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Wednesday
January 15, 2014
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The Magnificent Eagle
Front Page Photograph By KELLY MESARICH ©2014
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Alaska: EPA Assessment concludes that large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed poses risks to salmon and Alaska Native cultures By MARY KAUFFMAN - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released its final Bristol Bay Assessment describing potential impacts to salmon and ecological resources from proposed large-scale copper and gold mining in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The report, titled "An Assessment of Potential Mining Impacts on Salmon Ecosystems of Bristol Bay, Alaska," concludes that large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed poses risks to salmon and Alaska Native cultures. Bristol Bay supports the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world, producing nearly 50 percent of the world’s wild sockeye salmon with runs averaging 37.5 million fish each year.
Photo courtesy EPA
"Over three years, EPA compiled the best, most current science on the Bristol Bay watershed to understand how large-scale mining could impact salmon and water in this unique area of unparalleled natural resources," said Dennis McLerran, Regional Administrator for EPA Region 10. "Our report concludes that large-scale mining poses risks to salmon and the tribal communities that have depended on them for thousands of years. The assessment is a technical resource for governments, tribes and the public as we consider how to address the challenges of large-scale mining and ecological protection in the Bristol Bay watershed."
“Unfortunately, today’s EPA report comes as no surprise to Alaskans,” Governor Sean Parnell said. “This report is little more than a pretext for an EPA veto of the state’s permitting process, something the federal Clean Water Act prohibits. As my record demonstrates, I will not trade one resource for another, and every permitting application—when filed—deserves scientific and public scrutiny based on facts, not hypotheticals.”
U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) said in a prepared statement: “I have always said I will let science be my guide, and my decision whether to support the Pebble project will be based on this report,” said Begich. “The stakes are high for Alaska – I have heard from thousands of Alaskans on this issue - and that is why I will be thoroughly reviewing the final watershed assessment and continuing to rely on science for any final decision.”
To assess potential mining impacts to salmon resources, the EPA considered realistic mine scenarios based on a preliminary plan that was published by Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. and submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. EPA also considered mining industry references and consulted mining experts. Numerous risks associated with large-scale mining are detailed in the assessment: - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
Ketchikan: Forest Service announces intent to establish a Tongass Federal Advisory Committee, seeks candidates to serve - The U.S. Forest Service published its intent on Monday to establish a federal advisory committee to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Chief of the Forest Service on developing a sustainable forest management strategy for the Tongass National Forest, with an emphasis on supporting a transition to young growth management. The Forest Service is now seeking nominations to fill fifteen vacancies. The committee will include a diverse group of stakeholders and will operate in a way that is open, transparent, and accessible to the public.
The Tongass Federal Advisory Committee is being established as a result of both the five-year review of the Tongass Land Management Plan and a July memorandum from the Secretary of Agriculture, Addressing Sustainable Forestry in Southeast Alaska. The Committee will be expected to provide advice on transitioning to young growth in a manner that supports the existing forest industry in Southeast Alaska. Advice from the Committee may also inform modification of the Tongass Land Management Plan. - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
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Alaska: Commercial Agreement for Alaska Gasline Signed; Agreement next goes to Legislature for public review By MARY KAUFFMAN - The Alaska LNG project is one of the largest export projects of its kind in the world and today Governor Sean Parnell welcomed news that a commercial agreement for an Alaska gasline has been signed, marking a major milestone in bringing Alaska’s gas to Alaskans and markets beyond.
The agreement, also known as a Heads of Agreement (HOA), was signed by the commissioners of Natural Resources and Revenue, ExxonMobil, BP, ConocoPhillips, TransCanada, and the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC). The HOA will be subject to public review by the Legislature this session.
“This commercial agreement, with its transparent set of terms, is Alaska’s roadmap to developing our vast gas reserves,” Governor Sean Parnell said. “This is truly a historic achievement. Not only have all the necessary parties aligned around a single project, but we’re moving forward with a project that’s on Alaska’s terms and in Alaskans’ interests. I extend my thanks to all of the parties for the hard work that went into this agreement, and look forward to working with legislators on laying the framework to best manage our gas resources.”
Regarding today's agreement signed between the state of Alaska, TransCanada, and the state’s three major oil producers for a proposed North Slope liquefied natural gas project, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski said in a prepared statement, “I applaud the progress Gov. Sean Parnell’s office has made in advancing a natural gas development project,” Murkowski said. “I look forward to all parties working as quickly as possible on the engineering design of the project and to speed development of the financial framework for a project to proceed to construction.”
"This is a historic time for Alaska,” said Senator Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage Hillside/Turnagain Arm/North Kenai) “We have now moved the ball to the next ten yard line. Alaskans can look forward to the potential benefits of our gas here at home and abroad."
The Heads of Agreement (HOA) provides a roadmap for the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project to ramp up the Pre-Front End Engineering and Design (Pre-FEED) stage, and establishes a framework for negotiating multiple project-enabling agreements. The HOA includes the state as an equity partner, provides gas to Alaskans, lays out proposed fiscal terms, and includes pro-expansion principles that will allow third-party access to all of the project components, including possible construction of a new LNG train at the liquefaction plant.
Finally, the Heads of Agreement (HOA) ensures Alaskans’ interests are protected by outlining significant participation by AGDC, including a new subsidiary to carry the state’s interests in the project. It also recognizes that AGDC will continue to pursue its own Alaska Stand Alone Pipeline (ASAP) instate gasline project. - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
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Alaska: King Cove Tribal and Community Leaders Praise Senate Legislation to Construct Road - King Cove Tribal and Community leaders are praising the introduction of legislation today by U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) to approve a land exchange and construction of a life-saving road corridor connecting the remote community to the neighboring all-weather Cold Bay Airport. This comes three weeks after Interior Secretary Sally Jewell rejected a similar proposal, passed by Congress and approved by the President in 2009. Jewell announced her decision two days before Christmas following an environmental impact statement (EIS). This bill, known as the King Cove All-Weather Road Corridor Act, amends the existing law, requiring the Interior Secretary to convey the federal land (206 acres) needed to construct the single-lane gravel road corridor in exchange for 56,000 acres from the State of Alaska and the King Cove (Native) Corporation. No further analysis by the federal government would be necessary.
“After hearing first-hand about the tragic consequences of critically ill people being transported through 12-foot seas to get medical care, their decision to put wildlife ahead of public safety was simply irresponsible,” said Sen. Begich said in a press release. “Even after visiting King Cove and being stranded in inclement weather themselves, DOI bureaucrats have failed to recognize Alaska’s unique needs.”
Begich said, “Residents of King Cove have lived in this area for hundreds of years before the creation of the refuge in 1980. They’ve taken good care of their backyard, and if they’re willing to give up such an overwhelming amount of their land claims to build a simple one-lane gravel road, Washington shouldn’t stand in the way.”
“We are very grateful to Senator Begich, Senator Murkowski, Congressman Young and Governor Parnell for their continued commitment to fight for the people of King Cove,” said King Cove Mayor Henry Mack. “Protecting the lives of our elders, children and everyone else in our community so we have safe, reliable access to the Cold Bay Airport for health and quality-of-life reasons have always been at the heart of this matter. We don’t want to see any further loss of life or tragedy because of extreme weather conditions standing in the way of critically-needed health care.”
King Cove is only accessible by sea or air. The gravel runway is suitable only for small planes. The remote Aleutian community is often plagued by gale-force winds and thick fog, creating stormy, dangerous travel conditions, especially during medevacs. Over the years, more than a dozen people have lost their lives, either in plane crashes or because they couldn’t get treatment in a timely manner. The community has a clinic, but no doctor. Residents must fly 600 miles to Anchorage, via Cold Bay, for most medical procedures, including serious trauma cases and childbirth. - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
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 WHAT CAN YOU DO? By Diane Gubatayao -
Last October, Dr. Andre Rosay from the UAA Justice Center released data from the Alaska Victimization Survey done here in Ketchikan. Shockingly, the results revealed that 50% of adult women in Ketchikan report being victims of domestic or sexual violence in their lifetimes. That means, statistically speaking, that one out of two women that might be shopping at the store, or attending a Kayhi basketball game, or living in your neighborhood, has been a victim of DV or SA. One out of two! Most of us know someone who has been a victim, and we often ask ourselves, “what can I do?”. - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
Open Letter: Unemployment By Forrest A. Mackie - Attn: Lisa Murkowski and Don Young and all Alaska Yahoo politicians; I am an unemployed yahoo who worked the better part of my life working my way up to one of the best jobs at Ketchikan Pulp Company! KPC was the largest employer in this territory and later the state, and the fishing and the logging and the pulp industry were the largest revenue producers for 30 plus years!! Now I am 70 years young, and due to the whim of you politicians that I watch on TV, now I am constantly disgusted by what I see going on in the Whitehouse in the guise of politics. I am totally bewildered at what I see!! - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
US Congess shows its True Colors By Michael Spence -
Having just read about the approval of the budget omnibus bill in which the US House of Representatives approved a "over 1 Trillion Dollar" spending bill out of which there is 520 billion dollars in discretionary defense related spending. - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
There's a FIX to the U.S. decline in the Economic Freedom Index By Wiley Brooks -
The 2014 Index of Economic Freedom reveals that the United States has dropped out of the top 10 freest economies in the world. Five years ago the U.S. was ranked 6th. Now it is 12th. The FIX is called the FairTax. - More...
Wednesday PM - January 15, 2014
Elections By Cecelia Johnson -
As we head into 2014 I am optimistic that we will be successful, that we will communicate with each other, uplift and support each other because we are all in this boat together. There are young people stepping forward which is what we had hoped for and we need to support their efforts and mentor them so they can push forward leading our tribe to progress. - More...
Monday PM - January 13. 2014
Ketchikan City Council Member's threat By Kathy Flora -
I read in the Ketchikan Daily News, Council Member K.J. Harris' closing comment. I quote "to say that while he didn't favor censorship, he felt that "people need to be very careful what they say." Harris spoke of hearing first-and second-hand derogatory comments from members of the public directed at Council members in the past month, and he advised the public to remember that it never knows when it might have to go before the Council to make a request." - More...
Monday PM - January 13. 2014
About that Fukushima Radiation... By Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins -
Since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I've been trying to find zen with the the ongoing Fukushima nuclear mess. Between colossal tax cuts for oil companies, a budget forecast that induces acid reflux, and Medicaid un-expansion, I barely had the brainspace to worry whether my dad's smoked sockeye was going to give me colon cancer or turn me into a mutant. - More...
Monday PM - January 13, 2014
Public use of Herring Cove By Marie Zellmer -
I recently went to the Ketchikan Borough Assembly meeting where one of the topics addressed the issues that have been compounding at Herring Cove over the years. I was very shocked and upset when my statements were incorrectly reported by one of our local papers. After a couple of phone calls no corrections have been made. First of all, I have never worked for a taxi company, I have worked for the same local tour company every summer since 2009, and several others before. - More...
Monday PM - January 13, 2014
Drugs in Ketchikan By Paul Jarvi -
Kevin Kristovich is so right on this subject. Drugs are a major problem in our town. We live on a small island, the Airlines, Fed Ex, UPS, the Alaska Marine Highway System, barge lines, private boats, and the Post Office (which gets two chances between Juneau and Ketchikan) should be put under a microscope so drugs do not come to our town. People who make and sell drugs should be shut down and put away. - More...
Monday PM - January 13, 2014
Ice Cream Guy Can Throw Whoopi Pies By Donald A. Moskowitz -
A former owner of an ice cream company is waging a campaign questioning the necessity of the Pentagon’s large scale weapons systems, including the F-35 fighter bomber which has been plagued with problems to be resolved. - More...
Monday PM - January 13, 2014
Tribal Government, What Are You Thinking? By Randy Williams -
Concerning the recen tletter about a government out of control, let me preface this letter by saying I don't believe in recalls. I do believe in the election process and if the voters made a mistake, correct it during the next election. That being said, the employees who signed the petition are absolutely correct. As a former Chairman of Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC), I had our council pass a resolution that prohibited a council member and our governing body from interfering with Tribal administration. I knew as a leader of our government that we hired a General Manager and department managers to do a job and I also knew I was elected to govern and not to run Tribal programs. - More...
Thursday PM - January 09, 2014
RE: Drug dealers in Ketchikan By Kevin Kristovich - I have to agree with the recent letter posted on the recent wave of drug busts here in Ketchikan. The police are deep in the trenches fighting an ongoing battle. Yes it is apparent when one or many get caught, there are more people picking up where others have left off. This is not just a practice being done here in our town, it is everywhere. The meth epidemic has led to a rash of burglaries and thefts in town and I ask when will this all come to an end? - More...
Thursday PM - January 09, 2014
RE: Howling at the fiscal Moon By Michelle O'Brien - While any and all dialogue from community members is appreciated regarding funding of our local educational system, the recent letter submitted by A.M. Johnson is incorrect in one area: "The issue: The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School board has convinced the Gateway Borough to file a law suit against the State to obtain funding that according to the suit, is guaranteed under the Alaska Constitution." - More...
Tuesday PM - January 07, 2014
RE: What's all the howling about? By Shelley Stallings -
Thanks to Jeff Lund for the thought provoking column in Sitnews Saturday on wolf trapping. Rarely do I read a piece that tries to straddle the fence on this highly charged subject, although Lund's comment about wolves and bear decimating deer populations seems to put Lund on the side of believing killing wolves is overall a positive action. - More...
Tuesday PM - January 07, 2014
Drug Dealers in Ketchikan By Riley Gass -
I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this, but it seems there is a continuous spell of hard drug dealers getting caught in Ketchikan. Nearly every time I open the police reports on Sitnews there are multiple reports of people being caught with mass amounts of heroin, meth, or some other type of hard drug. The positive to this is that the police are doing a great job in taking down these dealers, but the bad is obviously that they are here. It seems like whenever one gets taken down someone else starts shipping drugs onto our island. - More...
Tuesday PM - January 07, 2014
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