I wanted to put together a ‘little’ update on mining projects and concerns in Southeast Alaska, but ‘little’ wasn’t going to suffice, it turns out. Below you’ll find news on a significant fish kill downstream from Kensington, a call to action on Constantine Mining’s inadequate reclamation plan for their proposed mine on the Chilkat watershed, and some concerning updates on proposed mine development near some popular places to harvest and recreate in Juneau. I will close out with a little good news, so don’t get discouraged and quit before the end.
Sherman Creek fish kill
We got word of another incident near Kensington Mine — about 50 dead fish found by Alaska Department of Fish & Game staff during a routine salmon count on August 9. The fish, including sculpin, Dolly Varden and a pink salmon, showed signs of recent death, with some Dolly Varden displaying hemorrhaging near the fins and abdomen.
Clinical tests have ruled out infectious agents and parasites as cause of death; signs point to a ‘rapid toxic event’ — likely a chemical release from the mine — as the culprit. ADFG recommended further investigation and toxicology testing by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation — something we’re requesting as well, along with submitting a public records request for reports, data and other information related to the incident.
This is the second major event we’ve been made aware of this year — in March we learned about a 105,000-gallon mine waste spill at Kensington Mine into Johnson Creek back in January.
Call to action on Constantine Palmer Project five-year reclamation plan
Constantine Mining (American Pacific) is seeking to renew its five-year reclamation plan with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for the Palmer Project, a proposed mine near Klukwan and Haines threatening the Chilkat River watershed and those who rely on it. The plan is woefully inadequate for a proposed sulfide mine rife with hazards like avalanche chutes and steep, seismically active, unstable ground and should not be approved. Join us, Lynn Canal Conservation and Audubon Alaska in sending Commissioner Boyle a message.
Constantine Palmer Project litigation update
Litigation can be an awfully slow process. You may recall that we filed suit regarding a wastewater discharge authorization permit Alaska DEC granted to the Palmer Project contesting the assumption of no connection between surface and groundwater and the failure to provide public notice on decision making. The latest steps include Earthjustice filing a reply brief on the appeal.
In case you missed it, we wanted to share this interview with Lani Hotch of Klukwan on the Trail Less Traveled podcast again.
New Amalga Mine Project
Grand Portage Resources has developed a conceptual mining plan for the ‘New Amalga Mine Project’ — formerly known as the ‘Herbert Gold Project.’ If ‘Amalga’ and ‘Herbert’ ring a bell for those familiar with Juneau, they should — the proposed mining and infrastructure development would take place near popular recreation areas.
Additionally, Grand Portage Resources has signed a Letter of Intent with Goldbelt, Inc., to explore potential development of an ore terminal at Goldbelt’s Cascade Point site at Berners Bay (also considered for a ferry terminal).
You can count on us to keep a watchful eye on this project and take any steps necessary to protect these special places.
D1 lands protected
Remember hearing about the potential release of D1 protected lands in Alaska that would have opened up lands, including in northern Southeast Alaska, for development like mining? The Biden administration will keep those lands closed to drilling and mining, thanks in large part to folks like you speaking up.
