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
Metal Mining Pollution
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
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
Maine’s Mining Laws Come Under Scrutiny
Susan Sharon MPBN news story Maine hasn’t had an active mining operation in more than two decades. But last year, Maine’s largest landowner, J.D. Irving Limited, said it would like to explore the possibility of mining for copper, zinc and other metals on land it owns in Aroostook County. In response, lawmakers passed a bill 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
NRCM Comments to Proposed Changes to LUPC’s Rules Chapter 12, Land Use District Requirements for Metallic Mineral Mining and Level C Mineral Exploration Activities
Thank you for the opportunity to comment 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 eight comments on the proposed rule revisions, some of which are major comments regarding LUPC’s proposal to remove sections of Read More
