Even though Maine’s Legislature has twice overwhelmingly defeated bad mining rules that would have allowed dangerous mines near some of our state’s most treasured places, the mining rules are back.
Let the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) know you oppose the proposed weak mining rules by testifying at a public hearing next Thursday or by emailing them at miningcomments2016.dep@maine.gov.
Board of Environmental Protection Hearing on Mining Rules
When: Thursday, September 15, 9:00 am
Where: Augusta Civic Center.
If you can’t attend, please contact the BEP and let them know you oppose the proposed mining rules.
Maine’s Legislature has twice overwhelmingly defeated bad mining rules that would have allowed dangerous mines near some of our state’s most treasured places, including Moosehead Lake and the Down East coast.
Now The Department of Environmental Protection has revised the bad rules and the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) is asking for public comment. While some improvements have been made, the rules are still not strong enough and, if approved, would put Maine’s water and aquatic resources at risk.
The proposed rules are problematic because they would:
- Allow mining on and under Maine’s spectacular Public Reserved Lands.
- Allow tailings impoundments, the most dangerous type of mine waste disposal facility.
- Leave Maine taxpayers on the hook for mining disasters, which happen far too often.
- Allow even the most hazardous parts of mines–such as wasterock piles and tailings ponds–in floodplains and flood hazard areas.
In the past, legislators defeated the rules because they from heard from you loud and clear that the proposed rules did not protect Maine’s clean water and taxpayers. Please speak up again by attending the public hearing or by contacting the BEP.
Learn more about the rules and open pit mining in Maine on our website.
To sign up for Maine Audubon’s Action Alert e-mails, please click here.
