AK HB242

Legislature finds that Bristol Bay produces one-third of Alaska's commercial salmon fishing income and requires heightened protection for its wild salmon, wildlife, and water resources.

Prohibits issuance of authorizations, licenses, permits, or approved plans for new large-scale metallic sulfide mining operations affecting Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve waters or resources until director completes baseline study and meets specified requirements.

Requires five-year baseline study analyzing hydrological conditions, water chemistry, geochemistry, fish and wildlife habitat, seismic activity, socioeconomic use, and risk assessment of economic damage to fisheries from mining activity before approval.

Director must find, based on clear and convincing evidence, that mining will not adversely affect wild salmon, other fish, wildlife, commercial fishing, or land and water quality, and must publish findings 180 days before any approval.

Defines "large-scale metallic sulfide mine" as mining operations extracting metals (including gold and copper) from sulfide-bearing rock affecting 640 or more acres, including support facilities; exempts existing mines, placer mining operations, and mines not affecting Bristol Bay resources.