Doyon, Limited remains committed to ensuring that all projects operating on our lands follow required state and federal regulations. We will continue to work closely with agencies to uphold rigorous permitting and stringent environmental standards and expect Hilcorp to do the same throughout their work on the Yukon Flats Project near Birch Creek.
Doyon’s mission is to balance the social and economic well-being of our shareholders while also protecting and enhancing our lands and resources for future generations. From subsistence to our salmon, we have a responsibility to care for the lands our ancestors lived on. This commitment is reflected in the planning of the Yukon Flats, which has been intentionally situated away from wetlands and tributaries to safeguard our waters.
We recognize the potential for misinformation surrounding this project and intend to serve as a reliable source of factual updates. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to provide further details on employment opportunities, material transportation, and other key aspects of the project to the people of Birch Creek, the Yukon Flats, and all Doyon shareholders who stand to benefit from a successful project. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact Doyon Lands or our communications team for accurate information.
Hilcorp’s permit through the Alaska Division of Natural Resources allows for seasonal or annual water withdrawal of up to 800,000 gallons in total from each Birch Creek site, with a maximum daily withdrawal of 600,000 gallons—less than the total volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Water usage is a critical component of maintaining continuous operations, addressing unforeseen challenges, and ensuring safety and environmental protection. Furthermore, water withdrawal from Birch Creek required Hilcorp to coordinate with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) to secure a Fish Habitat Permit (FHP), which is designed to mitigate impacts on resident and anadromous fish species.
Requested volumes are intentionally more than required for site operations, in case of unforeseen circumstances. Most importantly – in accordance with state and federal regulations – water used for operations, along with used mud and cuttings, will be stored in tanks on-site and then transported offsite for disposal. There is no discharge into Yukon Flats waterways.
Additional permitting updates will be provided on an ongoing basis.
Doyon remains dedicated to responsible resource development, environmental stewardship, and open communication with our shareholders and communities.
All necessary permits have been obtained in compliance with state and federal regulations. The agencies engaged with throughout Hilcorp’s permitting process include:
Federal Permitting:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- State Historic Properties Office (SHPO)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
State Permitting
- Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR)
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)
- Fish Habitat Permits
- Public Safety Permit and Wildlife Interaction Plan
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
- Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC)
- Alaska Department of Public Safety
