Good afternoon, Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the ENR Committee. My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 30,000 members and supporters. I am commenting in support of the Department of Environmental 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.
Pickett Mountain Mining Proposal Rejected
Decision comes after overwhelming opposition from Wabanaki Tribes, local businesses, and conservation groups Penobscot Nation | Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Natural Resources Council of Maine | Conservation Law Foundation | Maine Audubon | Earthjustice News release February 14, 2024 (Brewer, ME) The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has firmly rejected a mining proposal Read More
Maine Voices Opposed to Wolfden’s Mining
As the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) prepares to make its decision regarding Wolfden Resources’ flawed mining proposal, more than a thousand Mainers, local businesses, Wabanaki tribes, government agencies, and conservation and philanthropic organizations have submitted written testimony opposed to the project because it’s too big of a risk for Maine. The broad range of Read More
Your Questions Answered: Wolfden’s Proposed Pickett Mountain Mine
An untested and underfunded company called Wolfden Resources has submitted a second rezoning petition to the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) to allow for the development of a zinc mine near Pickett Mountain in the Katahdin region. The Canada-based exploration and development company focused on metallic mining deposits was forced to withdraw its first application Read More
Stepping Back in Time in Maine’s North Woods: Part 2
Part 2: Big Reed Forest Reserve In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the Natural Resources Council of Maine is partnering with Maine photographer Nathaniel Child on a blog and photography series to bring awareness to some of Maine’s threatened and endangered species and their habitat. This is part two of Read More
Roadmap for Taking Swift Action against the Threat of Residential Mining
In mid-February of 2023, residents in the towns of Union and Warren were stunned when they learned that Canadian company Exiro would be coming to town to pitch a proposal for exploring known nickel deposits in and around Crawford Pond—a body of water that spans both towns. By the time Exiro arrived, trying to persuade Read More
Maine Tribes and Leading Environmental Organizations Join Forces to Oppose Proposed Mine in Shadow of Katahdin
June 28, 2023 (Augusta, ME) — Two Tribes in Maine today joined forces with leading environmental groups and a national public interest environmental law organization to oppose a proposed mine that would be located in the shadow of Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
Proposed Mining Legislation and Possible Amendments to Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act
Testimony on Proposed Legislation Concerning Mining and Possible Amendments to the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. My name is Pete Didisheim, and I am the advocacy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with Read More
Wolfden Revives Failed Plan to Mine in Shadow of Katahdin
After being forced to withdraw its initial request because it was riddled with errors, Wolfden Resources today submitted a second rezoning petition to develop a zinc mine at Pickett Mountain The area Wolfden wants to mine is located in the shadow of Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. It contains the Read More
