Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd (NAK)

[Bruce the Stock Guy]

$NAK!>>>>>>>>June 29, 2018

Program Manager, Regulatory Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Box 6898, Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Anchorage, AK 99506-0898

Submitted electronically at https://pebbleprojecteis.com/publiccomments/new

Dear Program Manager:

The Council of Alaska Producers (CAP) is writing to support the full evaluation of the Pebble Project via the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Scoping for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Review Process.

CAP is a non-profit trade association formed in 1992 to represent the interests of large metal mines and mine developmental projects in Alaska. CAP informs members on legislative and regulatory issues, supports and advances the mining industry, educates members, the media, and the general public on mining related issues, and promotes economic opportunity and environmentally sound mining practices.

The Pebble deposit is an important statewide economic asset, located on State of Alaska land designated for mineral exploration and development. The EIS should review all data gathered by the company as part of a rigorous and complete analysis of the project’s plan. This should include how the company will responsibly operate a mine and balance this with environmental protection.

In particular, the EIS should include an assessment of the extensive mitigation measures that Pebble has built into the new proposed plan to address environmental and stakeholder concerns. This new plan has shrunk the project footprint to less than half its original size. It removes permanent waste rock piles from the mine facilities, eliminates the use of cyanide at the plant, and ensures that all water is managed, captured and carefully treated prior to discharge. It also proposes a road corridor that minimizes impact on wetlands, minimizes stream crossings and culverts, and avoids areas known for subsistence and recreational use.

The EIS should also consider and incorporate the significant social and economic benefits that Pebble represents for the region, state, and nation. With the growing worldwide consumption and dependence on technical products powered by critical minerals such as copper, the expanding demand for renewable energy technologies, and the development of projects with strategic national significance, the Pebble deposit has the potential to generate hundreds of millions in annual economic activity for Alaska, as well as significant revenues for state and local governments, and expanded energy infrastructure that would benefit both residential and commercial users.

Southwest Alaska faces high costs of living. Development of the Pebble deposit would create familywage, year-round jobs as well as supply and service contracts for local businesses. These new job
Comments on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Scoping for the Environmental Impact Statement Review Process for the Pebble Project



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opportunities would reduce out-migration, help maintain rural schools, and support opportunities for subsistence activities for the people in the region.

Alaska has a strong track record of responsible mineral development. Recognizing that many state and federal permits are required prior to securing final approval, the Council welcomes a comprehensive EIS that considers all the social and economic benefits as well as the proposed mitigation measures.

Sincerely,



Karen Matthias Executive Director