How much is your opinion worth?

Did any of you Pebble Mine watchers notice the change in messaging?

It is blatantly unfair to not take a stand

Height of the proposed dam at the Pebble Mine

Pebble concerns must not be withheld

Protect land use of those not directly affected by the mine

Standing on the edge of the tailings pond

Commentary

Standing on the edge of the tailings pond

I have struggled to remain objective and neutral in my stance on the proposed pebble mine. I can value the arguments on both sides and be open to the positives of both positions. Ultimately I felt I needed to take a stand.

The question was how I would sway my own position one way or the other.

Pebble is in many minds I believe an abstract concept. People can remain objective because the mine is not real. Northern Dynasty isn't even applying for permits for 2 to 3 years. The mine doesn't seem real.

I took a second to imagine myself standing on the edge of the tailings pond of one of the two proposed 700 foot dams at the headwaters of the Bristol Bay. I took in the vast expanse of silt and dirt that is now displaced. I looked down into the hole in the ground.

What did I feel? Am I excited, indifferent, or angry?

Is it premature and blatantly unfair to decide right now? Northern Dynasty officials would like you to think so.

I just couldn't make myself feel excited about standing on the edge of the dam. I definitely was not indifferent. What would you feel?

I can no longer remain neutral or not inform myself about the pebble mine project. In my mind I saw myself sitting on the edge of one of the two vast dams proposed by the mine project, and in my heart I felt regret.

Gary Chythlook