NRCM just completed an analysis showing that Maine people, particularly from Aroostook County, overwhelming spoke out in opposition to the mining rules that were considered during a legislative hearing last week. Those who testified or submitted comments in opposition to the proposed rules at last week’s public hearing outnumbered those in support by 129 to 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.
Overwhelming Opposition to Mining Rules Demonstrated at Public Hearing
NRCM news release On February 25, 2015, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on mining rules (LD 146) which demonstrated that Maine people from all parts of the state oppose weak mining rules. Twenty-four people from Aroostook County testified in person or submitted comments in opposition to the rules. Not a Read More
Irving Aims to Open Gold and Copper Mine in Maine
Tough environmental rules mean it would be the first metal mine in 40 years By Connell Smith CBC News news story JD Irving Ltd wants to build a gold and copper mine in northern Maine. The company has set up a subsidiary, Aroostook Resources, to pursue the project on Irving-owned land at Bald Mountain. President Read More
DEP’s Mining Plan Draws Strong Opposition at Public Hearing
By Mal Leary MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine – A renewed effort to overhaul Maine’s mining regulations is re-igniting a fierce debate in Augusta, where lawmakers are considering the Department of Environmental Protection’s plan. A crowd of mostly opponents filled two legislative hearing rooms for a public hearing on Wednesday. But first, there was a Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 146, Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 200: Metallic Mineral Exploration, Advanced Exploration and Mining, a Major Substantive Rule of the DEP
Senator Saviello, 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. I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in opposition to LD 146. NRCM believes these proposed rules will not protect Maine’s environment or Maine Read More
Maine Digs In to Review Mining Rules in Fight Over Remote Mountain
Canadian conglomerate faces off against environmentalists, tourism industry; compromise appears possible by Jon Kamp Wall Street Journal news story Closely held Irving, the state’s largest landowner, was the main driver behind a 2012 law that directed state regulators to replace 1991 mining rules, lawmakers say. The law’s proponents, including Republican Gov. Paul LePage, blame the Read More
Creature Feature: Brook Trout
Mainers are lucky. Very lucky. Almost all of us live within a bike ride of streams or ponds where brook trout live.
Citizen Leaders Stand Up to Protect Maine’s Precious Natural Heritage
For the Kennebec River, Bald Mountain and South Portland, three people are making a real difference. By Lisa Pohlmann Portland Press Herald op-ed AUGUSTA — This winter, I took my 8-year-old grandson out for an afternoon adventure in the snow-covered woods. We followed deer tracks, talked about the wood duck boxes in the marsh and Read More
Legislature Rejects Weak Mining Rules; Sends Bill to Governor
Statement of Nick Bennett, NRCM Staff Scientist “The Maine House and Senate have given final approval to LD 1772, a resolve rejecting the weak metal mining rules from the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP). The Natural Resources Council of Maine appreciates the work of legislators in both houses to defeat these weak rules that would have Read More
