EPA keeps Obama-era limits on proposed Alaska mine until 'full extent of risk' to Bristol Bay fishery is known

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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is keeping, at least for now, restrictions that the Obama administration proposed for a huge gold and copper mine "because of the threat it could pose to fisheries in the Bristol Bay region," Alex DeMarban reports for the Anchorage Daily News.*

"It is my judgment at this time that any mining projects in the region likely pose a risk to the abundant natural resources that exist there," Pruitt said in a statement. "Until we know the full extent of that risk, those natural resources and world-class fisheries deserve the utmost protection."

Pruitt's move doesn't block a possible Army Corps of Engineers permit for the proposed Pebble Mine, "but it leaves open the possibility that development of the prospect could be greatly limited, or not happen at all," DeMarban writes.

Pebble Limited Partnership CEO Tom Collier said in a statement, "We believe we can demonstrate that we can responsibly construct and operate a mine at the Pebble deposit that meets Alaska's high environmental standards," he said. "We will also demonstrate that we can successfully operate a mine without compromising the fish and water resources around the project."

*The Anchorage Daily News has reverted to its original name following its purchase and sale by the owners of the Alaska Dispatch.