To the editor:
As a citizen of Houlton, I am very concerned about the application of Wolfden Resources of Canada to Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission to rezone land on Pickett Mountain to allow a metallic mineral mine.
Looking at The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (p. 52, 1-A square), I note that Pickett Mountain is about 35 miles west of Houlton, as the crow flies. Also, the proposed mine is located in a pristine area of lakes and streams.
Currently, the Pickett Mountain area is zoned for cabins, for good reasons. What are the positives and negatives if this area is rezoned for a metal mine? The positives can be summed up in one sentence. This region, as all others used to be long ago, is still as the Creator gifted it, fashioned by natural means.
The negatives include the following: potential land and water pollution by an inexperienced company that has not even disclosed where the tailings and waste water will be located. These currently clean, Class A waters are the headwaters of the Penobscot River and the Meduxnekeag River which flows beside our Riverside Park and through the Houlton Band of Maliseets Reserve. Surely, all of us want to eat untainted fish and fiddle heads.
Air pollution by the estimated thousands of loaded truck trips over the 5 year period the mine is supposed to be operational. As we all know, most of Houlton’s air comes from the west.
Dark sky pollution from the many lights needed, which will ask the night sky. Protecting the dwindling number of dark sky areas to see the stars and Milky Way should be important to us all.
Loss of jobs as numerous Maine Guides and camp owners (with staff) have already strongly stated publicly. This is a treasured region attracting fisherpersons from afar and others seeking solitude and peace. Echoing another’s words, this is no place for a mine.
Soon I will be writing (and I hope you will too) my thoughts nixing Wolfden’s application to rezone to the Land Use Planning Commission, 191, Main St., East Millinocket, ME 04430.
Marilyn Roper
Houlton
