BLM Issues Decision on Exploratory Operations near Haines, Alaska
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HAINES, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Glennallen Field Office announced today it has issued the Decision Record (DR) for exploratory work on Constantine Metal Resources Limited’s Palmer Project in Haines, Alaska.
Approval of the extended exploration plan of operations comes after a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and extensive public comment and review period. External scoping on the plan of operations was initiated on Dec. 2, 2015. The BLM received 173 comment letters which identified issues needing NEPA analysis. An additional 58 letters were received in a following public review period after release of the Environmental Assessment (EA) in April. Of the 58 additional comments, 14 contained substantive information which was later clarified in the final EA.
BLM staff analyzed various concerns including water quality, fisheries, vegetation, wildlife, geology, social economics, environmental justice, public health and safety, visual resources and recreation access.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that operations we permit on public lands are safe and protective of natural resources and the local community,” said Glennallen Field Office Manager Dennis Teitzel. “Protection of water quality and other resources, and protection of the local community and its economic development are goals the BLM shares with the public, tribes and industry.”
This approval expands Constantine’s existing exploration activities by an additional 35.9 acres of ground disturbance previously authorized by BLM. Specifically, the plan proposes up to 2.5 miles of additional road construction and includes the installation of culverts and bridges over gullies and streams in the vicinity of Glacier Creek. It also includes a switchback road to stage equipment and facilities. The proposed road would provide access for up to 40 new exploration drill sites. Constantine plans to continue in the exploration phase of their project for the next 5 – 10 years.
The Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact can be read online.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.