DEP Failed to Reveal the Risks to Lawmakers and the Public NRCM Press Release The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) today released an investigative report showing that documents in the possession of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), but not disclosed to Maine lawmakers or released to the public, reveal that an open-pit mine Read More
Mining Pollution
Mining is one of the most dangerous industrial activities, with mining pollution affecting wildlife habitat, clean waters, and public health. Mining metals in deposits with high levels of sulfides, which are common in Maine, is especially dangerous. Mining companies search for metals like copper and zinc in deposits where iron sulfide is present in large quantities. Iron sulfide creates acid when exposed to air and water. This acid kills fish and other aquatic creatures. It also leaches out toxic heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, that may also be in the mined rock.
Maine House Passes Bill to Revise Mining Law in Attempt to Protect Water, Taxpayers
by Jen Lynds, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine House on Wednesday afternoon approved a bill that officials said would help protect water from pollution caused by mineral mining while also protecting taxpayers from footing the bill for mine cleanup costs. LD 1302, An Act to Amend the Maine Read More
Maine House Passes Mining Bill with Environmental Safeguards
Opponents said the measure is too stringent and would hurt job creation in Aroostook County by Tom Bell, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill that adds environmental safeguards to the state’s mining law won initial support in the Maine House on Wednesday. The House voted 91 to 49 to pass Read More
Maine Senate Rejects Added Water Safeguards at Mines
A single vote sinks a bill that advocates said would protect water quality but opponents said would hamper job creation. by Michael Shepherd, State House Reporter & Tom Bell, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news update AUGUSTA — A bill that would add environmental safeguards to Maine mining laws was rejected by a single vote Read More
Maine’s Environmental Movement Reinvents Itself for a New Era of Challenges
by Lance Tapley Portland Phoenix news story Maine’s cherished environment may be threatened as never before by the gargantuan forces of economic globalization. In reaction, the state’s environmental movement is coalescing into a force stronger than ever. There are new players in the game — including Occupy — augmenting the old guard. Not surprising for Read More
Support of LD 1302, An Act to Amend the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act to Protect Water Quality
Good morning Senator Boyle, Representative Welsh, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I am testifying in support of LD 1302. NRCM supports LD 1302 because it would strengthen last year’s mining bill in Read More
NRCM Rebuttal Comments Regarding Chapter 12 of the LUPC Rules Regarding Land Use District Requirements for Metallic Mineral Mining
by Eliza Donoghue, NRCM North Woods Policy Advocate and Outreach Coordinator Thank you for the opportunity to respond to comments submitted on the proposed changes to Chapter 12 of the LUPC rules regarding land use district requirements for metallic mineral mining and Level C mineral exploration activities. NRCM has several rebuttal comments, all of which Read More
NRCM Rebuttal Comments Regarding Chapter 12 of the LUPC Rules Regarding Land Use District Requirements for Metallic Mineral Mining
by Nick Bennett, NRCM Staff Scientist and Watersheds Project Director Please accept the following comments on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) concerning the presentations of Robert Marvinney, Carol White, and George Kendrick. I would be happy to come speak to the Commission on the mining issue on behalf of NRCM. In Read More
The Battle for Bald Mountain
A potential conflict between badly needed jobs and protecting the environment takes shape as Maine revises its mining rules. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story If it weren’t so hilly where he lives, Troy Jackson could look out the windows of his home in Allagash and see what has become the Read More
