A number of key issues are delaying a decision on the Environmental Assessment of DeBeers' proposed Victor Diamond Mine in Attawapiskat in northern Ontario. Key among them are the possibility that the mine will contaminate the Attawapiskat River and other surface waters with salinated water from deep in the ground, a concern about the possible drying out of over 2000 square kilometres of muskeg per pit, questions about a proposed road from Hearst to Attawapiskat that would replace the winter road, as well as inadequate socio-economic evaluation.