The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permitting office announced Monday that it is extending the comment period for two state permits sought by Constantine Metal Resources due to an inaccurate mailing address, now ending May 30 at 5 p.m.
On April 16, the state released two application documents for the Palmer Project exploration activities for a 30-day public review and comment period. The application includes a wastewater management permit and reclamation plan.
DNR spokesperson Kyle Moselle said he was alerted last week to at least two Haines residents whose written comments were returned by the post office as undeliverable.
The original public notice listed the physical address of the permitting office in Juneau, but failed to include the agency’s post office box where they receive mail, Moselle said.
“We’ve approved a corrected public notice with 15 additional days taking the comment period to a total of 45 days,” he said.
Last week, more than 15 residents asked the borough assembly to seek a 30-day extension from DNR, saying there was insufficient time to read the 2,000-page application and for the agency to answer what they saw as glaring holes in the application.
Moselle said the agency received the Haines Borough Assembly’s request but will “take no action” past the extension announced on Monday.
“We’re not expecting to extend the comment period further,” Moselle said.
Moselle said that any significant issues raised in public comments will be categorized, answered and released with the final decision for the permits.
Residents can read the draft permits on DNR’s website under large mine permitting info. Comments can be sent by writing, email to fax to: Kyle Moselle, Associate Director Alaska Department of Natural Resources / Office of Project Management and Permitting
PO Box 111030, Juneau, AK 99811.