Assembly won’t ask to expand coal study

PALMER — In a 4-3 vote last week, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly declined to ask the state for a more complete look at what mining might mean for the health of borough residents.

Assemblyman Warren Keogh sponsored a resolution debated at the June 5 assembly meeting that would have called on the state to expand the “rapid” — meaning not quite complete — Health Impacts Assessment it had already done.

With a longer, comprehensive assessment, Keogh said, “you get better more thorough more complete information.”

And the state would be paying for it.

“I guess maybe it’s worth reiterating here that this health impact assessment, whether it’s rapid or comprehensive, has no legal teeth,” he said. “I’m a little bit surprised by the response or reaction that this simple resolution has caused.”

The reaction, at least at the meeting, came from 15 residents who gave their thoughts on the resolution. Fourteen were in favor of asking for a comprehensive assessment and one opposed.

“This is the first coal project that I know (of) that would be located in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” said Jeremiah Millen, executive director of Friends of Mat-Su. “A vote against this resolution is a vote against communities.”

Lisa Wade, health and social services director for the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, was also in favor.

“It will send a clear message to all of your constituents that the assembly members sitting around this table listen to their health and social services advisory board and you also care not only about economic development in our borough, but also the health and wellness of everyone in our Mat-Su Borough,” Wade said.

Bonnie Zirkle, a neighbor who opposes the proposed Wishbone Hill Coal Mine, said the assessment shouldn’t be seen as an impediment to Usibelli Coal Mine or other companies studying mining in the area.

“If the proposed mines don’t feel that they will be a danger to the communities than they should welcome a comprehensive health impact assessment,” Zirkle said.

Marvin Yoder, speaking on behalf of the Mat-Su Business Alliance, read a statement opposing asking for the assessment as premature.

“It is essential to businesses that the process be followed,” Yoder said.

Assemblyman Steve Colligan, one of few who spoke on the issue, sided with Yoder and the alliance.

“I personally believe in the process and respect the process and would like to see the process go on,” Colligan said.

Keogh said out the state is accepting comments on the assessment and that approving the resolution would constitute the borough’s comments.

Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss wondered aloud what this would mean to other industries in the Valley.

“The logic of this could be applied to a number of other industries, including farming in the Valley,” he said. “I don’t see the reason why anybody who’s working in dirt or possibly water might not be facing the same thing.”

Vern Halter, who voted with Jim Colver and Keogh in supporting expanding the assessment, pointed out that the resolution wouldn’t make anybody do anything.

“It’s still their decision, but I think it’s good for us to do something like that,” Halter said. “I really don’t think it’s going to detract from Usibelli’s ability to run their operation.”

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.