Bristol Bay
Proposal to Protect the Bristol Bay Watershed
EPA Region 10 requests comment on a proposal to protect one of the world’s most valuable salmon fisheries, in Bristol Bay, Alaska, from the risks posed by a mine at the Pebble deposit.
Development of this mine would result in one of the largest open pit copper mines in the world and would
threaten one of the world’s most productive salmon fisheries.
Comment Period Closed
The public comment period on our proposal ended on September 19, 2014.
- View all public comments (links to docket on regulations.gov)
What is 404(c)?
EPA has authority under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act to protect valuable areas from harmful discharges.
Bristol Bay Photos
Watershed Map
EPA is proposing to protect Bristol Bay's fishery from potential mining impacts within the Kvichak and Nushagak River watersheds.
Bristol Bay Assessment
EPA's final assessment of the potential impacts of large-scale mining development on Bristol Bay fisheries and wildlife, and on Alaska Native cultures of the region.
- Final Assessment - Executive Summary (PDF)(36 pp, 4 MB)
- Final Assessment - Full Version
- Learn more about our assessment