EXPANSION WILL SUPPORT CONTINUED OPERATIONS AT GREENS CREEK
We encourage all members of the community to become involved.
Hecla Greens Creek proposes to extend the existing Tailings Disposal Facility to the north.
The three action alternatives evaluated in the NEPA analysis range in size from 13.7 acres to 23.9 acres.
All are all designed to:
- Minimize impact on Admiralty Island National Monument
- Avoid direct impacts to fish-bearing portions of watersheds
- Avoid construction of a new “remote” Tailings Disposal Facility
- Continue the same or similar dry-stack tailings disposal method, which has been previously reviewed and approved by the Forest Service
Alternative D, the largest expansion, would impact less than 1/100th of 1% of the Monument and would allow Greens Creek to operate the facility for as many as 40 more years.
Here’s How to Get Involved
The U.S. Forest Service is accepting public comments on the extension application. You can help move this important project forward by submitting a comment in support of the application. You can submit your comments on-line or via mail.
Hecla’s preferred alternative is D
Public open house:
When: 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Where: Juneau Ranger District office, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau
Format: Project information will be on display and project staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.
Please submit comments via one of the following methods:
Mail or hand-delivered to
Juneau Ranger District
8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Juneau, Alaska, 99801
Normal business hours for hand delivered comments are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Comment period closes May 23, 2023
Thank you for your support. Greens Creek preferred alternative is D.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- The Greens Creek Mine has been in operation since 1989
- The Forest Service has previously conducted four NEPA reviews for the existing Greens Creek Mine facilities.
- The Greens Creek Mine is located on private lands and public lands administered and managed by the Tongass National Forest, including a portion of the Admiralty Island National Monument
- Greens Creek is the largest private sector employer in Juneau, supporting about 494 jobs and $76 million in total wages. The mine purchases approximately $65 million in goods and services from more than 350 Alaska businesses each year.
- Greens Creek has the highest taxable assessed property value in Juneau and pays $2.5 million a year in property and sales taxes.
Concerns about Hawk Inlet?
Thank you for supporting Hecla Greens Creek
We encourage all members of the community to become involved.
Hecla’s preferred alternative is D.