Let’s get some things straight about the “aqueous storage” ordinance before the Haines Borough Assembly.
The ordinance is all about Constantine Minerals Resources’ development of a mine near 40 Mile. That was its origin and its motivation, and that’s perfectly okay.
It’s unclear that the State of Alaska can adequately protect the Klehini River from mine pollution, as the state is busy filling in fish habitat all along the highway reconstruction project. The state may have destroyed the near-side eulachon fishery on the Chilkat River with its airport expansion 25 years ago and it can’t seem to protect the last of the Chilkat king salmon stocks.
So it’s understandable that residents, environmentalists and others are getting out ahead of a mine.
What’s not okay is lying about it.
Several times during an assembly committee meeting Tuesday, supporters of the ordinance denied that it was targeting the mine, even though that was painfully obvious. The borough has no other major hazardous waste sites threatening our water or fish streams. And the reason the ordinance doesn’t flat out prohibit tailings dams near streams is that such a law already was stricken by the courts.
So the ordinance takes a little broader shot and perhaps protects local streams from a few more hazards, but what we’re talking about in this ordinance is the danger posed by acidic runoff from mine tailings and the possibility of acid running downhill over time.
Those are very legitimate concerns, and local law is a legitimate avenue for seeking protection for our fish and all other users of the Chilkat River.
Another reason for the ordinance is distrust. Residents don’t trust state agencies will be forceful enough to provide long-term protection of the river. A state Department of Environmental Conservation permitting official at a Haines “mining summit” two years ago made it plain, saying the state’s role was helping mines secure the permits they need to operate.
In other words, DEC is not a referee, ready to blow a whistle when the mine or anyone else pollutes local rivers. It’s more like an assistant coach for Constantine, helping the company’s runners make it to home plate.
In that regulatory environment, residents have every right to want more in the way of protection.
The state can’t be trusted.
But if environmentalists and others concerned about the mine want to make any headway with residents who haven’t yet made up their mind about a mine, they must tell the truth about their motives.
In this equation, mistrust is a given. Many residents don’t trust developers to build a mine that can truly protect the river. Conversely, miners and others don’t trust environmentalists to tell the truth about the mine’s risks.
Mistrust can be understood, but deceit cannot be tolerated. The truth establishes credibility. It builds support and alliances. Plus, often times, it’s how the little guy tells a good guy from a bad guy.
Without the truth, the champions of the river stand no chance of protecting it.