How should Alaska evaluate Tier 3 water protection nominations?

Photographers take pictures of eagles feeding on salmon in the Chilkat River. The Chilkat River is one of four water bodies in Alaska nominated for Tier 3 protection. (Emily Files)People in four Alaska communities are trying to get the highest level of protection available under federal law for water bodies important to them. Outstanding National Resource Water protection, also known as Tier 3, shields waterways from any significant pollutants. But what happens with pending Tier 3 nominations is