Begich asks Parnell, EPA for help resolving work stoppage at Usibelli's Seward coal dock

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http://www.adn.com/article/20140927/begich-asks-parnell-epa-help-resolving-work-stoppage-usibellis-seward-coal-dock



The JP Azure loads coal from Usibelli's Healy mine at the dock in Seward. Work at the dock has been ceased since a court ruling that the facility may be in violation of the Clean Water Act.

Begich asks Parnell, EPA for help resolving work stoppage at Usibelli's Seward coal dock
Fern GreenbankThe Seward Phoenix Log
September 27, 2014

Sen. Mark Begich has asked Gov. Sean Parnell to assist in resolving the work stoppage at Usibelli Coal’s dock operations at the Seward Coal Loading Facility. The facility has ceased operations since the 9th Circuit Court ruled the facility may be in violation of the Clean Water Act. Parnell responded with a politically laced letter.

Currently, Usibelli Coal’s operations are shut down at the Seward Coal Loading Facility because the company would be “at risk of violation,” said Tim Sullivan, public information officer for the railroad. He said there is a ship on the way from South Korea to pick up coal.

In a letter to Parnell dated Sept. 18, the senator asked the governor to direct the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to issue a compliance order so Usibelli Coal and Aurora Energy Services could get back to work.

“You and I both care about the employees of Usibelli Coal Mine, Aurora Energy and the Alaska Railroad who may be harmed if the facility cannot be brought into compliance shortly,” wrote the senator. “Additionally, the Alaska plaintiffs have raised issues about water quality that deserve attention.”