There’s jobs in them there hills
Bald Mountain mining project would employ about 300
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the state’s largest landowner, J.D. Irving, Limited, were in Presque Isle last week to discuss mining possibilities at Bald Mountain — property co-owned by J.D. Irving and Prentiss & Carlisle, about 15 miles west of Portage.
James D. Irving, president of J.D. Irving, Limited, attended a reception and dinner at Northern Maine Community College March 22, joined by company representatives and mining experts, to provide details regarding the potential mining project at Bald Mountain and LD 1853, currently before the Maine State Legislature.
In the mid-1970s, deposits of gold, silver, copper and zinc were discovered at Bald Mountain. Despite about $25 million in exploration, regulations prevented previous landowners from obtaining permits to mine. Given the current market for gold and silver, Irving officials believe now’s the time to reconsider the possibilities — should LD 1853 pass.
A follow-up meeting took place March 23 at The Star-Herald office with Irving representatives Mary Keith, vice president of communications for J.D. Irving Limited, and Anthony Hourihan, director of land development, providing an overview of the company’s plans for the site.
“From a company perspective, there’s opportunity there,” said Keith, noting that LD 1853 would provide a “more simplified framework” while still “protecting the environment.”
Keith said the project would create up to 300 jobs, with an additional 400 indirectly created throughout the region.
“On average, mining jobs pay 27 percent higher wages than similar jobs elsewhere,” said Keith.
She said skill building could be incorporated into company plans, using resources from local college campuses.
“We want to make sure we do this right. We’ve (Irving) been here 60 years. We want to see this done to environmental standards. Efforts are being made to use the best sciences and techniques,” Keith said.
Hourihan said current legislation was put in place in 1991 but things have changed a great deal since then.
“The way the rules are currently written, it’s very prescriptive. No mining has taken place since ‘91,” said Hourihan, because guidelines within the law are so burdensome and costly.
Keith said while history provides an “ugly snapshot” of mining practices, Irving’s goal is to “begin at the end.”
“We start with the reclamation process and work back from there,” Keith said.
Hourihan explained that wastewater treatment would take place on site.
“The way the rules in Maine are today, it would require treatment to make water drinkable. In ‘91, lawmakers cut and paste from other laws. If LD 1853 goes through, those laws will be revised, with the DEP having more control,” said Hourihan. “The law deals with unorganized territories statewide and moves mining under DEP.”
The present law would require use of a liner to capture water at the site.
“We’re saying let the experts determine whether a trench, liner or some other method is needed,” said Hourihan. “Let the experts decide what’s best for the site.”
Hourihan said the first step is “getting the regulatory process worked out.”
“Then we’ll see if it’s a viable project,” he said. “It’s an issue of organized vs. unorganized territories.”
The original bill was submitted by Representatives John Martin and Troy Jackson and Sen. Roger Sherman. LD 1853 would give the DEP sole control. Hourihan said the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) would no longer have control. At present, under LURC, no metal mining is allowed in unorganized territories in the state. He said Jackson supports LD 1853, since the future of LURC is uncertain at this point.
“In an amendment put forth recently, LURC would stay involved. Commissioner Aho (DEP) said it would be 2014 before the rules would be in place,” said Hourihan. “The LURC amendment would determine which specific areas are off limits (to mining).”
“It’s confusing when it’s being called ‘rushed’ legislation, when nothing will be finalized for nearly two years,” said Hourihan. “Lawmakers have spent more time on this than many bills.”
Once the details are finalized, Hourihan said additional research would be necessary, then three to five years for construction, before the mine would be operational.
“It could be a viable mine for 20 years after construction, five to six years for closure, then there’s monitoring after that. The commissioner can add another 20 years for monitoring,” said Hourihan, noting all those years translate to jobs, which in turn mean a boost to the local economy.
“Before the DEP would sign off on the project, Irving would have to have finances set up before acquiring a permit. This would ensure no liability to the environment or community,” Hourihan said.
The Bald Mountain mine would include 500-600 acres with controlled access. Mined materials would be hauled by truck to a loading yard in the woods, then transported south by rail.
“It would be a busy working site, with truck traffic coming out Rocky Brook Road,” said Hourihan.
“For safety, wear and tear would be contained on woods roads,” said Keith.
Hourihan said in addition to creating jobs, mining would also increase state revenue through taxation.
“Gov. Brennan established a mining excise tax. Some of that fund is earmarked for local use,” said Hourihan. “The site would also require energy — could possibly obtain energy from the ReEnergy plant in Ashland, less than 20 miles away. The nature of work on site — crushing, refining — is power-intensive.”
Hourihan said the discussion will continue this week, with work being done on the bill’s language.
“On Friday, there’ll be a vetting day. We’re encouraging citizens to take part or contact their elected officials,” said Hourihan.
A public comment session will take place at 1 p.m. March 30 in Room 216 of the Cross State Office Building in Augusta.
