Politicians mull study on mine permitting

JUNEAU - Lawmakers on Friday seemed poised to seek an independent study of Alaska's permitting standards and environmental safeguards to help address concerns about a potentially world-class copper and gold prospect at the headwaters of Bristol Bay.

The state Board of Fisheries had requested such a study, along with the Legislature taking any steps it deemed necessary to provide "strict protections" for game and fish habitat in a region that's home to a premier commercial sockeye salmon fishery.

Legislators took testimony Friday from interests, including a Pebble Mine critic and state and mine officials, aimed at determining whether, and why, they should look at the issue.

In the end, several voiced support for a study.

"We have to make sure our standards are up to par," said Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, a co-chair of the Senate Resources Committee that held the joint hearing with a House panel.

Critics say the mine could be huge - its footprint potentially covering 15 square miles, with an open pit and network of roads and power lines that could fundamentally alter the landscape and disrupt, if not destroy, a way of life in rural Alaska.

Supporters acknowledge the development could be massive - there's a potential for 10 billion tons of ore - but say it could last for decades and provide incredible opportunities, including up to 1,000 long-term jobs.

John Shively, chief executive of Pebble Limited Partnership, the group behind the mine, said the permitting process will help determine details like size and feasibility. He said the project could be in permitting early next year but told lawmakers Friday the project won't go anywhere if it can't be shown that fish will be protected.

Shively said he has no problems with the state commissioning a study. But he also raised questions about the current climate in Alaska in which the future or fate of other developments are being challenged.

Ed Fogels, with Alaska's Department of Natural Resources, said the state has a good permitting program and can do an adequate job given adequate resources in handling a mine the size of Pebble Mine's potential. Fogels noted that he would need a full-time coordinator just for Pebble.

Rick Halford, a former state legislator, said he worries about the dangers that could be associated with such a large mine of this type.

Rep. Bryce Edgmon said it's different from other developments - in potential size, location - and that he'd support a study. So would Sen. Thomas Wagoner, a commercial fisherman who also supports the mining industry.

"Bristol Bay is the last bastion where a man can make a living fishing," said Wagoner, R-Kenai. But the state won't be able to rely on oil forever, he said, and needs to look at other sources for jobs.

It wasn't clear how narrow, or encompassing, a study might be.

Wielechowski said the full Legislature wouldn't have to sign off on a study, that it could be done through the Legislative Council, at the request of a committee, like his. He hoped to advance it that way.