Notice of Review of an Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Preliminary Draft General Permit for Medium Suction Dredge Placer Miners

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is reviewing a preliminary draft general permit for medium suction dredge placer miners. The permit authorizes discharges of wastewater from suction dredges with intake diameters greater than six inches and less than or equal to ten inches that process gold placer ores and rely on beneficiation processes based on gravity separation. The permit provides statewide coverage for discharges to waters of the U.S., with certain limitations. Key aspects of the permit include: • The permit is for medium suction dredge placer miners • The permit authorizes discharges of wastewater from suction dredges • The permit has certain limitations for discharges to waters of the U.S. • The permit provides statewide coverage • The public review period is from 05/18/2026 to 06/01/2026