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Chuitna Coal Project
Current Project Description
The Chuitna Coal Project is a surface coal mining and
export development proposal for an ultra low sulfur, sub
bituminous coal resource located in the Beluga Coal Field
of South-central Alaska, approximately 45 miles west of
Anchorage. The current project proposal consist of a surface
coal mine and associated support facilities, mine
access road, coal transport conveyor, personnel housing
and air strip facility, a logistic center, and coal export
terminal. The current project predicts a minimum 25 year
mine life with a production rate of up to 12 million tons
a year.
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The applicant, PacRim has submitted many of the
application documents consisting of mine and reclamation
plans and baseline studies. The company has been collecting additional aquatic wildlife and cultural
resource information. At this time a complete permit application
package for the Chuitna Coal Project has not been submitted
to the Division and no formal review under AS 27.21 and
11 AAC 90 has been initiated. Once the entire permit
application package has been submitted an evaluation of
the completeness of the application and of the cumulative
impacts of the project can be undertaken. A summary of
project related documents submitted to date to the Department
of Natural Resources can be found here.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is the lead
State agency involved in permitting coal projects in Alaska.
A large mine project team has been established with representatives
from these agencies to coordinate state permitting activities
for the Chuitna Coal Project. State agencies involved in
the Chuitna Project include the Departments of Natural
Resources, Environmental Conservation, Fish & Game,
and Law.
Newsletters
Informational Meetings
DNR has organized a series of informational meeting in
Beluga and Anchorage concerning the Chuitna Coal Project.
These meetings have been useful in updating the public
on the status of this project and providing information
on the regulatory process and different issues relating
to the project.
Other State and Federal Permits
In addition to ASCMCRA permitting requirements, the Chuitna
Coal Project must address the concerns of other state and
federal agencies. As part of the Department of Natural
Resources statutory role as lead agency in matters relating
to exploration, development and management of mining activities,
the DNR Office of Project Management and Permitting has
developed a document describing some of the permits and
approvals to help the public understand the permitting
of mines in Alaska. This document and other useful information
are available on the web at:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/largemine/index.htm
Chuitna Project SEIS
As part of the federal NEPA process the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) determined that a Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) would be prepared
for the Chuitna Coal Project. Scoping for the SEIS was
completed in August of 2006. Currently agencies are reviewing
the available baseline date in preparation to write the
Draft SEIS. During March, EPA, the U.S. Army
Corp of Engineers, and AK Dept of Natural Resources met
with the company to discuss the status and timeline for
the SEIS. Included in these discussions where updates to
the companies proposed action and alternatives to be considered
in the SEIS.
Information concerning the SEIS process can be found at:
Chuitna SEIS Project Website
Historic and Cultural Resources (Section 106 Review)
In order to preserve the cultural and historic foundations
of the United States and guide federal agencies in how
these resources are factored into their decision making
process Congress enacted the National Historic Preservation
Act. Regulations issued by the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation (ACHP) guide Section 106 review,
specifying actions Federal agencies must take to meet
their legal obligations. ACHP is an independent federal
agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and
productive use of our nation's historic resources, and
advises the President and Congress on national historic
preservation policy. Federal agencies are responsible
for initiating Section 106 review, most of which takes
place between the agency and State and tribal officials.
Appointed by the governor, the State Historic Preservation
Officer (SHPO) coordinates the State’s historic
preservation program and consults with agencies during
Section 106 review.
As part of the Chuitna Project, EPA initiated Section
106 review. Working with the Army Corps of Engineers,
the state SHPO office, State and Local Government and
regional tribes, EPA is working to develop a comprehensive
plan to address cultural sites within and around the
project area. This plan will include mitigation measures.
What will happen when something new is found, how these
resources will be cataloged and preserved when necessary.
For more information, a citizen’s guide
to the Section 106 process is available at:
http://www.achp.gov/citizensguide.pdf
and
http://www.achp.gov/
For more information
contact:
Russell Kirkham,
Coal Regulatory Program Manager
Division of Mining, Land & Water
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 920
Anchorage, AK 99501-3577
(907) 269-8650
Email: russell.kirkham@alaska.gov
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