**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
APRIL 16, 2020
COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED FOR OKEFENOKEE MINING PERMIT
ATLANTA — The comment period for the public to weigh in on a proposed mining operation near the Okefenokee Swamp has been extended more than six weeks to May 28.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also announced this week that it would hold an online public meeting about Twin Pines Minerals’ proposed mining project on May 13. The comment period, originally set to end on April 13, will now remain open for 15 days after this virtual meeting, closing on May 28.
Read the USACE public notice about the extension and meeting here.
The Sierra Club Georgia Chapter maintains that a full environmental impact statement (EIS) is necessary before any mining can take place. Chapter Chair Jeff Schoenberg issued the following statement in response to the Corps of Engineers’ announcement:
“We're pleased to see that the Army Corps of Engineers seems to understand that Twin Pines' second bite at this apple is potentially just as dangerous as the first. Twin Pines is calling this latest proposal a ‘demonstration project’ like it is some sort of experiment. It is still a mine, and it is only the beginning of Twin Pines’ ultimate plan for the area to the east of the Okefenokee Swamp. Before the Corps issues any permit, it must require a full EIS to be absolutely sure that the Okefenokee, the St. Marys River, the region's groundwater and the local protected species will not be harmed. The tens of thousands of comments already submitted on this project shows how important the Okefenokee is to Georgians, who must continue to have a voice in what happens to this treasured and unique environment.”
About the Sierra Club Georgia Chapter
The Sierra Club Georgia Chapter is the largest grassroots environmental organization in the state, with more than 75,000 members and supporters. The Chapter supports a robust outings program and has active committees working on forest and coastal protection, transit expansion, and clean energy. For more information, visit sierraclub.org/georgia.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit sierraclub.org.
**Media Contact**
Ricky Leroux, Communications Coordinator, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter
404-607-1262 ext. 234 | ricky.leroux@sierraclub.org