DNR Withdraws Jonesville Coal Mine Decision.

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by Mike Ford

Story Created: Jul 5, 2011 at 7:31 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 5, 2011 at 7:31 PM AKDT

The Chickaloon Village Traditional Council scored an environmental victory this week, stopping work on a coal mine that they say could impact salmon habitat that is vital to the tribe.

The Eska Creek is one of the areas where the tribe has been working hard to restore salmon habitat. It is also one of the creeks that the Jonesville coal mine area drains into.

The Department of Natural Resources has announced they will withdraw their decision to allow Ranger Alaska LLC to operate a surface strip and underground coal mine in the area. The change in direction came after DNR failed to address issues raised during the public comment period. Namely water pollution issues that persist from when the mine last operated almost four decades ago.

Other concerns about the re-opening of the mine include traffic and pollution associated with the transportation of the coal and possible groundwater contamination from the on going coal fires. The tribe also feels the current permit is terribly outdated and that it does not fully consider the importance of the salmon runs in the area to their way of life.

The Kind of Coal found in the area is bituminous coal a high-rank coal. It has high heat and low moisture contents and is harder than lower ranked coals. Bituminous coals are used in electricity generation and steel making processes, as well as, for industrial and municipal steam production applications.

We did not hear back from DNR or Ranger LLC before this story was published.




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