The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the signing of a Record of Decision for the Red Devil Mine remediation plan. Over the years, the agency has gathered data, evaluated several options, and held consultations with those who would be affected by this plan.

The Red Devil Mine is situated 250 miles west of Anchorage on a 10-acre property managed by the BLM. The mine's history dates back to 1933 when mining operations first began. In 1939, mercury ore extraction commenced in the area and continued until 1946. Production of minerals and rock started in 1952, but the original mine and equipment were destroyed in 1954. A new mercury furnace was constructed and operated until 1971, following the commencement of open pit mining in 1970. The mine ceased operations in 1971 and has remained inactive since then.

"This signed decision on Red Devil Mine marks a major step forward for addressing contamination at this site. We look forward to working with Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, the State, and others to implement this plan to benefit lands and communities," said Steve Cohn, BLM Alaska State Director in a news release dated Jan. 31 announcing the decision on the Red Devil Mine Remediation Plan.

According to the Record of Decision, the selected action for remediation includes excavating tailings and waste rock along with soil and sediments from Red Devil Creek that are contaminated by mercury and waste rock from the site. It also involves excavating nearshore sediments in the Kuskokwim River, consolidating excavated materials into an engineered repository, and disposing of materials. Highly mineralized areas will be capped followed by long-term maintenance in the surface mined area as well as monitoring of groundwater in both Red Devil Creek Watershed and Kuskokwim River sediment to ensure effective remediation. Measures such as fencing and restrictions on public access will be implemented to keep people and wildlife out of the area.