The federal Bureau of Land Management this week opened the public comment period on a draft Environmental Assessment of Constantine Metal Resources’s plans to expand exploration on federal mining claims about 30 miles northwest of Haines.
Constantine is proposing to expand its exploratory drill operations at the Palmer Project site, which would include construction of 2.5 miles of road, three bridges, culverts and permitting for 40 new drill sites. The drill sites would provide a staging area for helicopters and ground-supported exploration activities.
The company submitted its new plan in June 2015, and BLM determined the proposal required further public, stakeholder and agency review, including a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis to assess potential impacts of Constantine’s proposed actions.
BLM received 173 public comments on the initial plan, which identified concerns including fisheries, geology, safety, environmental justice, visual resources, recreation, and surface and ground water issues.
The document states that Constantine’s proposed activity “is not anticipated to have long-term direct or indirect impacts to fish habitat.”
“Temporary impacts to water quality during construction and reclamation activities have the potential to affect downstream fish habitat; however, impacts would be minimal,” the document reads.
The Environmental Assessment recommends several precautions for minimizing or avoiding impact on wildlife. For example, to prevent impacts to mountain goats from helicopters flying overhead, BLM recommends Constantine avoid landing in designated high-use areas and avoid known kidding areas between May 1 and June 15.
BLM also recommends Constantine identify locations of occupied bald eagle nests within a half-mile of helicopter flight paths before beginning construction or operation activities each year.
Regarding wetlands, “no effect is anticipated.”
Lynn Canal Conservation president Eric Holle said he is working his way through the lengthy document, but can’t comment on its specifics yet. “Historically, BLM has not done a lot of background work on wildlife impacts, or not what we consider adequate, anyway,” Holle said.
Holle noted the document didn’t incorporate a recent mountain goat study completed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. “If they were really on top of it, they would have incorporated that study,” he said.
To review the Environmental Assessment, visit www.blm.gov/ak. Click on “Information Center,” then “Newsroom.” Click the press release link “Public Comment Period Open on Environmental Assessment for Constantine Metal Resources” and follow the directions.
The deadline for comment is May 26.
BLM’s KJ Mushovic said the agency will review comments received by the deadline and make a determination on the preferred action alternative.
Constantine’s manager of exploration and community Liz Cornejo said the company is excited about moving forward with the project and appreciative of “the level of constructive engagement and support of many local community members throughout this process.”
“Gaining BLM approval for the plan will be a significant step forward in advancing the project in a safe and efficient manner, as well as providing additional economic input to the local community,” Cornejo said. “It will also help meet the goals of a diverse economy and job creation outlined in the Haines Borough Comprehensive Plan.”
Constantine has been working at the Palmer Project site since 2006, searching for copper, zinc, silver and gold deposits to determine if volumes are enough to open a mine.