Public Comment Sought on Treasure Creek Trail Mining Activity

The public has until October 15 to comment on a permit application by Felix Gold for mining in the Treasure Creek area, especially impacting Treasure Creek Trail.

This permit is apparently an amendment to an already issued permit. See this from the public notice:

Amendment adding an exploration bulk sample (1600 tons) trenching program and a 30ft by 60ft temporary support structure on mining lease ADL 421637. Bulk sample program is for processing and metallurgical testing of antimony mineralization.

–Written comments, questions concerning this activity or requests to view the full application packet should be directed to Michael Ladouceur, Telephone (907) 451-2784; Fax: (907) 451-2703 or e-mail: dnr.apma.comments@alaska.gov.–

See the state public notice HERE.

Concerns Raised by Locals

The company has already started work in the area and has been using the Treasure Creek Trail. Some trail users have raised concerns about the impact of the mining activity on the trail. Phil Marshall raised concerns in September.

From Phil Marshall email:

The public needs to know this negative impact on established public access. Felix’s public annoucements make no reference to this degradation to a public recreational venue. Has Felix Gold made any allowances for rerouting or reclaiming this trail? I have received no replies to several written questions to them about their development plans.

Recently musher Jeff Deeter, of Black Spruce Dog Sledding, also raised concerns on Facebook:

They are currently monopolizing a public right-of-way and a 60-year-old borough designated trail. Although talks have been cordial with community members, they have so far made no effort to resolve public access issues, or cut down on light and noise pollution for the neighbors who live directly near the mine site.

Tension between Trails and Mining

This highlights a tension in the Fairbanks area between mining, which has a long history of in the Fairbanks area and is an important part of our economy, and trails, which are beloved and needed by residents. Mining companies are often owned by Outside firms, but locals are often hired for good wages. Trails are used by residents as a place to exercise (needed for physical and mental health), for access to resources (berries and wildlife), and for tourism-related businesses (such as dog mushing tours). Mines that are farther away from population centers (such as Pogo Mine, closer to Delta Junction) cause much less conflict than those that are much closer to populations centers (such as U.S. Antimony on Ester Dome).

This particular case centers on the residences and trails around Old Murphy Dome Road (OMDR) between the Elliott Highway on the east side and McCall and Darling roads near the center of OMDR. There are a couple of subdivisions in this area and a few scattered residences, several of which are owned by people who run dog mushing tours and/or train for long-distance mushing races. This area is also laced with trails that parallel OMDR and extend both north and south of the ridge along which OMDR runs. These trails are especially popular in winter and are maintained and used by mushers in the area for recreation, training, and tours. The trails are also used by snowmachiners, skiers, fatbikers, runners, and snowshoers.

Treasure Creek Trail, which Felix Gold is now using for mining access, is a popular trail because it connects to the main OMDR trail and extends along the top of a ridge, connecting to the Alaska Pipeline, which is also used as a trail.

As yet unknown, is how the Treasure Creek Trail will be affected by the mining operation in the winter.

And while I don’t positively know the origins of the trail, I assume it was put in for mining activities, as that area has had active mining, though more in the past until this recent work by Felix Gold. (I do know of at least one small mine being worked in the area currently and there may be others.) Hence, the irony: We have come to love trails that were put in for mining but then abandoned. Over time people moved in and started using the area differently and now many think that mining is no longer appropriate in the area. However, minerals exist only in certain areas. Mining companies can’t just mine anywhere. And they need to be able to mine economically. Easier access to existing roads and other infrastructure make those economics better.

Citizens Need to Speak Up

This will be an ongoing issue in the Fairbanks area. Each instance will have to be dealt with individually. I value our trails a great deal. But I don’t see mining companies as evil. I recognize that they do provide local jobs and I used mined materials every day. As long as mining companies are following the law, they have a right to purse their business. But citizens also have a right to speak up. Some will support mining activity for the benefit it brings to the area and the wider society. Others will argue that it is no longer compatible with the area. Comments may stop or alter a mining operation to make it more compatible to an area. If you feel strongly about any particular issue, make sure your voice is heard. Comment when you get the chance.

If anyone else has anything to add to this conversation, please do.