RDC Member Comment Letter:
Donlin Gold Project EIS Scoping

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Howard J. Grey
1927 W. 13th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501

Date: March 26, 2013

Mr. Don Kuhle, Regulatory Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
PO Box 6898
Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson
Anchorage, AK 99506-0898

Re: Donlin Gold LLC EIS Scoping Process

Dear Mr. Kuhle;

I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the scoping process for the Donlin Gold EIS. I am a long time resident of Alaska, having initially in 1961, and have participated in development and resource projects throughout the state for a number of years. I am also a professional geologist and have worked in the Kuskokwim area on several projects.

Employment is a scarce commodity in the Kuskokwim region. With the exception of some mostly government sponsored seasonal construction jobs, summer fishing, guiding and a few municipal or related government and support jobs there is little other employment opportunity available. For the last several years Donlin has made a successful effort to train and use local personnel in their initial exploration and environmental reconnaissance phase of the proposed mine area. This employment base will expand with future construction and mining of the Donlin deposit. I don’t think there is any question but this has had a positive impact on the area that will be expanded with future development. The mining timeframe, which has been estimated at some 3 decades, will undoubtedly be lengthened as operations commence meaning that economic opportunities through direct mining and support functions will continue to be a positive factor well into this century.

To date the Donlin management and personnel have conducted their operations in a clean neat and environmentally responsible manner and in accordance with the various agency guided rules and regulations. This same attention to good stewardship and care for the environment can be expected in the future. Coupled with this is the array of state and federal rules and regulations insuring protection for fish, wildlife, vegetation, water and air. Land restoration is also a requirement providing for return of mined lands to an acceptable condition. Alaska as we know has some of the most stringent environmental regulations and permitting procedures in the world.

The development of this project will be of benefit to the local area, the state and nation as a whole providing needed employment, funding for native corporations, income to the State of Alaska and the strengthening of our national economy.

As you start your scoping process I would hope that Donlins cultural responsibility and past work record will be considered in the deliberations.

Sincerely,

Howard J. Grey