by A.J. Higgins MPBN 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 A.J. Read More
Metal Mining Pollution
NRCM Testimony on Draft Chapter 200 Metallic Mineral Mining Rules
Chairman Foley and Members of the Board of Environmental Protection: My name is Nick Bennett. I am the Staff Scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) and I reside in Hallowell. I am testifying in opposition to the draft Chapter 200 Metallic Mineral Mining Rules. NRCM believes these draft rules will not protect 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
Researchers Look at Maine Mine Contamination
The Dartmouth University study focusing on the Callahan Mine found elevated levels of copper, zinc, cadmium and lead in the sediment, water and small killifish. MPBN news story PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ A new study says a former open pit mine that’s now a federal Superfund site in Brooksville, Maine, has caused elevated levels of 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
Senate Goes Against House, Defeats Changes to Mining Law
by Jen Lynds, BDN staff Bangor Daily News news story Augusta, Maine â On Thursday afternoon, the Maine Senate voted against a bill making changes to mining law that only a day before had received strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. LD 1302, “An Act to Amend the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act 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 â 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 MPBN 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 is 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 â A bill that would add environmental safeguards to Maine mining laws was rejected by a single vote Read More
