SEPA	EPA's Bristol
United States
A„8rren,"Pro,ec"„„ Assessment Update
Region 10

Bristol Bay, Alaska	February 2012
Since February 2011, EPA has been working on a scientific analysis of the Bristol Bay watershed to better
understand how future large-scale mining may affect the Bristol Bay salmon fishery The results of the
assessment will help us make decisions to protect the resources and habitat on which salmon and other fish
depend.
The assessment is focused on the Kvichak and Nushagak watersheds because those drainages are open to
development of mineral resources.
EPA initiated the assessment in response to petitions from nine tribes and other stakeholders who asked
us to take action to protect salmon because they were concerned about risks posed by large-scale mining.
We also heard from other tribes and stakeholders who felt that no action was needed before the mining
permitting process began. The watershed assessment will provide EPA with information that will help us
respond to both requests.
The Assessment is Starting to Take Shape
The EPA Bristol Bay watershed assessment will
have two main sections: One part characterizes
salmon resources and other key aspects of the
Kvichak and Nushagak watersheds and the second
part assesses risks that might cause harm to salmon.
Characterization Reports
EPA has compiled the best available information on
Bristol Bay salmon, resident fish, wildlife, culture,
economics and roads. We also gathered traditional
ecological knowledge by interviewing tribal elders
and culture bearers. These characterization reports
are currently being reviewed for completeness and
accuracy by EPA staff and contractors.
Risk Assessment
Scientists from EPA's Office of Research and
Development (ORD) are conducting a detailed
evaluation of potential risks from large-scale mining.
This evaluation will be the core of the Bristol Bay
watershed assessment.
Our goal is to answer key questions about Bristol
Bay, including: What is the condition of the
resources? Are the resources unique or rare? How
do they compare with other areas or regions? What
factors have made the resources this way?
How might those factors change as a result of large-
scale mining development?
We created a mining scenario to provide a basis for
identifying potential risks. This plausible scenario
describes a generic mining operation with enough
detail to allow EPA to identify potential adverse
impacts to salmon fisheries. It is also important to
identify measures that could mitigate any poten-
tial effects. EPA is using published information on
proposed large-scale mining in Bristol Bay to help
develop the scenario, but the scenario could apply to
any future mine in the watershed.
Conceptual diagrams were developed to show po-
tential relationships between stresses produced by
large-scale mining and the salmon resources in the
two watersheds. These diagrams helped us prioritize
pathways of potential impact to focus the assess-
ment. Federal, state and tribal stakeholders weighed
in on these diagrams last summer and provided
feedback. The resulting conceptual diagrams are
available on our web site.
We look forward to sharing the draft EPA Bristol
Bay watershed assessment with you in the spring
of 2012 and hearing your feedback. Updated
information is posted at
^0 www.epa. gov/region 10/bristolbav

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Key Dates for EPA's Bristol Bay
Watershed Assessment
February 2012 - Opportunity to nominate candidates for the
Scientific Peer Review Panel.
Late April 2012 - Draft Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment
released for public review and input
May 2012 - Public meetings in Anchorage and other Bristol Bay
communities to listen to public input and talk with you about the
Draft Watershed Assessment
August 2012 - Scientific Peer Review Panel will hold a meeting
open to the public in Anchorage.
November 2012 - Final Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment
release date
On the average, Bristol Bay's
Kvichak River produces more
sockeye salmon than any
other river in the world.
Photo Courtesy of Thomas P. Quinn,
University of Washington
For Information,
Website: www.epa.gov/regionlO/bristolbay
E-mail: rlObristolbay@epa.gov
Join the Bristol Bay listserv to get regular e-mail
updates about EPA's work by sending an e-mail
message to smith.judy@epa.gov or clicking the
link on the web page.
Community Involvement Coordinator: Judy Smith
503-326-6994, smith.iudv@epa.gov
Tribal Liaison: Tami Fordham
907-271-1484, fordham.tami@epa.gov
Management Lead: Richard Parkin
206-553-8574, parkin.richard@epa. gov

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