states, and in many western continental U.S. states because of the scarcity of water. In Alaska water is not scarce but there are complications and costs in treating water after it is used so that it can be returned to the natural environment. In many other states this is less a problem because used wa- ter can be recycled or used for other purposes, like agriculture, while Alaska’s strict water quality standards typically require extensive treatment so that water returned to the environment is pure. To accomplish this DNR works closely with other state agencies including the Department of Environmental Conser- vation, which has primary authority over water quality, and the Department of Fish and Game, which must protect aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. During his tenure, Mack argued the time to clarify issues around water rights is before conflicts develop. Other states have well-developed and staffed regulatory agencies focused on wa- ter rights allocation and conflict resolution, and while this may be premature for Alaska the current system of having this work done within by the Division of Mining, Land and Water may need some attention to ensure there are adequate resources, Mack said. Fundamentally, Mack believed water rights should be held by a state agency, either the Department of Fish and Game or Natural Resources. A state agency is better equipped, Mack said, to ensure there is sufficient water flow to support fish than an out-of-state nonprofit, he said.
Contributed Photos Charlie Cobb leads the Alaska DNR’s Dam Safety program.
Tim Bradner is an Anchorage-based natural resources writer and is copublisher of the Alaska Legislative Digest
For over a decade, our goal has been to responsibly design a project with minimal impact, in partnership with the people of the Bristol Bay region, and which meets Alaska’s highest environmental standards. We have a new plan — a better plan — to share with you. A new path forward.
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January 2019
The Alaska Miner
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