Processing Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • News & Notes
  • Videos
  • Podcasts
  • Webinars
  • White Papers
  • 3D Models
  • Breakthrough Products Awards
  • Maintenance & Safety
  • Material Handling
  • Mixing & Blending
  • Powder & Bulk Processing
  • Process Control & Automation
  • Pumps, Motors & Drives
  • Valves & Actuators
  • Topics
    Maintenance & SafetyMaterial HandlingMixing, Blending & Size ReductionProcess Control & AutomationPumps, Motors & DrivesValves & ActuatorsPowder & Bulk Solids
    Resources
    MagazineEventsNews & NotesVideosPodcastsWebinarsWhite PapersBreakthrough Products Awards
    User Tools
    SubscribeAdvertiseAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions
    http://www.facebook.com/ProcessingMagazine
    https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/27062974
    https://twitter.com/ProcessingMag
    1. News & Notes

    EPA slammed for spending $2.4 million on Pebble Mine review

    July 26, 2013

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been criticized after disclosing that it had spent $2.4 million on reviewing the proposed open-pit copper and gold Pebble Mine in southwest Alaska.

    Staff
    Roberto Manderioli/iStockphoto/Thinkstock
    Roberto Manderioli/iStockphoto/Thinkstock
    Ts 167220229 715x400

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been criticized after disclosing that it had spent $2.4 million on reviewing the proposed open-pit copper and gold Pebble Mine in southwest Alaska.

    This figure was published as part of the agency's draft watershed assessment released for public comment last year and represents only the amount of money spent on external projects, with internal agency costs not factored in.

    One of the reasons for the criticism over the EPA's assessment is the fact that plans for Pebble Mine could be blocked even before the start of the permit process. The issue was debated at a Senate hearing earlier this week, as Republicans attacked Ken Kopocis, a nominee for assistant administrator to the EPA's water office, over the expenses. Kopocis was nominated for the post by President Obama and the senate had to discuss his appointment.

    The EPA has the right to ban mining operations under the Clean Water Act if there is evidence that they are likely to cause adverse effects on the environment. The review of the Pebble Mine plans examined the potential impact on salmon ecosystems in Bristol Bay and concluded that the mine would significantly impact fish populations in waterways near to the site where mining operations are to take place.

    RELATED: China puts uranium processing plant on hold after protests

    A Louisiana Republican senator stated that the EPA's assessment was "completely unnecessary", because the companies that are expected to share the rights over the mine — Northern Dynasty Minerals, Anglo American and Rio Tinto — have not formally announced any plans for the mine, nor have they applied for a Clean Water Act permit. The partnership explained that it was still reviewing various design options and would apply for a permit later, but critics believe this has taken too long. According to a letter sent to the partnership by Rep. Sen. Lisa Mukrowski, the process was started almost 10 years ago. Mukrowski, who claims to be an EPA critic, argued that this delay had "created a vacuum that the EPA has now filled with… three hypothetical mine scenarios."

    If plans for the Pebble Mine are eventually approved, it will be the biggest open-pit copper and gold mine in the world. It is predicted that annual operating costs will reach about $1 billion and the partnership estimates it could bring up to $180 million in annual taxes and royalties to Alaska.

    Meanwhile, the Daily Caller noted that this is not the first time the EPA has come under fire over expenses for project assessments. Earlier this year, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported that the federal agency had spent $169,381 on sending a group of 16 officials, or $10,586 per person, to carry out a peer review meeting on the watershed assessment. By contrast, the cost per person of the General Services Administration Las Vegas trip came in at $2,740 per person, highlighting the disproportionate expenses of the EPA, the news source pointed out.

    Continue Reading

    Eriez names Jaisen Kohmuench as new president and CEO

    Metso to expand Arizona service center and add new advanced training facility

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Motion names new automation intelligence group vice president

    Mike Esposito will lead the Motion Automation Intelligence team, including the development and implementation of multi-year strategic business and marketing plans.

    MG America and Romaco North America announce strategic alliance in North American manufacturing equipment marketplace

    The two suppliers will combine sales, field service and support teams to offer complementary processing and packaging machinery.

    Yokogawa and FPT Software ink global partnership to advance DX solution offerings

    The partnership will help accelerate the growth of Yokogawa's DX portfolio of applications and services while helping FPT Software expand its market reach. The agreement is in...

    Efficient pressure compensation improves weighing accuracy in loss-in-weight feeders

    Electronic pressure compensation systems are more effective and reliable than traditional mechanical systems.

    Latest in News & Notes

    News & Notes

    Motion names new automation intelligence group vice president

    Motion Industries
    Nov. 29, 2023
    ID 98227990 © Markus Gann | Dreamstime.com
    News & Notes

    MG America and Romaco North America announce strategic alliance in North American manufacturing equipment marketplace

    Nov. 29, 2023

    Most Read

    Process Expo 2023 promises a host of new experiences, opportunities and excitement

    Spark detection and extinguishing system

    Distributed control system

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Motion names new automation intelligence group vice president

    MG America and Romaco North America announce strategic alliance in North American manufacturing equipment marketplace

    Yokogawa and FPT Software ink global partnership to advance DX solution offerings

    Processing Magazine
    http://www.facebook.com/ProcessingMagazine
    https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/27062974
    https://twitter.com/ProcessingMag
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo