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Protect the Susitna Valley: Renewed Threat of Coalbed Methane Drilling

by | Sep 30, 2024 | Mining, Coalbed Methane, Oil & Gas, West Su Access Road

The State must evaluate the costs of any gas exploration project alongside other major proposed developments, including the West Susitna Industrial Access Corridor, Donlin Right of Way, Susitna Coal and Carbon Capture project, and proposed pipeline extensions, to fully understand the full breadth of impact to the Susitna Watershed.

Protect the Susitna Valley:
Renewed Threat of Coalbed Methane Drilling

— Loren Barrett

 

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is once again considering a proposal to open 1.5 million undeveloped acres of the Susitna Valley for gas exploration—a decision that could threaten salmon habitat, wetlands, and local recreation. This solicitation area, once considered for coalbed methane drilling, poses severe threats to our fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

If approved, the license allows for unrestricted exploration for ten years across an area whose boundaries are ill-defined in the current proposal and includes critical salmon spawning habitat, prime moose habitat, as well as key recreation areas like Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area, Willow Creek, and the Deshka River. 

The State must evaluate the costs of any gas exploration project alongside other major proposed developments, including the West Susitna Industrial Access Corridor, Donlin Right of Way, Susitna Coal and Carbon Capture project, and proposed pipeline extensions, to fully understand the full breadth of impact to the Susitna Watershed.

In 2017, public opposition was strong, with 92% of comments against the proposal due to ecological, social, and economic concerns. Every comment counts. Submit your comment by 5pm on Oct 7th to dog.bif@alaska.gov to safeguard the Susitna Valley’s future for fish, wildlife, and people.

 Solicitation Area Boundary Map & How to Submit Comments

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