BLM Alaska seeks public comment on Red Devil Mine proposed cleanup plan
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Bureau of Land Management released a proposed plan to address remaining contamination at the abandoned Red Devil mine, an historical mercury mine site located along the Kuskokwim River in southwest Alaska. The BLM’s proposed plan, which includes preferred cleanup methods and associated costs, represents a major step forward in the process. The plan outlines the steps BLM proposes to take to address contamination at the site in a way that is protective of human health and the environment.
“The BLM takes seriously our obligations at this site,” said BLM Alaska State Director Chad Padgett. “The methods we’re proposing were developed in close coordination with the EPA, and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation concurs with our preferred alternative. This has been a long time coming, and we’re looking forward to getting started on the next phase of cleanup.”
The proposed plan is available for public review. The BLM will hold public meetings for the communities in the middle and lower Kuskokwim region during the comment period; a current meeting schedule is available on the Red Devil Mine cleanup website. During each meeting, the BLM’s experts will summarize work completed to date and describe the preferred cleanup alternative. Comments from the potentially affected communities will be accepted March 1 through April 30, 2020. After reviewing and considering the comments, the BLM will develop a record of decision on the cleanup plan for the Red Devil Mine.
Additional information about the Red Devil Mine project can be found at https://www.blm.gov/alaska/red-devil-mine. There will also be a link to submit comments via email and a mailing address. To schedule a public meeting, contact Public Affairs Specialist Maureen Clark at 907-267-1420.
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.