June 1, 2012
Admiralty Island National Monument – Tongass National Forest
Attn.: Greens Creek Tailings Expansion
8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Juneau, AK 99801
Via email to: comments-alaska-tongass-admiralty-national-monument@fs.fed.us
Re: Support of Greens Creek Tailings Facility Expansion EIS Alternative B
To Whom It May Concern:
The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) is writing to express support for the U.S. Forest Service’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Alternative B for the expansion of the tailings facility at the Greens Creek Mine.
RDC is a statewide organization made up of all resource sectors, business associations, labor unions, Native corporations, tourism providers, local governments and individuals. 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.
The Greens Creek Mine located on Admiralty Island has operated since 1988, and is the largest, year-round, private employer in Southeast Alaska. In addition to providing high paying jobs, the Greens Creek Mine is a major contributor to the local tax base. Expansion of the existing dry stack area is a logical step to increasing capacity, while minimizing disturbance and reclamation costs. With approval, Greens Creek will have the opportunity to reclaim areas inside the current facility.
Additionally, Greens Creek will utilize the same sound tailings disposal techniques, reclamation procedures, and environmental protections that have previously been approved and are currently in place.
In conclusion, RDC supports the EIS Alternative B for the expansion of the tailings facility at Greens Creek, which will allow for 20 to 50 additional years of production. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.
