The Pebble Blog : Upcoming state-led talk about copper toxicity

The Pebble Blog

The gigantic Pebble copper and gold prospect in Southwest Alaska is one of the touchiest topics in Alaska today.

In this blog, I'll track news that is significant or interesting about the Pebble project. I'll also try to generate discussion and information sharing about some of the claims and counterclaims about the project, and mining in general.

Please keep your comments courteous and on topic. If you violate the ADN comment policy, your posts will be deleted.

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About Elizabeth Bluemink ebluemink@adn.com

I've been writing about mining in Alaska since 2004 and without a doubt, it is one of the most interesting topics that I cover at the Daily News. I've been a newspaper reporter for the past 10 years. In the Deep South, I specialized in reporting about environmental conflicts and pollution cleanups. For two years, I covered commercial fishing, mining and logging in Southeast Alaska. In my current job as a Daily News business reporter, I write about mining, tourism, Native corporations and other businesses.

Upcoming state-led talk about copper toxicity

Posted by Elizabeth Bluemink

Posted: December 17, 2009 - 11:38 am

Some Alaskans have said that if the Pebble mine goes forward, the state first should review its water quality standard for copper, which at certain concentrations can harm a salmon's sense of smell, researchers say.

Looks like that review is underway.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game this year completed a literature review of copper's effects on aquatic life.

In early February, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation plans to host a panel discussion about the state's water quality criteria for copper at the Alaska Forum on the Environment in Anchorage.

Here's the details on that meeting:

Title: Water Quality Criteria for Copper – Panel Discussion
Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Location: Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center
Time: 9 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Moderator: Jim Powell (DEC)
Presenters: Nancy Sonafrank (DEC) and others to be announced.
Description: DEC is reviewing recent scientific literature regarding the effects of copper on fish. A panel of technical experts will present information on the current copper criteria and the EPA method for developing water quality criteria, new research on sub-lethal effects of copper on fish, and the biology of fish in areas with elevated natural background levels of metals.