Submit comments on AK Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for Niblack Mines

PRINCE of WALES ISLAND – Comments are due on the proposal to issue an ALASKA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (APDES) PERMIT for the NIBLACK PROJECT LLC who owns and operates a WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY that is located on Prince of Wales Island. The project is currently comprised of approximately 2500 feet with the possible expansion up to 6000 feet of underground drift development to provide access for continued exploration drilling on the Lookout and Mammoth massive sulfide mineral zones. Metals in the massive sulfide mineralization include copper, zinc, gold, and silver. Wastewater consists of approximately 291 gallons per minute (gpm) of water draining from the exploration drift portal and 9 gpm of runoff water from a potentially acid generating rock pile. The wastewater is treated through settling ponds and will then be discharged into Niblack Anchorage. The APDES permit would allow for the discharge of treated wastewater at a maximum rate of 300 gallons per minute into Niblack Anchorage. A mixing zone that is approximately 8.34 meters in length and has a total width of 3.08 meters is proposed for copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc. Documents are available at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wwdp/PublicNotice.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Renee Evans at 907-269-7568 or email renee.evans@alaska.gov