Mining bill sent to Gov. LePage for signature
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
A bill that would allow more mining options for interested parties to pursue projects such as J.D. Irving Ltd.’s proposed plans at Bald Mountain, west of Portage, entered the final stage of passage, was signed by the governor on April 24. J.D. Irving owns the land with Prentiss & Carlisle and has expressed interest in mining the site for zinc, copper, gold and silver.
LD 1853, An Act to Improve Environmental Oversight and Streamline Permitting for Mining in Maine, passed both chambers of the Legislature late last week and went to Gov. Paul LePage on Tuesday for his signature.
Under the bill, required rulemaking by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection would not begin prior to January 2014, at the earliest.
Rep. John Martin (D-Eagle Lake) was one of the bill sponsors and said mining at Bald Mountain would be good for the local economy, creating at least 300 direct jobs and numerous indirect positions at local businesses.
In addition to good-paying jobs, excise taxes on minerals, income taxes and other state and local taxes would bring much-needed dollars to all levels of government in the state, noted Martin.
Alice Kelley, chair of the Geology Society of Maine, said while her organization hasn’t taken a stance on the bill and any future mining, personally she sees the advantages that could come of it.
“I was in the mining industry a long time ago. This could be an economic boon to the county and the state,” said Kelley.
“The important thing here for this to become reality is to make sure not to just focus on the economic factor but the environmental issues as well,” she continued.
Unlike years ago, Kelley said procedures and safety measures have changed, making mining a viable use of land, if proper procedures are followed.
“Bald Mountain will be a modern facility and serve as the ‘mining face’ for the state,” said Kelley. “People think of mining and images of poor practices from the past come to mind. Times and techniques have changed.”
“This can be a viable economic resource,” said Kelley.
Ashland Town Manager Ralph Dwyer sees the advantages mining could bring to the region.
“The mine would mean significant changes to the job market in the region. Upward of 300 good-paying jobs would be created,” he said. “It would also result in many jobs being created throughout various communities. Miners have to shop and eat.”
Dwyer said he respects J.D. Irving’s land management abilities.
“Irving has always been a strong supporter of the environment. This would be no different,” said Dwyer.
Irving officials have stated that if mining is permitted at Bald Mountain, a fund would be set up to cover closing costs so that neither the state or local communities would be held responsible.
In related news, the University of Maine at Fort Kent Board of Visitors’ Business Breakfast Series will present an informational forum on the future of mining in Maine and the potential for mining development of Bald Mountain on Thursday, May 3, at 10 a.m. in the Nadeau Hall Teleconference Room on the UMFK campus.
The guest speaker for the forum will be Jim Irving, president of J.D. Irving, Ltd. Admission to the forum is free. Pre-registration is required by calling 834-7557 or by e-mail at susan.tardie@maine.edu by Wednesday, April 25. Seating is limited.
