Keep in mind that a typical 5' dredge, so designated by the manufacturers because of the hose size, usually has a nozzle opening of 4' to prevent clogs, and so would be designated a 4' dredge under these permits.Īs if it was not bad enough that larger dredges had a more stringent permit requirement, the EPA permit for dredges with a larger than 4' nozzle opening (the Medium Dredge permit) has expired as of June 30, 1999. A more stringent permit, with reporting requirements, has been required of dredges with a nozzle opening larger than 4'. Dredges with a 4' nozzle opening and smaller require a free permit with a simple set of requirements. All dredges in Alaska must have an EPA permit. The 6' has been a very good unit for me, but recent regulatory changes in Alaska have made me decide to go to a smaller dredge. I've decided to sell the 6', and downsize to a 5' dredge. I've been packing my 6' dredge out of Crow Creek Mine, where it has resided for the last couple of years. So it was that on this drive I had a chance to stop and take pictures of a Dall sheep next to the road, with a lamb perched on the cliff above. Eagles are common, and the mountains are dotted with Dall sheep, mountain goats, and bears. There area is rich in wildlife beluga whales and even a rare orca (killer whale) are seen in the Arm. On the other side, cliffs rise into the Chugach Mountains. On one side of the road is Turnagain Arm, a glacial fjord. The drive from Anchorage to Crow Creek Mine on the Seward Highway is a spectacular one. It is also a good time to do those household chores! It is a good time for moving equipment around, and to prospect and metal detect for gold. There is certainly dredging to be had, but I prefer to just play around this time of year, and wait for the water to settle. Water conditions are now at peak spring melt levels, as warming temperatures melt snowfields and glaciers at higher elevations.

Dredging surface mining