The U.S. Forest Service is now accepting public comment on plans to extend operations at the nation’s largest silver producer.

A 45-day scoping period for the proposed extension for Hecla Greens Creek Mine began on Friday, the Forest Service said in a news release.

The project would provide an additional estimated 4-5 million cubic yards of tailings and waste rock storage for the mine that operates within a national monument within Tongass National Forest on Admiralty Island, according to the Forest Service. The project would extend mineral production at the mine site to continue beyond 2031.

Written comments regarding the project can be submitted electronically at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57306, by fax to 907-586-8808 and by mail to 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK, 99801. Attention: North Extension Project

Project information, meeting announcements, legal notices, and documents are posted on the project web page at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57306.

Virtual public meetings are currently scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 20 and Oct. 29, people can register for the meetings at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greens-creek-mine-north-extension-project-environmental-impact-statement-registration-124506868395.

• Contact the Juneau Empire newsroom at (907)308-4895.