Thank you to CVN for last week’s story regarding plans by Constantine. In this ever shift-shaping landscape of corporate leadership and obscure plans, there is much to be concerned about besides “opponents worry that an accident at the site could contaminate Glacier Creek.”
Degradation of the watershed has already taken place with new roads being laid, forests being cleared for these roads, heavy equipment crossing sensitive salmon streams, and blasting and drilling operations.
It is not surprising that mining corporations refuse to hold town hall meetings about their future plans. This community needs to step up and hold its own town hall on the subject of industrial-scale mining in the Chilkat. Where are the man camps going to be placed? How will they be supplied with water and sewer services? How much concrete is going to be poured in the watershed? How much extra trash is going to be produced? What will be the impacts on water quality and temperature from increased erosion from these activities? Where and how will the mining waste be stored? Where and how will the ore be hauled and processed?
It’s way past time for the community to be addressing these issues. Waiting a few more years while the damages are currently already taking place is not an option. Do we want to live in a community that focuses on health and wellness? Or are we going to sell out our rivers, fish, wildlife, scenic beauty and peace and quiet to the highest bidder?
Kathleen Menke