The proposed changes in the mining regulations in Maine has started a debate whether expanding the state’s mining industry is the answer to its pressing economic problems or will just result to environmental degradation.
Changes in the regulations were proposed after companies started taking interest in the mineral deposits found in Aroostook County in the Bald Mountain. The area is known to have rich sources of silver, copper, gold, and other metals. The initiative to start mining in the mountain is being held back by those who protest against it, claiming that mining may expose Maine to toxic wastes such as arsenic and sulfur.
However, this is not the first time that mining will be conducted in Maine. During the 1960s and 1970s, mining operations were active in the state. In the late 1990s, J.D. Irving Ltd., a company based at New Brunswick, bought Bald Mountain and started to take interest in mining at Maine again. However, officials stated that resurrecting the mining industry will be impossible based on current rules, and the local government of Maine has to make new laws or change existing ones.
During a public hearing on Monday, Senator Chris Johnson expressed his disagreement towards the changing the state’s mining laws. “Sulfide ore metallic mining is something we need to do right, or not do at all. Because Maine's slogan is not 'I remember it before the acid and arsenic spoiled it”, he said as quoted by the Associated Press.
Similarly, staff scientist from the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Nick Bennett stated that the Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations on the matter are vague and lack a substantial definition of a “mining area”. Bennett says that this ambiguity could lead to the contamination of groundwater sources and other areas such as lakes, rivers, and parks.
On the other hand, executive director of Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, Teresa Fowler stated that reviving the mining industry will create jobs for the people of Maine. "The population in Aroostook declined over the past few years and will continue to without the industry and the development of good jobs to attract ambitious new residents and offer gratifying employment to residents, “she said in AP.
