RDC Comment Letter:
Chuitna Coal Permit Renewal

October 12, 2010

Mr. Russell Kirkham
State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Division of Mining, Land and Water
550 W 7th Ave Suite 920
Anchorage, AK 99501

Dear Mr. Kirkham:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) writes to express its support for a two-year renewal to exploration permit No. 02-83-795 held by PacRim Coal, LP for the Chuitna Coal area.

RDC is a statewide business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism and fisheries industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

PacRim Coal has applied for a two-year renewal to the existing permit for exploration in the Chuitna Coal area approximately 11 miles northwest of Tyonek. This permit, originally issued in 1983 with a two-year renewal term, has been renewed many times. This renewal would provide for continued monitoring of 82 previously drilled wells, and 6 new wells to be drilled.

As PacRim Coal prepares to enter the mine permitting process, it is crucial that they be allowed to retain monitoring abilities at the Chuitna site, as well as conduct additional monitoring, should the need arise.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.

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