Connection to Bristol Bay and SalmonThough the mine development area is some distance from the Bay, the salmon spawn in the area of the proposed development. Impacts and potential impact to receiving spawning areas and related aquatic species will be fully analyzed in the EIS.
Potential impacts to waterways (whether salmon habitat or not) include, but are not limited to:
-stormwater runoff quality
-direct disturbance of the water way
-riparian disturbance
-acid rock drainage if not contained
-pit dewatering hydrologic connection to waterways
-post-mining pit lake chemistry and hydrologic impacts
-others
The EIS is required to assess all related and connected activities, not just the proposed action per the 404 application submittal.
Contrary to Colliers comments, mining creates impacts, as long as those impacts are compliant is the key.