Local Gold Miner Seeks Permit Amid Land Zoning Concerns
By Anna Lionas
Shawn Pomerenke, a local gold miner, has submitted an application for a permit to mine gold at a claim located within Nome city limits. Recent discussions revealed that some of the proposed mining area is not zoned for resource extraction.
During a recent Nome Planning Commission meeting, City Clerk Dan Grimmer highlighted the public notice for the mining application submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers. The proposed hydraulic placer mine is situated at the Northern Queen site, spanning 130 acres with an additional 30-acre disposal area, nestled between Center Creek and Bourbon Creek, opposite the Nome-Teller Road from Icy View.
Concerns were raised regarding the mine’s overlap with areas not designated for resource development; specifically, its eastern boundary encroaches on industrially zoned land. Pomerenke, who operates as Northwest Golddiggers, noted that these plots do not conform to city code Industrial standards, which necessitate road access along with utility connections.
To address zoning issues, Pomerenke plans to apply for a conditional use permit, which mandates a public hearing before the Planning Commission. He has leased the property from Arctic Gold and expressed enthusiasm over his findings, including historical mining artifacts unearthed during his research.
Following the May 8 public notice by the Army Corps, some community concerns were voiced on social media. Pomerenke has promised to consider public feedback seriously. Should permits proceed smoothly, mining operations could commence at this season’s end or early next year.
The public comment period remains open until June 9, with community members encouraged to voice their opinions. The Planning Commission will address concerns during their June 3 meeting, as emphasized by commission chair Ken Hughes.
In other business, the commission passed a Front Street rezoning ordinance to the Nome Common Council, along with a pending appeal regarding zoning violations by resident Joe Burnham.
Source
Photo credit www.nomenugget.com
