Opposes Wishbone Hill application

To the editor:

The mighty Matanuska wind has been it at again, funneling its dirty, silty load down through the Valley. It’s blown hard for six straight days at my house, and I’m still coughing up dust and wiping things down. I live just two miles downwind of Usibelli’s proposed Wishbone Hill open pit coal mine.

I am very concerned about the additional dirt and toxic coal dust that would be in the air and our lungs if this mine operates. Daily blasting, mining, processing and dusty transport trucks traversing the Valley would really exasperate the already compromised air quality.

It’s documented that mining activities substantially increase hazardous air pollution. People who live near surface mines or are exposed to blowing dust from coal have increased rates of asthma symptoms, respiratory illnesses, leukemia and lung, colon and bladder cancers. The very young and elderly are especially susceptible.

Usibelli is relying on 25-year-old data in its Wishbone Hill air quality application. Surely the company can do better when the health and welfare of our communities is involved. Public comment is open only until April 14. Please let Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation know what concerns you have about the mine and air your loved ones breathe. Contact the Air Permit Program at ADEC aaronsimpson@alaska.gov.

Aimee Chartrand

Soapstone