"WASHINGTON -- New Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy plans to visit the site of Alaska’s proposed Pebble Mine next week as she decides whether to block the massive project to protect one of the world’s last big runs of wild salmon."

"It’s one of McCarthy’s first trips since her confirmation last month as EPA administrator. The trip underscores the growing national battle over what could be the largest open pit mine in North America.

The companies seeking to build the mine are waiting on final details but expect to host McCarthy at the mine site."

Sean Cockerham reports for the McClatchy Washington Bureau August 21, 2013. [2]