The Science Scoop
Fish Biology and Water At this time there is a dearth of scientific knowledge of the hydrology (water quality and water quantity) and the full range of fish habitat throughout the Bristol Bay watershed. When Pebble files for permits, Alaska officials will be making decisions on only a few years of data collected by its own independently paid contractors. It is of utmost concern that permitting decisions will be made off few years of scientific study, elevating the risk that mining in Bristol Bay will have grave consequences of the fishery resources and pristine habitat. Part of the Pebble Partnership’s plans include dewatering salmon streams, and TU will track their water withdrawal plans. In addition, TU will be examining the region's ultra complex surface and groundwater hydrology, looking at data on the area's susceptibility to large earthquakes, and monitoring such salmon sensitive issues as mine proposals to use cyanide as a gold leaching agent, the potential for sulfuric acid waste generation during mine operation, and the impacts of toxic contaminants on salmon spawning.
Help Save Bristol Bay. Support Water Watch. Fund More Research in the Bristol Bay Watershed... Of particular concern is potential contamination from low pH, metals/metalloids (elevated concentrations of many potentially toxic constituents such as: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, copper, chromium, cobalt, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium, vanadium, zinc) together with elevated concentrations of the major metals (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) and nonmetals (sulfate, nitrate, ammonia, boron, phosphorus, fluoride, chloride), and natural radioactive constituents (uranium, thorium, potassium-40, gross alpha and beta, in general), all of which are associated with natural rock. Equally concerning are the potential impacts to fish and fish habitat from contaminants generated in the processing of ore and are of toxic concern. The following toxic chemical agents are generally added to help separate and extract metals from ore: methyl isobutyl carbinol, potassium ethyl xanthate, sodium ethyl ether, potassium amyl xanthate, sodium isobutyl xanthate, sodium metabisulfite, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium cyanide, sodium sulfide, lime, sodium hydroxide, organic antiscalents and flocculents. What is the potential impact of the proposed Pebble Mine on the fish and game of the Bristol Bay watershed? What about the impacts on pristine salmon habitat and water resources? Check out the papers below. The Effects of Copper on Salmon - A review of the scientific literature, By Dr. Carol Ann Woody Potential Impacts of the Proposed Pebble Mine on Fish Habitat and Fishery Resources of Bristol Bay, By William J. Hauser Pebble Mine: Hydrogeology and Geochemistry Issues, By Robert E. Moran Seeing is clear and simple… The figure below combines ADF & G salmon and trout data with Pebble Mine plans submitted by Northern Dynasty in September 2006 to show distinct overlap between the mine site and critical fish habitat. It depicts potential for direct habitat destruction and dewatering. |
