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State mining coordinator Tom Crafford says he remains confident that ongoing exploration drilling at the proposed Pebble mine in Southwest Alaska will have no significant impact on fisheries resources.
Crafford also said the current state process for keeping the public informed on its permitting procedures is transparent, in the face of increased public interest in the proposed Pebble prospect, located at the headwaters of the Bristol Bay watershed.
Crafford's letter of July 3 to fisheries researcher and consultant Carol Ann Woody commented on water quantity, water quality, and monitoring and reporting issues. It was in response to concerns raised by Woody in her letter of April 2.
Crafford said Woody's concerns about reactivity of Pebble ore, acid mine drainage, metals leaching and potential contamination from various metals in relation to the number, depth and location of drill holes were valid issues that would be addressed if and when Pebble proceeds to development permitting.
"They are really not issues of concern for the on-going drilling exploration program at Pebble." he said.
The potential for the ore to generate acid...