With the creek rushing in the foreground and traffic rumbling over Moose Creek bridge in the background, representatives of Chickaloon Village Traditional Council said that they plan to do everything we have to do to impede progress of the road, mine and exploration activities planned by Usibelli Coal Mine Inc north of Palmer.

Usibelli, which mines coal in Healy, is considering mining its Wishbone Hill lease north of Palmer. Company officials estimate the lease holds about 10 million tonnes of coal, enough to operate a mine for 12 to 20 years and employ 75 to 125 workers.

The company this week began building a 2.7 mile road to reach the proposed mine site. It also plans to drill exploratory holes to gather information for a mining feasibility study. If results are favorable, the company could begin production in 2012.

But first, Usibelli wants to secure two permits. The company must renew its exploration permit with the state this year. It also wants to renew a 25 year lease of 60 acres of Matanuska Susitna Borough land.

The borough land, adjacent to Mile 56 of the Glenn Highway, is a key access point for the mine. The borough Planning Commission this week recommended that the borough deny the lease. The Mat-Su Assembly, which has final say on whether the lease is issued, will consider the matter Tuesday.

For Chickaloon tribal members, the issue is painful and historic. A turn of the century mine was placed atop the Chickaloon village, then located on the Chickaloon River, said Angela Wade, tribal environmental stewardship director.

While the new mine site is on state land, tribal members say it could be just as damaging. The mine road would enter the Glenn Highway just a few hundred feet from the tribe's Ya Ne Dah Ah School. Tribal members said they worry about the added traffic, and fear dust from the trucks will cloud the school and endanger children's health.

The road also would pass within 150 feet of Wade's back porch.

(Sourced from www.adn.com)