Update: An extension has been granted! The public now has until June 3 to comment. Thank you to everyone who requested an extension.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently received a permit amendment request regarding the Palmer Project and has the permit on a fast track. DNR issued a public notice on their website, with a short comment period — comments are now due Saturday, June 3, by 5 p.m. Alaska Time.

The new plan includes over 50 drill pads and could include running heavy roadbuilding and drilling equipment as well as crew trucks through Glacier Creek near the Klehini River. Other concerns include noise impacts across the valley, cultural impacts, risk of introduction of invasive species, risk of spills, and potential impacts to salmon habitat.

We ask you to please comment on this permit amendment. You might consider including some of the concerns we listed above, as well as your own concerns. To read more about the permit amendment, take a look at the public notice and attachments.

Written comments can be mailed to the Division of Mining, Land and Water at the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or emailed to dnr.fbx.mining@alaska.gov. Comments must be received on or before 5 p.m. Alaska Time on June 3.