After The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approved Constantine’s Wastewater Treatment Plan for their next phase, the Chilkat Indian Village’s Environmental Team appealed the decision through a request for an informal review.
The Chilkat Indian Village is concerned about two components of Constantine’s wastewater treatment plan. First, Constantine fails to present sufficient evidence showing that the proposed wastewater treatment system will prevent contaminated groundwater from mixing with surface water that drains into the Klehini River before entering the Chilkat River and eventually the Inside Passage. Second, Constantine fails to present sufficient evidence showing that the wastewater treatment system will remain functional during earth events such as earthquakes, avalanches, and landslides, all of which are common in the area.
CIV requests that agencies suspend or rescind the permit until Constantine proves that contaminated wastewater will never mix with surface water and that the wastewater treatment system will remain stable through all possible earth events. Specific requests include the use of tracer dye to track the connections between proposed diffused water and surface water connected Glacier Creek.
The informal review process is used by DEC to quickly and simply appeal (question) a decision made by staff, according to DEC’s website.
Within seven business days, the request will be granted or denied by the director, according to DEC.
CIV expects DEC’s response by August 9.