Oppose dangerous mining project

To the Editor;

In January, the Land Use Planning Commission will decide on the rezoning by Wolfden Mining for the purpose of zinc and other metallic mining in the Penobscot and Mattawamkeag River watersheds.

Mining in this sensitive area will cause significant environmental harm extending far beyond the time that the mine is actually extracting minerals. This is a wilderness area with successfully restored Atlantic Salmon habitat as well as brook trout. The disruption of sulfide rock and runoff of sulfuric acid into the freshwater these fish depend on is an inevitable long-lasting result of mining. Other heavy metals such as copper, lead, arsenic, and mercury will also be released into the environment through the mining process, and once released, will disperse through water into streams, ponds, lakes, and ultimately into fish and other wildfoods. These dangerous minerals are not easily eliminated from the body once ingested and build up in fish, animals, and humans high up the food chain that consume smaller ones containing them. 

There are also significant reproductive risks that this movement of heavy metals will cause. Arsenic, lead, and mercury are well known poisons which are hazardous to a developing fetus. All three pass freely through the placenta to the baby when consumed by the mother. Exposure can cause lifelong problems after birth. Lower levels of lead and mercury are linked to attention deficit disorder and problems in school, and high levels, especially of mercury, can cause seizures, hearing, and vision problems. These chemicals also accumulate in breastmilk, making it unsafe to breastfeed. Arsenic poisoning during pregnancy is linked to poor fetal and infant growth, prematurity, and miscarriage.   

Maine already struggles with toxins in our water and fish. Why would we want to risk more – and worse? My daughters may choose to start families soon, and both of them fish and eat wild foods. I don’t want to see them or any other person exposed to heavy metals that are released into our water because Wolfden wants to make profits. I urge your readers to let the LUPC know that they are opposed to this very dangerous project.

Daisy Goodman

Old Town