In an effort to ascertain if any laws were violated in the raids carried out by federal and state authorities at the mining area of Forty-Mile, Alaska's Governor Sean Parnell has appointed Anchorage attorney Brent Cole as special counsel to investigate the incident.

Gov. Parnell announced that the special counsel will focus on the workings of the Interagency Task Force on Environmental Crimes, individual state and federal agencies, and actions taken by the individuals involved.

An investigation into the practices of the EPA and DEC was opened early in September after agents moved into the area in August wearing body armor and fully armed looking for Clean Water Act violations by the miners in the area.

The special counsel in the investigation will work to identify areas of concern to the public and to agency management. Those areas of concern include how the Fortymile investigation was developed and implemented. Special counsel Cole will also ascertain if any laws were violated, as well as determine whether different actions could have been taken.

“Alaskans deserve to know all of the facts in this case,” Governor Parnell said. “While these facts are being gathered, I will continue to be vigilant in defense of Alaskans’ liberty and personal property.”

The governor’s office stated that the report summarizing the facts and recommendations is due within 90 days and the investigation costs are not to exceed $50,000.