BLM is conducting a number of environmental projects at the Red Devil Mine, an abandoned cinnabar mine and mercury production facility on the Kuskokwim River. Most significant of these projects is a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) concerning the legacy impact of metals mining at the site.
The RI/FS is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) process to determine what risks the site may pose for human health and the environment and what can be done to address those risks. The project includes a fish tissue sampling study to evaluate methylmercury levels in northern pike, burbot, arctic grayling and whitefish along 118 miles of the Kuskokwim River and its tributaries in the area.
2012 Community Involvement
On. Feb. 9, BLM hosted "What's Happening at Red Devil Mine? A Talking Circle for Interested Kuskokwim Communities" during the 2012 Alaska Forum on the Environment. Approximately 50 tribal, community, agency and corporate representatives attended the session.
BLM is currently scheduling tribal consultations and community meetings to discuss the Red Devil Mine Draft Remedial Investigation report, to be released in early April 2012, and the results of the fish tissue study. The BLM also wants your input about possible cleanup alternatives for the Feasibility Study to be developed this fall.
If your tribe or community would like to meet with BLM about the Red Devil Mine investigation, please contact Teresa McPherson at (907) 267-1420 or (800) 478-1263.
2011 Community Involvement
Tribal consultation and community involvement is an important part of the RI/FS process. BLM met with interested communities in the Spring of 2011 to invite review and comment on the Draft Work Plan for the Red Devil Mine investigation. BLM also invited participants to share traditional and/or local knowledge about the Red Devil Mine site.
BLM held workshops in the following communities:
| COMMUNITY | LOCATION | DATE |
| Akiak | Akiak Community Center | March 23, 2011 |
| Bethel | ONC Multi-purpose Building | March 24, 2011 |
| Kwethluk | Kwethluk City Office | March 25, 2011 |
| Kalskag | George Morgan Sr. High School | March 30, 2011 |
| Akiachak | Youth and Elders Building | April 1, 2011 |
| Red Devil | Red Devil City Office | April 5, 2011 |
| Anchorage* | BLM Anchorage Field Office | April 6, 2011 |
| Sleetmute | Sleetmute Traditional Council | April 28, 2011 |
* Anchorage workshop included representatives from Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Crooked Creek, Georgetown and Lime Village.
View of spring 2011 community meetings.
Community concerns about the Red Devil Mine investigation varied widely. Some communities voiced concerns about disturbing the mine tailings and urged BLM to move with caution. Others were concerned about the potential for contaminants to migrate downriver and the health effects of mining contaminants.
BLM also coordinated a site visit in August 2011 for representatives from tribes, communities and regulatory agencies.
How to Contact Us
- Jim Fincher, Anchorage Field Manager, 907-267-1246 or toll-free 800-478-1263
- Mike McCrum, Red Devil Mine Project Manager, 907-271-4426
- Contact Us
