Project Profile: Conduct Removal Action at Beauty Bay Mine in Kenai Fjords National Park

Ruins and abandoned equipment at Glass-Heifner mine site

USFWS Photo / A. Lutto

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Revegetation of Hazard Mine Lands | $960,000

The National Park Service will conduct a time-sensitive mining waste removal project at an abandoned mine site to prevent contamination of a creek that supports several salmon species in Kenai Fjords National Park. Past mining has left behind processed ore, called mine tailings, which are high in heavy metals including arsenic. Erosion near and beneath the tailings pile could release the tailings into nearby Ferrum Creek unless the tailings are removed. The health of the ecosystem will be preserved through the removal and proper disposal of the mine tailings.

Why? Ferrum Creek supports four species of salmon, Dolly Varden, and other wildlife. Salmon are an important cultural and economic resource for the region. Rising and forecasted temperatures due to climate change make every salmon stream critical for their preservation. Rivers on the eastern portion of the Kenai Peninsula, such as Ferrum Creek, are predicted to remain cooler in climate projections, making them essential long term salmon spawning habitat.

What Else? Preventing contaminated waste from entering Ferrum Creek bolsters the ability of culturally and ecologically important salmon species to survive under changing climate conditions. Properly removing the waste also protects people, plants, and animals that rely on healthy ecosystems.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration

This project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration, signed on November 15, 2021. It is a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment.