The Department of Natural Resources has opened a public comment period on water rights for the Chuitna River in regards to the Chuitna Coal Project.
The project resides in the Upper Western Cook Inlet and could impact the salmon in the key Chuitna River tributary of Middle Creek according to the Chuitna Citizens Coalition.
The Cook Inletkeepers and the coalition applied for the Instream Flow Reservation over 4 years ago but it was waylaid until October 2013 when a Superior Court ruling determined the application must be processed.
Chuitna Coal Project Manager Dan Graham said its all part of the process to address those concerns.
Graham: “Well I think any responsible developer, you try to do your best to accommodate concerns and issues, particularly local residents as well as the agencies and all of the other reviewers, that’s part of the review process, you get input on concerns and see which ones you can address and address them as best you can.”
The public comment period is open until March 10 and comments may be submitted by mail:
550 W. 7th Ave.
Suite 1070
Anchorage, Alaska, 99501
Or by email to [email protected].
Or fax at 907-296-8904.
