Deadline for Comments: March 7, 2005

Overview:

The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council is appealing the Forest Service Record of Decision (ROD) and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) for the Kensington Gold Mine in Southeast Alaska. Project developer Coeur Alaska, Inc., said the appeal is without merit and is a needless delay tactic. The company would like to move forward with construction of the mine this spring, however, the appeal must first be resolved and final permits need to be issued by government agencies. The state must also issue key certifications and consistency determinations before the project can move forward.

Action Requested:

Submit a letter addressed to the following government agencies encouraging issuance of final permits, state certifications and consistency determinations for Kensington. Comment points are included below. One letter addressed to ALL the agencies, but sent individually, is recommended.

Points to consider in your letter:

• The Forest Supervisor’s ROD for the Kensington Gold Mine is environmentally responsible and should be upheld by the Regional Forester in his response to the current SEACC appeal. Coeur’s proposed Plan of Operation, as well as the ROD and FSEIS, are supported by the findings of over 900 science and engineering studies.
• Given the level of transportation planning and extensive mitigation agreed to by Coeur, the National Marine Fisheries Service should complete its consultation process, to allow the company can obtain final permits for 2005 construction.
• The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should issue, without delay, the final NPDES and Section 404 permits so that construction on the project can occur this spring.
• The State of Alaska should issue Section 401 Certifications and the Alaska Coastal Management Program Determination as soon as possible. The state’s role as a cooperating entity on the FSEIS and its agreement with the Forest Service on Alternative D as the “selected alternative” should facilitate these decisions.
• Coeur’s Plan of Operations for the Lower Slate Lake tailings management facility will result in a net environmental gain by improving the lake’s fishery’s habitat, and creating new higher value wetlands.
• The Slate Lake tailings management proposal is the only “practicable alternative.” It has improved logistics and economics, and Coeur has incorporated the highest level of technology in terms of advanced water treatment and waste management. The project will be better environmentally and from an economic standpoint.
• Coeur’s Transportation Mitigation Plan provides the highest reasonable level of protection for Berners Bay, marine mammals and the ecosystem. It limits trips, reduces boat speeds, involves a NMFS observer during critical seasons, curtails fueling at these same times, and incorporates a sound-monitoring program.
• Coeur is an exemplary environmental steward, having spent $25 million on environmental studies and permitting. The Kensington project is in the best interest of Alaska as it will provide needed economic diversity and an annual payroll of $16 million.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL OF LETTER IS MONDAY, MARCH 7th