The Forest Service is at a standstill regarding the possible use of Fields Point Landing as a staging area and barge loading facility to support the clean up efforts at the former Holden Mine site.

 

In September, Rio Tinto Corporation, the company leading the Holden Mine clean-up, submitted a request to the Chelan Ranger District to allow them to construct and use a barge loading facility at Fields Point Landing. Soon after, the Chelan Ranger District asked for public comment from residents near Fields Point Landing.

 

Elka Missel, Information Assistant with the Chelan Ranger District says the the public comments have now been passed on to Rio Tinto but isn’t sure what the next move will be.

 

Missel says the Ranger District received a flood of letters.. most voiced  concerns about the proposed barge loading facility.

 

The Rio Tinto proposal would allow temporary use of a portion Fields Point Landing for a barge facility before returning it back to the Forest Service with improvements that include a year round public boat launch.