The Tier 3 article in last week’s paper quoted Michelle Hale of the Department of Environmental Conservation as saying it would be difficult for a large mine such as one resulting from Constantine’s exploration to discharge without degrading water quality. If that’s true, why in the world wouldn’t Chilkat Valley residents want to hold them to the highest environmental standard? Constantine Metal Resources has been making a big effort to claim environmental responsibility. However, as soon as there is a proposal to hold them to it (Tier 3 nomination), they’re very fast with “not so fast” language. I think everyone who values salmon should notice that.
I appreciated Michelle Hale’s calm demeanor in the face of inappropriate and embarrassing use of her informational visit as a free-for-all. She was here to answer questions, yet she got sluiced by pissed-off people who had apparently not bothered to spend half an hour on the DEC website seeking basic facts about what Tier 3 nomination means. All the shouting was also disrespectful to Chilkat Indian Village members who have obvious reasons for seeking water quality protection. Tier 3 nomination is far from an automatic designation; it just starts the conversation. At the very least, it deserves polite consideration.
Look around at the former great salmon rivers of the lower states: We’re so very lucky to live in a watershed that meets Outstanding National Resource Water criteria.
Laurie Mastrella