Update on EIS Progress in Proposed Donlin Gold Project
December 28, 2012
Amanda Shearer & Don Kuhle from the US Army Corps of Engineers hosted another teleconference for federally recognized tribes on 12/12/12.
The big news noted in this call was the Notice of Intent (NOI) publication. If you remember from the NEPA process post, this is the first official step in kicking off the EIS process. To view the Notice of Intent, visit the following site:
The NOI was published on December 14, 2014 and this was the kickoff to the official scoping process – where meetings and information from public and other agencies will be gathered. Concerns/recommendations will be noted and following the scoping period, alternatives to the project will be suggested based on information gathered from this scoping process.
The USACE is the lead agency on the EIS project, and they have hired an outside company – URS to develop the EIS. A join URS/USACE website has been developed and is a great way to stay informed on what is going on and how you can be involved. Visit their page for more information:
The scoping process will last until the end of March – at which point all comments will be compiled and put into the draft EIS. Remember, this is an important time to make your concerns/comments heard, as they will be addressed in the intial draft phase of the EIS.
GET INVOLVED!
Public scoping meetings will begin and take place as follows:
Bethel
Monday, January 14, 2013
6:00 p.m.
Yup’iit Piciryarait Cultural Center
Aniak
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
6:00 p.m.
Aniak High School
Crooked Creek
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
6:00 p.m.
Tribal Council Office
Anchorage
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
6:00 p.m.
Wilda Marston Theatre
Further meetings will be scheduled as follows:
January/February 2013
Quinhagak • Kipnuk • Nunapitchuk • Akiak
February 2013
Toksook Bay • Hooper Bay • Emmonak • Saint Mary’s
March 2013
Holy Cross • McGrath
What are your thoughts on the Donlin Gold Project? Do you plan on attending the scoping meeting to voice your concerns/comments? Comment below to share your thoughts!