As a recently retired U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist, I’m reassured to know that Alaska Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell appreciates the role of science in protecting the environment (“The U.S. is an ‘Arctic Nation,’ “ HCN, 8/20/12). Many decision-makers don’t.
I would have been extremely interested to hear Treadwell’s position on the Pebble Mine proposed for Bristol Bay. The mine is likely to be the richest gold and copper mine in the world. But it also is likely to adversely impact the largest and healthiest sockeye salmon run in the world. It would have been an obvious question for HCN to ask. In my opinion, the interviewer missed a golden opportunity.
Dennis Wentz
Portland, Oregon
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline What about Pebble Mine?.
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