From the NRI thread in Stockhouse:
Here's some news on Amerigold's planned placer operation on land owned by Alaska Gold Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of NovaGold.
From The Nome Nugget:
Amerigold scales down proposal
By Beth Marino
Chalk one up for the City of Nome. While the citizenry of Nome was split to a certain extent on the Amerigold permitting application and mining operation, the great majority faced one apprehension or another with regard to the Amerigold mining permit. Among those concerned were members of the Planning Commission, who seemed to agree if nothing else, that the first application was neither complete nor an altogether safe bet for the city.
Turns out the city was right. Due to pressure from the City of Nome itself, Amerigold has recanted their original application and applied, instead, for a one season, much smaller and more standardized mining project. Instead of applying for a large scale, individual permit, the company has limited their scope and is applying for a general corps permit.
"Much valuable feedback and comments were received regarding the multi-year proposal," reads Amerigold’s new application statement. "In respect of agency and local concerns, Amerigold desires to withdraw the application for the multi-year proposal and pursue a smaller, pilot project that will qualify for an Army Corps General Permit."
Amerigold’s new proposal states that gold mining will again be located on Dry Creek, approximately 150 feet north of the Bypass Road.
It will be a one-season mining permit, as opposed to the five-year plan in the first application. Amerigold has also lowered their area of disturbance from close to 200 acres in the first application to only 9.95 acres of disturbance. This project, while still being a significant mining proposal, is a drop in the bucked compared to the original plan.
The application submitted this time around by Amerigold did, in detail, address concerns voiced by city officials. Over a month ago, the Planning Commission sent a letter of request to multiple agencies, including the Corps of Engineers stating that, as is, Amerigold’s application to mine for gold along Dry Creek was incomplete. The Planning Commission had taken the stance that they could not properly accept or deny the application, as they had concerns that were not addressed by Amerigold. Due to that letter, the Corps had put a freeze on the public commenting period until Amerigold answered some of the city’s questions.
Amerigold responded with a new plan altogether. Not only does the new application remove a number of those complications, but it also addresses the remaining questions put forth by the Planning Commission. Among those concerns was that discharge would eventually build up and obstruct the small boat harbor. "The proposed mine plan is planned to be a zero discharge facility," reads the new application.
Amerigold has reserved its right to request a discharge up to 100 gallons per minute of excess water, but only as the General Permit allows. They have agreed, if there is a discharge that exceeds the turbidity limit, to cease operations and not resume until it is compliant with the conditions of the General Permit.
"Fuel will be stored in a 3,000 gallon tanker with a divided tank. The tanker will transport fuel to the mine site to refuel equipment. When the tanker is parked, it will be placed in a bermed and lined containment area of the equipment pad," reads the application.
As for dust and noise concerns, the company has mentioned hiring a water truck to control the dust problem, should it develop. In response to citizen comments, Amerigold has limited its hours from around the clock 24-hours a day, to a lengthy, but still more reasonable, 6 a.m to 10 p.m. operation clock.
Concerning reclamation, Amerigold reports that "Dry Creek will be re-established in a permanent channel according to stipulations made by Alaska Department of Fish and Game." The reclamation process has been outlined and Amerigold states that all property will be reclaimed in a safe, stable and aesthetically pleasing condition, in compliance with all applicable laws.
Even for those who doubt Amerigold’s sincerity. The clinch to this application is the size of the mining project. "At first glance, it’s a much better application than the last one," said City Manager, Randy Romenesko. "I don’t know what we’re going to do with it, but it’s definitely a more manageable project from the city, coastal management perspective."
This proposed 10-acre site could be monitored with greater ease, meaning the city, Alaska Gold and state and federal agencies could keep a close eye and a tight reign on the mining company.
Public and agency comment on the general application submitted by Amerigold is only open for 10 calendar days starting Thursday, April 4. That means public comment must be officially received by Saturday, April 13, but will most probably be extended to Monday, April 15. Copies of the proposed application are available by request at city hall. |
