When environmentalist and businesses come together: sometimes both come away with smiles on their faces.

• Author: Lavrakas, Dimitra
• Position: SPECIAL SECTION: ENVIRONMENT

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This story almost became a non-story. Asked about whether a company ever produced an environmental solution to a natural resource or business development voluntarily before starting a project, leaders of environmental organizations and companies replied that they couldn't think of any outside of accommodations made due to laws, regulations or court decisions.

Holly Kent, executive director of the Anchorage Waterways Council, a nonprofit membership organization with a mission to protect, restore and enhance the waterways, wetlands and associated uplands of Anchorage, couldn't think of any.

"It's usually not a win for the developer, because they end up paying the cost for those studies," Kent said. "Because in Alaska, most often there are no studies."

Chris Rose, executive director of the nonprofit Renewable Energy for Alaska Project, also couldn't come up with a win-win situation, but did say if a company was developing wind or hydro electricity that, "If you're not using fossil fuels, that's a win-win."

Crystal Nygard, co-owner of Tutka LLC, a firm that provides statewide environmental, instrumentation and government services, also couldn't bring any scenario to mind.

But, luckily, there are instances where industry and conservation groups do come together to collectively solve issues.

INCLUSION FROM THE START

Public input and involvement in a project from the get-go has become a tradition over the years in Alaska. It avoids embarrassing conflicts and costly lawsuits, and is a good-faith flag to wave at state and federal agencies when seeking permits.

Recently, the State of Alaska selected Emerald/ABS consulting team to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Alaska's oil and gas infrastructure. There will be a State oversight team that will involve federal agencies, local government, industry, environmental groups and the public, all of whom will have input throughout the process.

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NETTING SUCCESSES

Bob King, debris coordinator of the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation, said the foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working out debris cleanups in the Aleutians. The Marine Conservation Alliance, a Juneau-based fishing industry trade association, works to find practical, workable solutions to boost the sustainability of Alaska fisheries. Members of MCA and its Marine Conservation Alliance Fund (MCAF) include fishermen, vessel owners and processors involved in the Gulf of Alaska and...