I haven’t been sleeping well since I attended the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s meeting here in Bethel on Jan. 23rd.
The state of Alaska and the Federal EPA will allow Donlin Gold to dump treated mine water into Crooked Creek of a lesser quality than the water that is present today.
Temperature changes resulting from mining could affect the fish and other life in the Crooked Creek watershed during the summers and impact spawning and incubation of the resident fish.
of Fish and Game to better protect salmon.
Donlin Gold’s partner, NovaGold’s only mine was located outside of Nome at Rock Creek and the mine closed shortly after startup due to water quality issues.
There are a few states that have outlawed mines that have water treatment in perpetuity.
In fact there is the new saying, “pathway to walk-away”, meaning that if a mine can’t close down its water treatment plant after 10 years past closure then it shouldn’t be permitted.
Donlin should not be issued permits while there are so many questions of importance.
Their water treatment plant outflow water hasn’t been tested on our fish.
Their past history makes me very worried.