"Chilkat Indian Village Says Alaska Mine Poses Risk To Watershed"

"The Chilkat Indian Village of Klukwan [AK] is challenging a state permit approving construction of a gold and metals mine that would tunnel under the Saksaia Glacier on 6,100-foot Flower Mountain near the headwaters of the Chilkat River watershed.

Chilkat Indian Village officials say the project’s proposed system to treat water runoff from the mine in southeast Alaska is insufficient to protect glacier-fed streams that flow into the Chilkat River and other salmon-bearing rivers and streams.

“Protecting the pristine quality of the Chilkat River watershed is our responsibility and enshrined in our Tribal Constitution,” Chilkat Indian Village President Kimberly Strong said in a statement."

Richard Arlin Walker reports for States Newsroom December 18, 2022.