Now that there are investors for the continued exploration of the Constantine mine, I think it is time to start the discussions and become educated about how a mine in our area would affect our community. Let me throw out a few of my questions. A mine would likely give some jobs to locals, though I understand most would be outside workers brought in. This will bring in some more dollars but what sort of problem does the influx of well-paid out-of-towners mean to a small community such as ours?
Would the mine provide the resources to deal with these issues? Are we prepared to lose jobs in fisheries and tourism because of effects on salmon? Let’s look at the statistics of how often this type of ore actually causes toxins to leach into the watershed and what its effects are.
There is a large and fluid river bed between the Haines Highway and where the ore comes off the mountain. Either there will be a humungous bridge somewhere new or the changes made to the Porcupine bridge area would be quite significant to accommodate ore trucks. Speaking of ore trucks, are we prepared for how they will affect our drives to and from town? More wear and tear on our road, safety issues, noise and air pollutants?
I am sure there will be more questions, but these are a few of my early concerns.
Mardell Gunn