AK HB86

Prohibits the department from authorizing mixing zones in freshwater areas where anadromous fish spawn or resident fish including Arctic char, grayling, trout, pike, salmon, and whitefish have redds.

Exempts municipal and village wastewater facility mixing zone renewals if spawning was not occurring when initially authorized and began afterward.

Allows mixing zones for suction dredge and mechanical placer mines if turbidity is authorized, zone extends no more than 500 feet downstream, zones are at least 500 feet apart, discharge is restricted to non-spawning periods, and agencies find no adverse effects on spawning, incubation, or rearing.

Defines "mixing zone" as an area where effluent is diluted by receiving water and water quality standards may be exceeded, and clarifies that artificially constructed water facilities are excluded unless built to facilitate fish spawning.

Grandfathers existing suction dredge and mechanical placer mine permits until operators apply for permit reauthorization.