Summary

EPA is proposing to reissue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to Yvonne Desjarlais for gold suction dredge mining near Kantishna, Alaska.

This permit was originally issued to Gold Vault Mining in June 2016. In April 2020, EPA transferred the permit to Yvonne Desjarlais.

The permittee has submitted an NPDES permit application for reissuance of the permit for a discharge from a suction dredge operation containing two dredges: one with no more than a six inch nozzle; and one with no more than an eight inch nozzle. The permit will authorize certain discharges of pollutants into Eldorado Creek subject to limits and requirements designed to minimize pollution and protect water quality.

Eldorado Creek is within the boundary of Denali National Park. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation does not have NPDES permitting authority within this area.

Tentative Determination

The Region 10 office of the EPA has tentatively determined to reissue a discharge permit to the applicant.

Water Quality Certification

This facility is located within Denali National Park and Preserve and discharges to waters under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government approximately 35 miles upstream of the boundary with the state of Alaska’s jurisdiction. Therefore, according to 40 CFR 121.13(a), EPA is the certifying authority. EPA is taking comment on its intent to certify this permit.

Administrative Record

Electronic copies of the draft permit and technical fact sheet are available below under "Related Documents."

Copies and other information may be also requested by contacting Cindi Godsey (godsey.cindi@epa.gov), 206-553-1676.

Because of COVID-19 response, there is no public access to the Region 10 EPA building at this time. Therefore, we cannot make hard copies available for viewing at our offices.

Disability Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please call Audrey Washington at 206-553-0523 (voice). TTY/TDD users please dial Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6388. Please provide one week advance notice for special requests not related to ongoing programs and services.