By Christopher Cousins, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A bid by the state’s largest landholder to relaunch the state’s mining industry in Aroostook County squared off Thursday against concerns that mining’s dark past in Maine could return in the form of environmental damage that may never be reversed. But proponents 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 Board Hears Arguments on Proposed New Mining Rules
by A.J. Higgins Maine Public news story More than 150 people turned out for a hearing in Augusta today on proposed mining rules developed by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Some favor a planned mine for northern Maine under the rules currently written. Others want any future operations to be more heavily regulated. As Read More
Mining Bald Mountain Poses High Risks
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
Draft of New Maine Mining Rules Raises Concerns
by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state Department of Environmental Protection, working with an out-of-state contractor, has proposed new mining rules that already are sparking controversy. The department released a 78-page draft late Friday and posted it on its website. When asked for comment on Monday, several legislators, Board of Read More
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 House Endorses Mining Bill
The bill would tighten permitting and clean-up requirements for open-pit mining operations in Maine. by Jennifer Mitchell Maine Public news story The Maine House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would tighten permitting and clean-up requirements for proposed open-pit mining operations. The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Jeff McCabe, of Skowhegan, says the legislation 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
Tighter Mining Regulations for Maine Get Preliminary OK
A legislative committee wants environmental protections that the industry deems excessive. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story State legislators will decide this week whether to change Maine’s year-old mining law to add protections for water quality and financial safety nets for the state at potential mining sites including Bald Mountain in Read More
