we want? Is there a compromise somewhere? if the mine isn't here - will it just be moved somewhere that could easily have similar or more detrimental effects? Ultimately SATELite will be a non-profit so that the allocation of funds can be much more specific and direct. That process will take some time (and this project was conceptualized in Feb of this year). Currently - we are confident in Earthworks with their solid foundation and vested principles. What do we need to know to make informed decisions about the proposed mine? What are the EPA regulations for mining of this nature? What are Northern Dynasty's and Anglo American's company wide principles in regards to the eco-system? What are the effects of an open pit mine on the environment? land, water, air What is the history of the environmental protection efforts in mining? What is the environmental history of mines of this nature (size, location, timing)? Anglo and Dynasty mines? Alaskan mines? Are there any new regulations in place that will change the outcome of a new mine relative to the above history? What are the current promises made by the proposed mine in regards to the eco-system? Do these companies have a history of upholding these promises? Do Dynasty and Anglo have a vested interest in Alaska? Are their current efforts only that which is mandated? Have these companies addressed the impact their current research has had on the eco-system? What are these impacts? and what has or has not been done? What are the positives for Alaska and the community in mining this area? What are the risks? What are the specific predictions regarding the monetary gain of Alaska and the community? How long will the mine be active? and what happens when it is no longer operating? to the community & the development that was a direct result of the mine? Does Alaska support the mine? politically? socially? Does the Bristol Bay community support the mine? Follow up... If the mine does not get passed what is the alternative? Do they move to another area? do they try again later? What needs to happen for us to be confident that Pebble is a healthy and progressive proposition? What needs to happen in order for SATELite and Earthworks to feel as if they have had a positive impact on the future of mining in the larger picture? Knowing the answers to these questions - understanding why these are the pertinent questions regarding the Pebble Mine - will help you decide where you stand. To make your own decisions see the full document and answers to these questions here... SATELite's STANCE |
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