August 17, 2015
 
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Wastewater Discharge Authorization Program
555 Cordova Street
Anchorage, AK 99501
 
Via email to [email protected]
 
Re: Individual Permit AK 0053732 Aurora Energy Services – Seward Coal Loading Facility
 
The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) is writing to support the approval and issuance of individual permit AK 0053732 Aurora Energy Services – Seward Coal Loading Facility (AES Facility).
 
RDC is a statewide business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism and fisheries industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.
 
The AES Facility has been permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation since 1984. It was originally permitted by the EPA under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) individual permit in 1984. In 2001, the EPA recommended that the AES Facility seek coverage under the NPDES Storm Water Multi-Sector General Permit. Recently, the EPA reconsidered and is now recommending an individual permit.
 
RDC urges you to approve and issue the permit. Thank you for your consideration of our comments.
 
Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.