Pebble Limited Partnership June 24 released Report Series C: Surficial Geology, the third of 14 reports that the owners have pledged to release as part of their Pre-Permitting Environmental & Socio-Economic Data Report Series over the next two years.
Alaska-based geologist Thomas D. Hamilton collected data for the Surficial Geology Report by reviewing aerial photography and conducting field surveys of the region. The results of Hamilton’s study provide a better understanding of the areas glacial geology and its relationship to the local groundwater system.
The study reveals that the surface deposits range from well-drained gravelly to marshy fine-grained soils, and the terrains vary from smooth to irregular, pitted and boulder-covered areas. The various soil, terrain and fauna types influence groundwater movement.
The Pebble engineering team will use this information to define foundation conditions for project facilities and surface conditions along road routes. The data will also assist in locating suitable construction materials for infrastructure needed if a mine is developed at Pebble.
The data included in the surficial geology report along with the additional reports in the Pre-Permitting & Socio-Economic Data Report Series will be included in a comprehensive Environmental Baseline Document which will be made available to the public as well as included with project permit applications.
“We believe that sharing our environmental and socio-economic data years before the onset of permitting, even before the Pebble Project is defined, will ultimately lead to more informed public input and a better project,” said Pebble Partnership CEO John Shively.
