Zinc mine in Alaska fined for polluting

The Red Dog Mine near Kotzebue, Alaska, could pay up to $827,000 to settle pollution complaints.

The fine is among the largest for air quality violations in Alaska. It punishes Teck Cominco Alaska Inc. for 18 violations of its air quality permit.

Under the terms of the settlement, Teck Cominco will pay a $300,000 cash fine. The company will spend another $279,000 on studies analyzing the mine’s effects on the air and water of neighboring villages and on subsistence foods in the area.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, the remainder of the fine, $248,000, will be suspended if the company meets its obligations under the settlement.