CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2014
EPA deals another blow to Alaska mine plan
The EPA said that constructing a copper and gold mine at the headwaters of Bristol Bay would produce enough waste to fill at least 880 football stadiums and have “unacceptable” adverse impacts on the ecosystem.
Bristol Bay supports the world’s largest runs of sockeye salmon, producing about half of the world supply of this fish. No hatchery fish are raised or released there; all the salmon caught by the bay’s fishermen are wild. Photo credit: Ben
Washington--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that constructing a huge open-pit mine at the headwaters of Alaska’s Bristol Bay would produce enough waste to fill at least 880 football stadiums and have “unacceptable” adverse impacts on the eco-system.
The administrator for Seattle-based Region 10 of the EPA made these statements in a Proposed Determination on the Pebble mine that came out Friday. The agency published the report following its decision in February to invoke its authority under the Clean Water Act, or CWA, to take a closer look at the project, which would be North America’s largest open-pit copper and gold mine.
RELATED CONTENT: Pebble mine plans on hold after EPA action
Invoked only 13 times in its 42-year history, the CWA allows the EPA to prohibit, restrict or flat-out deny the use of any defined area in U.S. waters as a disposal site if it determines that the discharge of material into those waters would harm fishery areas.
In its determination, the EPA regional administrator said construction of a mine at the headwaters of Bristol Bay would result in loss of streams, wetlands, lakes and ponds and/or result in streamflow alterations. The administrator proposed the EPA “restrict the discharge of dredged or fill material related to mining the Pebble deposit into the waters of the U.S.”
Bonnie Gestring of environmental group Earthworks, who has been working to stop the Pebble project for a decade, said while the EPA’s determination on dumping in the case won’t block construction of the mine entirely, it is hard to conceive how the mine could operate with these type of disposal restrictions in place.
Northern Dynasty Minerals, the sole company still seeking to develop the Pebble mine, has a federal lawsuit pending that seeks to halt the EPA’s use of the CWA in the case, claiming the agency overstepped its authority by enacting the CWA to examine Pebble.
In a statement released Friday, Pebble Partnership CEO Tom Collier said they fully intend to continue their litigation against the EPA in order to "halt the preemptive and unprecedented regulatory process ... and invalidate the conditions proposed by EPA Region 10."
Pebble Partnership is owned by Northern Dynasty.
RELATED CONTENT: BJ’s signs Pebble pledge, mine remains in limbo
Meanwhile, mine opponents, which include more than 100 jewelers and retailers who sell fine jewelry, said the EPA’s ruling was yet another victory for their side.
“We applaud the EPA for taking this vital next step under the Clean Water Act to safeguard Bristol Bay and the communities and fishery it supports,” said Mike Kowalski, chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co., one of the many retailers that has pledged never to source gold from Pebble if it is constructed.
The next step in the CWA process is for the regional EPA to solicit and review public comments, which it is doing now through Sept. 19 on its website, and develop a final determination on limiting waste disposal from the mine, which it will then take to EPA headquarters in Washington.
After another consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an EPA official in Washington will make the final call on any prohibitions or restrictions on mining the Pebble deposit.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
