The Alaska-Juneau Mine is back and proponents are requesting changes to the City and Borough of Juneau Mining Ordinance to make it easier to open a mine literally in Juneau’s backyard. The reopening of the AJ Mine has a long, divisive, polarizing history in Juneau. During previous efforts, our community has reviewed (ad nauseum) the mining ordinance; relevant state and federal mining and clean water laws and regulations; data regarding community impacts and the benefits and liabilities of the large scale urban mine at the heart of this request.
The AJ’s history of reopening is sketchy. AJ originally proposed to dam Sheep Creek Valley and fill it with tainted tailings and discharge polluted water into Gastineau Channel with notable impacts on fish, birds and wildlife. During exploration, AJ released barium-tainted mine water in to Gold Creek, resulting in a fish kill after multiple middle-of-the-night water releases specifically designed to avoid daytime monitoring. During previous efforts to reopen, AJ spokespersons misrepresented facts so egregiously and so often that community trust and confidence was lost. Many were left feeling that ongoing efforts to subvert protection of Juneau’s citizens and resources exemplified the manner in which the company would conduct ongoing business. It appears there is now hope that new assembly and community members are unaware or won’t remember this history. After multiple failed attempts, one would think AJ Mine proponents would buckle down, follow the rules and ensure good community support rather than trying — again — to manipulate the process.
The Mining Ordinance Preamble currently states: “It is the purpose of this article to foster the development of a safe, healthy and environmentally sound mining industry while protecting the overall interests of the public health, safety and the general welfare…” AJ Mine proponents want to replace this language with: “The purposes of this article are to encourage mining and investment in mining…” The ordinance preamble is key to understanding the motivation of the ordinance. Current language upholds the safety and health of the community as primary. Proponents would subvert those concerns with the overriding desire to encourage mining and investment. Since the CBJ has substantial ownership in this resource and CBJ citizens are thus co-owners, it’s incumbent upon city staff and the Assembly to remember that they are transitory government representatives whose primary role is to ensure public health and safety. Flint, Michigan is a glaring example of what happens when city officials fail to uphold their prime directive as public servants to ensure public safety.
Changes to the ordinance also propose that an urban mine (AJ) be considered in the same manner as a remote mine (Kensington and Greenscreek). It’s ludicrous to think anyone could fail to recognize the fundamental differences on several levels. If the Kensington or Greenscreek mines experience a catastrophic accident, it will negatively impact fish, wildlife and habitat in the surrounding area. If the AJ experienced a failure, literally in Juneau’s backyard, it will negatively impact all that and Juneau’s 32,400 citizens.
The current ordinance helps us to protect Juneau’s interests even if existing state or federal government requirements change. It ensures maximum capacity for protection of citizens and the environment, as well as evaluation and control of social and economic impacts. If the AJ Mine is truly a viable project that the majority of the community wants, it will withstand rigorous review, oversight and inspection under the current, carefully formulated ordinance.
After meeting the prime directive of public safety, communities are wise to promote development and support a vibrant business community with strong education and training of potential employees. While this is more challenging during an economic downturn, these efforts benefit the community as a whole rather than the select few.
Juneau is an incredibly unique city that offers the best of all worlds – outstanding outdoor recreation, small town atmosphere, healthy environment and excellent quality of life — all of which is far more precious than gold. The Assembly would do us all a favor to deny the proposed changes to an ordinance that was thoughtfully and carefully developed by and for the long term benefit of Juneau’s citizens.
• Deborah Craig is a 35 year resident of Juneau, retired from a career in public service including workforce development and social services.
