Our friends and neighbors work at the Hecla Greens Creek Mine on Admiralty Island. Each work day they make the long commute, put in a hard shift, and return to our community to spend wages, raise families, volunteer in the community, pay taxes, and enjoy the life to which we have all become accustomed. Right now those employees and their operation are asking the US Forest Service to modify their permit to expand the tailings storage facility so operations can continue for as much as 50 additional years. Greens Creek has proven an exceptional neighbor, as has its employees. I am the President of First Things First Alaska Foundation and we wish to express our gratitude for all Greens Creek and its employees have done and continue to do for our community and region. We hope everyone in Juneau, Southeast, and throughout Alaska appreciate their exemplary efforts to create wealth from rocks and spread that wealth through wages, purchases, and capital.
The U.S. Forest Service has closed the public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for their requested tailings disposal facility permit expansion. This permit expansion will allow Greens Creek to continue doing what it has done so successfully for the past 25 years, and create capacity for as much as 50 additional years. First Things First is dedicated to educating the public about out natural resource based economy in Southeast Alaska. When you think economy, think jobs: your job, your neighbor’s job, and the jobs that keep our community moving forward. Natural resource extraction has been and will continue to be the backbone of the Alaskan economy — and in particular that of Southeast Alaska. With the decline of Southeast’s timber industry, mining is the one shining light that promises growth of high paying year-round employment. The average mining industry job pays $100,000 per year. Greens Creek offers employment opportunities for both urban and rural residents. Economic hardship has hit our villages disproportionately, and a camp operation such as Greens Creek facilitates village employment to the maximum extent practicable.
Greens Creek has proven mining can coexist with the wildlife and wilderness values of rural Admiralty Island and Monument. Copious monitoring data have been collected over the past 40 odd years, which document minimal to unmeasurable environmental impacts. Thus the cost/benefit of Greens Creek is exemplary. Greens Creek is a demonstrably viable long-term economic driver – including paying taxes – and every reasonable effort should be made to maintain or enhance its economic vitality for the benefit of its employees, supply businesses, Juneau, and other Southeast communities.
By issuing a permit to expand the existing tailings storage facility and continue uninterrupted operations, Greens Creek can continue to generate the wealth that makes our lives possible here on the last frontier. We have submitted our comments to the Forest Service. We encourage the Forest Service to issue the Final Environmental Impact Statement expeditiously and not delay and disrupt project operation and workers lives. Delay is denial. The report and over 40 years of environmental data show how neighborly Greens Creek has been. Let’s support our miner neighbors and ensure we all continue to work toward a prosperous future. If you have commented in support of DEIS Alternative B – thank you. Protect those paychecks.
• Chambers. of Juneau. is president of the First Things First Alaska Foundation.
Comments (30)
Add commentNot sure what report
Not sure what report referred to. Most are available at DNR's large mine permitting website. Could it be the annual Hawk Inlet Monitoring Reports that show wide spread contamination of Hawk Inlet in both sediments and fish tissue. Could it be the Tailings Production and Waste Rock reports demonstrating ground water contamination from the tailings pile. Could it be the snow and lichen studies that show the area around the mine has the highest lead contamination from fugitive dust than anywhere ever measured on the Tongass?
Interesting choice of words "maximum extent feasible". They are required by act of congress to protect the fish habitat to the "maximum extent feasible", yet Alternative B calls for the destruction of 4000 feet of Tributary Creek, a salmon stream.
Sara For Mayor!
Sure do miss her voice of reason in the assembly.
"...we obviously have more money than we know what to do with..."
Don't hear that from any of the sitting members! She is quite the advocate for Joe Taxpayer
Compromise
It goes without question that a tailings pile is going to have some impact on the surrounding environment. Denying that is not rational. The question is, what amount of impact is acceptable?
On the one hand, there clearly are economic benefits to be realized from the mine, and some impacts are tolerable. But on the other, these impacts will go on long after the mine is played out and abandoned and the economic benefits have dried up. Our great grandchildren will still be dealing with them. Tough call.
Hopefully Greens Creek is choosing the disposal option with the lowest environmental impacts possible rather than simply aiming for the lowest impacts on their bottom line.
First Things First - isn't that the outfit that sponsored those climate change denialist snake oilers awhile back? Pretty much destroys any credibility that organization had.
"Economic hardship has hit
"Economic hardship has hit our villages" ?? Really??
Villages were here first and doing just fine until people like Sara Chambers came and spoke with FORKED TONGUE: having an intent to mislead and deceive you. (And believe you me she does).
So what is truly hurting "our" villages? We all know that the village life style depends on subsistence i.e. healthy fish runs, healthy wildlife, needed habitat, clean water etc..
Mega mines like Greens Creek creates Tons of waste is what is truly hurting the economy of our villages.
Sara Chambers also belongs to the Alaska Libertarian Party, you know the party that Hates The Government. ( Ron Pauls party, the let people die if they do not have health insurance guy, get rid of public education, social security, epa, everything that helps the public)
Sara and people like her, they just love to talk up "The Hate" for the Government don't they.
And yet Sara (and people like her) has no problem working for the Government to enrich corporations. Here she is working to and advocating more public land to go to this mining Corporation so it can profit off resources that belong to the public and dump more toxic waste on more land that belongs to the public.
And your last point, Latitude58?
Good comments Latitude58, but I'm not sure I understand your last point since alaskaguy, the fellow that started the thread, is a paid employee of SEACC and not simply an unbiased community member raising a question to inform a blog discussion.
He's doing what he's paid to do, which is monitor public forums and insert the party line of his employer, which he carefully does without stating the obvious -- the mine is apparently operating within its municipal, state and federal permits.
Credibility runs both ways.
Sara Chambers also works for
Sara Chambers also works for the State of Alaska as an Operations Mgr. at the Dept of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
She belongs to the Alaska Libertarian Party the party that hates the Government,
yet she works for the government.
She runs the First Things First Foundation (while working for the state)
She collects funds through her First Things First Foundation from local businesses that work to squash public effort to save public land .
So she gets paid at both ends to take the publics' land from them and hand it over to the mining industry.
Whats a little village to do up against the likes of this crap?
Talk about one big fat hypocrite from Tennessee ( not even an Alaskan)
Hold on there Conner
Hold on there Conner. Last time I checked, the State of Alaska employs Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and just possibly a Socialist or two.
When you attack someone on the basis of party affiliation, you devalue the principles our federal and state Constitutions strive to preserve. You aren't old enough to have voted for Joseph McCarthy, are you?
.
Latitude is right. It was
Latitude is right. It was Sara Chamber and her First Things First Foundation group that brought in the film Not Evil, Just Wrong in an effort to discredit the science of Climate Change.
Promoting this film in here in Juneau was really disappointing to see because Alaska is one of the places where climate change and ocean acidification is predicted to have a very large impact, and it is already having a very large impact. It would be better to address these issues and get more involved in learning about climate change rather than spending time trying to discredit the science.
Thanks for the info Connor. Yikes.
Global
Warming? Have you clowns looked outside lately?? Fresh snow on the mountains every day this week. Sara has the Seacc gang stirred up today, criticizing everything about her without warrant, leave the unfounded personal attacks out of the discussion
Dunno why commenter above calls himself mediawatchdog
A decent watchdog would really read and respond to other's comments instead of rabid reflex remarks. He missed the point--Sarah belongs to the Alaska Libertarian Party the party that wants to eliminate Government, yet she works for the government. Simply hypocritical.
nottacheechako - I am not
nottacheechako - I am not part of Seacc and if you have doubts about climate change, yes do look out your window.
My opinion
Years ago, before the Green's Creek people even started mining they called me to see if I knew of any potential archaeological sites in the area. I was impressed with their willingness to be careful in what they were doing.
Over the years I have been favorably impressed with their hiring of local people, workers living in Juneau and other things. But now I am having some questions whether or not profits and other factors have replaced those earlier concerns.
In my opinion, we have to be careful that we don't let profits for a corporation end up leaving future generations of Alaskans with a disaster. They may be fine folks, trying to do the right thing, but the right thing may not be the most profitable.
We, as Alaskans, need to be aware of what is happening no matter if "good folks" or "bad folks" are doing things that may be harmful to future generations.
Better grab a dictionary 3rdgenjuneau...
Easy mistake to make when you don't take to the time to study the media, 3rdgen.
You're thinking of "anarchist" which is indeed a political platform that advocates the elimination of governmental authority; a "libertarian" advocates the absolute minimum amount of government required to secure life, liberty and property for the individual citizen.
Neither one is my cup of tea. Personally, I long for the return of an "independent" party champion like Jesse Ventura, that rare combination of social liberal and fiscal conservative that could eliminate any foreign or domestic threat with a flying elbow drop! :-)
@ Flynx
I was not responding to Alaskaguy's posting, nor do I know who he's affiliated with. I don't care. Though I would note that you made no attempt to refute the points he raised, only bashed him based on his perceived association with SEACC.
What I was commenting on were Chambers' arguments regarding the economic importance of the mine, which I agree with to a substantial degree, though it's a nuanced agreement.
My last point was regarding the organization that Chambers was pimping in her piece, apparently looking for more industry donations. By promoting climate change denialism, her organization has proven itself intellectually dishonest and hopelessly compromised. Chambers is the president of that organization. That group, and its president, should not be placed in any position of influence. What more needs to be said?
We own a business and every
We own a business and every year we get a letter from Ms. Chambers First Things First Foundation requesting money for her fights against things such as the Clean Water Act.
Her letters have really upset me. How can any organization be working against the public's right to have clean water? I did not know that she is also working for the State of Alaska, isn't this a conflict of interest? Last I checked we were not a corporate state, that our resources belong to Alaskans, and not to corporations but with people like this in our Government what is going to happen? We all need to look at what is going on here. Governor Sean Parnell is an oil lobbyist now this? What the heck is going on. I feel like my state is being pulled right out from under me. All this stuff going on behind the scenes is really starting to turn me into one angry mother. I have children for god sakes, what about them. What the heck are they going to do in 50 years with polluted water? People like Sara are out spinning the spin on climate change and destroying my children's future. These people have no right not only that but they are on the tax payers dime. We should all be working to save the future for our children's sake especially public servants that are on the tax payers dime. This is why many people do not trust the Government as someone said above about a Forked Tongue .
~ May God give me strength to fight these people so I can protect my chidren's future ~
concerns of janwoodings
Jan, what is the nature of the business you own? I couldn't find it listed under your name in the State of Alaska Business Licensing web site, and was curious whether any resource development folks might be your customers. If you are listed on the website under another name, that may be where First Things First got your address since business licenses are public.
Ironically, I think all parents ask God for strength in protecting the future for their children, including those on both sides of this controversial issue.
That being said, climate change truly is indisputable. That's why a smaller mine like Greens Creek, providing employment for local families while running on hydro-generated green power to reduce air emissions and operating within its EPA/DEC approved permits for water quality discharge, serves a useful role in provide the mineral resources our world needs to apply technological solutions to this problem.
Two examples among many -- a traditional autombile uses platinum in the catalytic converter that reduces toxic emissions; and a hybrid car uses more copper, zinc and lead than a traditional automobile!
integrity
Jan, I'm trusting that Sara has enough integrity to keep her outside activities and ideology separate from her job with the State.
Paris, that comment and link were over the top. Let's challenge her, and her organization, on their positions and activities. Engaging in personal character assassination diminishes everyone, victim and assassin alike.
Flynx seems to to be a domestic spy
Is it not strange that Flynx seems to know so much about us all? Yet he does not know that the vast majority of Greens Creeks mine power come from diesel. Nor does he know that this "small" mine is the second largest producer of toxic waste in Alaska, which is the largest producer in the US.
Happy Fathers Day all!
Lat 58
Same could be true about SEACC employees, right?
@Alaskaguy
I think you're right. Flynx is either a hired propagandist for Greens Creek or perhaps a First Things First member. I suspect the former.
But regarding the mine, is there a way to operate, and expand, Greens Creek that would be acceptable to you? And then there are the legitimate economic considerations with the mine that you're ignoring. How do those factor in?
How about some solutions that move the dialogue forward?
Oh, and...
Who's a SEACC employee? No one has identified themselves as such.
But yes, I trust a SEACC member or employee would demonstrate similar integrity as well.
I would think that as public
I would think that as public employee of the State of Alaska Chambers certainly has access to non-public information and having access to this information could benefit the First Things First Foundation efforts to raise money. There appears to be effort to raise money for the foundation from the same customers that would be using the services in her positions w/state.
There is almost always a conflict of interest for and Employer when an employee, works simultaneously on behalf of an customer. The foundation customers are local businesses. There is also a duty not to appear to be engaging in conflicts of interests.
@Flynx-
cough, I would not call Greens Creek a small mining operation also the real concern for Greens Creek are acid mine drainage in the watershed and concerns about the storage of mine tailings waste in a National Monument.
The reality is as all this weathering occurs (if there is lots of rain) water treatment at the mine would probably be required forever. This is an enormous cost to pass off to future generations and this cost is not often mentioned while talking about how a mine benefits a community.
As far as supplying minerals to the rest of the world our duty is to take care of Alaskans and future generations of Alaskans. As stated above, it is not our duty nor is it anyones right to use public resources to "enrich" anyone, or any corporation. A corporations obligation is its shareholders but the Governments is to the public
Good question Lat58
Sure, the Pogo mine does not require a toxic mixing zone. They use technology to mix the treated water to aquatic life criteria prior to discharge into the Goodpasture River.
Also in the 2003 tailings expansion (remember the one that was supposed to last 22 years), one of the alternatives was to require pyrite removal, the stuff that causes acid mine drainage. It was discounted due to "lack of space". Could Greens Creek do these things? Sure at $100 million per year in profit. they could do a lot better. But as long as their shareholders run the show over anything Alaskans say (and they have enough shrills) they will not.
Think Greens Creek ISN'T a small mine?
Then you ain't seen many mines. I have. And some BIG ones. But, I have never seen one that endured more scrutiny to the point of becoming environmentally anal as Greens Creek has turned out to be. This town has no clue as to how good we have it when I comes to mines.
"This town has no clue as to
"This town has no clue as to how good we have it when it comes to mines" really how good do we have it or rather how good have we made it for the rest of the mining industry?
It is our town that is responsible for setting back 30 years of bipartisan progress made wth the Clean Water Act. The mining industry can now obliterate lakes across the country by filling them up with toxic tailings as long as the tailings are called fill material. The First Things First Foundation had a hand in this effort. What other business gets a pass on dumping toxic waste into a lake?
I would not call this good, this is horrible. But to skirtz this is scrutiny to the point of becoming environmentally anal. skirtz go and dump your trash and all the poop you can carry right into twin lakes and see what happens, if you get any attitude just say if the mining industry can do this then I can to.
What Gators?
It is a continual battle for the local peoples in any region that permits a huge mining conglomerate to operate in their territory. But, not one that truly concerns the conglomerate. All that is needed is to get a foothold and the necessary few locals that will be offered as fodder. When the issue for habitat arises, get a 'Chambers' to do the footwork and hide. What the locals do is argue about what do we do now that they're here and the conglomerate sits back and smiles because they've already "drained the swamp" just itching to get to the bottom line. let the locals argue away, forgetting that the mine has no idea to share anywhere near a benefit large enough to make anyone proud and happy. Sure, some locals will get jobs! But, in the long run, all the good stuff leaves town and the locals are left with counting the gators. Not theory, time and time again, communities are crushed and the 1% get a good laugh. What made them become a need? Really!! Where was the need before they got into your heads?
Hecla is in a bad spot...
Hecla, the company that owns Greens Creek, is in a bad spot. They only have one producing mine, Greens Creek.
Their other producing property in Idaho has been shuttered while they make repairs. This closure came after a fatality. The investigation revealed that the board knew about the issues in the mine. This resulted in a class action law suit against the company by shareholders. The stock price has fallen from over $11 to just under $5.
They need good news...
http://www.hecla-mining.com/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kitconews/2012/05/08/heclas-lucky-friday-min...
http://gilmanlawsecuritiesstocksbondsfraud.com/securities-under-investig...
Achberger in a Skirt
Chambers is a Chuck Acberger in a skirt. Both failed miserably to get elected to political office in the lower 48. Then came to Juneau to try to be a big fish in a small pond promoting development at any cost.
Need good news Hecla?
OK, here's some good news! The recent mining death of a local miner at the, well known and uncared for by corporate board members, polluting and dangerous mine has prompted the immediate removal of all dangerous and hazardous material and clean-up will be total reversal to original habitat. With recompense to said local peoples at 50 times cost of the operation due to the sudden awareness of the mining corporation, that they are a bloodsucking tick on society. You, of course were talking about the local people and health issues, right? Or is hope still a too distant dream?
.
.