The Land
Shapes The Plan
Environmental planning guides how the Donlin Gold project is designed, permitted, constructed, and operated in the Yukon–Kuskokwim region of Alaska.
More than 20 years of baseline studies on water, fish, wildlife, subsistence use, and land have been conducted to understand existing conditions. This data informs engineering decisions, environmental review, and long-term monitoring under state and federal oversight.
Aquatic Habitat Protection
Safeguarding water quality is central to protecting fish, subsistence resources, and community use throughout the region.
Water systems are designed to control how water moves through the site, including diversion of clean water, collection of contact water, and treatment before discharge. All treated water must meet strict Alaska water quality standards.
- Water is collected, contained, treated, and reused where possible
- Non-contact water is diverted away from operational areas
- Monitoring includes surface water, groundwater, and aquatic life
Aquatic populations in Crooked Creek and nearby waterways have been studied for decades, including species, migration timing, and habitat conditions. This information supports project design and impact mitigation.
River Use and Transportation
The Kuskokwim River is central to life in the Yukon–Kuskokwim region, supporting subsistence, travel, and local communities. Project planning recognizes the importance of protecting river conditions and minimizing disruption.
Transportation of fuel and supplies is planned around seasonal river access to support operations.
Barge traffic would occur during the open-water season and is regulated under state and federal requirements.
- Barge activity is scheduled and monitored
- Fuel and materials are transported using controlled handling procedures
- Spill prevention and response plans include staged equipment and trained response teams
The project includes a proposed natural gas pipeline to reduce reliance on diesel fuel and limit the volume of fuel transported by river.
Ongoing studies evaluate river conditions, including erosion, sediment, and usage patterns, to inform operations and reduce potential impacts over time.
Monitoring and Accountability
Environmental performance is continuously monitored and regulated throughout the life of the project.
The project is subject to extensive permitting at the state and federal level, with oversight from multiple agencies. Monitoring programs track water, air, wildlife, and land conditions during construction, operations, and closure.
- More than 100 permits and approvals govern project activities
- Monitoring results are reported to regulatory agencies
- Adaptive management allows operational changes based on data
- Financial assurance is required to support reclamation and long-term water treatment
These systems ensure accountability, transparency, and consistent environmental performance across all phases of the project.
Environmental Studies
The project is subject to extensive permitting at the state and federal level, with oversight from multiple agencies. Monitoring programs track water, air, wildlife, and land conditions during construction, operations, and closure.
Environmental studies conducted in the project area document existing conditions and long-term patterns across the region, including:
- Surface water and groundwater quality and flow
- Fish populations and aquatic habitat
- Wildlife species and habitat use
- Wetlands and vegetation communities
- Air quality, weather, and climate conditions
- Geochemistry of ore, waste rock, and tailings
- Subsistence activities and land use
- Cultural and historical resources
These studies have been conducted over more than 20 years, capturing seasonal variation and long-term trends.
The data provides a clear understanding of existing conditions before development and is used to guide project design, support environmental review, and ensure monitoring continues through construction, operations, and closure.
Permitting Process
Development of the Donlin Gold project requires extensive review and approval through federal, state, and local permitting processes in Alaska.
Before construction or operations can begin, approximately 100 permits and authorizations must be reviewed and approved by regulatory agencies.
Who Oversees the Process
The permitting process is led by federal and state regulatory agencies.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serves as the lead federal agency, coordinating review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). At the state level, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources leads coordination through the Large Mine Permitting Team.
These agencies are responsible for reviewing applications, evaluating environmental impacts, and determining whether permits are issued.
Public Involvement and Transparency
The permitting process includes opportunities for public review and input at multiple stages.
- Public comment periods are required under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Agencies consider feedback from communities, stakeholders, and organizations
- Project plans may be revised based on input and regulatory review
This process supports transparency and allows community participation in decision-making.
Environmental Review and Decision-Making
Federal permitting requires preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which evaluates:
- Project design and proposed activities
- Alternative approaches
- Environmental, economic, and social impacts
- Measures to avoid or reduce impacts
The EIS process includes detailed analysis, public input, and agency review before decisions are made.
Permits may be approved, denied, or require modification based on agency findings.
Timeline and Review
Permitting is a multi-year process due to the scale of the project and the level of review required.
The timeline includes environmental analysis, agency coordination, public input, and final decisions on permits and authorizations.
Additional Resources
Detailed information on permitting, environmental review, and sustainability reporting is available through NOVAGOLD, one of the project owners.
These resources include technical reports, environmental documentation, and permitting updates submitted as part of regulatory review.
About Donlin
Frequently Asked Questions
Support includes education initiatives, workforce and shareholder development, community programs, and regional events such as the Iron Dog Race.
Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations may submit requests through the Community Support Application.
When developed, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and about 800 during operations, along with demand for local services and contractors.
Hiring is expected to focus on residents of the region, supported by training and workforce and shareholder development efforts.
The project is expected to use a rotational work schedule, allowing employees to remain based in their home communities.
The project is located on lands owned by Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation, with potential for long-term economic participation by Shareholders under ANCSA.
Through regular in-person meetings, public events, monthly newsletters, and ongoing communication with residents across the region.
Current plans estimate a mine life of approximately 27 years, based on known resources.
Potential benefits may include employment, workforce and shareholder training, increased demand for services, and revenue sharing through ANCSA provisions.