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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula December 4, 2005 Text © 2005 Kristine Bradof, Michigan Tech GEM Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, and Michele Anderson. Published with permission. Photos © 2005 Michele Anderson.

Forum on new mining legislation rules to be held Dec. 6 at MTU

HOUGHTON -- The public is invited to learn about proposed rules to implement Michigan's new non-ferrous mining law at a forum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Fisher 135 on the Michigan Tech Campus. This forum is an excellent opportunity to become informed about the issues and to become involved in the rulemaking process that will regulate mining projects in the future. 

Panelists will discuss both the general regulatory framework and the arguments for and against the Eagle Project, the controversial proposed nickel-copper sulfide mine in Marquette County. They include Joe Maki, U.P. district geologist for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); Jon Cherry, Manager of Environment and Governmental Affairs for Kennecott Minerals Company; Dave Anderson of Flintsteel Restoration Association, a nonprofit environmental consulting group active in the Lake Superior basin; Ted Bornhorst, professor of economic and engineering geology at Michigan Tech; and Alex Mayer, MTU professor of geological and environmental engineering.

At Michigan Tech in September 2005, Jon Cherry, Manager of Environment and Governmental Affairs for Kennecott Minerals Company, speaks about the Eagle Project and the company's plan for protection against acid mine drainage. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

During a visit to Michigan Tech in September 2005, Kennecott's Jon Cherry said the company hopes to apply for permits for the Eagle Project by the end of this year or early in 2006. He noted an environmental assessment and financial insurance are required for the permits.* 

Open discussion will follow the presentations. This forum is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, Friends of the Land of Keweenaw (FOLK) and the Michigan Tech GEM Center for Science and Environmental Outreach. It is free and open to the public.

Ted Bornhorst, left, Michigan Tech professor of economic and engineering geology, chats with Jon Cherry, Manager of Environment and Governmental Affairs for Kennecott Minerals Company, after Cherry's presentation at MTU in September. Cherry and Bornhorst will participate in the Dec. 6 forum at MTU. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

The DEQ will hold a public hearing on the rules Dec. 7 in Lansing. Citizens unable to attend the public hearing may still submit written comments December 19, 2005 (See address below). The rules hearings are meant to receive comments on regulation of nonferrous mining in general, not on any specific mining operation. If permit applications are submitted for new mines, such as the Eagle Project, the DEQ will hold additional public meetings and hearings to receive comments on those specific mining proposals.

Northwoods Wilderness Recovery (NWR) Director Doug Cornett, right, and NWR Assistant Director Traci Raymond, second from left, discuss the public meetings and hearings on the new non-ferrous mining rules at an information meeting in October 2005 in the Motherlode Coffee House in Houghton. Joining in the discussion are Katie Kruse, left, MTU graduate with a masters in Environmental Policy; Janet Metsa, center, Houghton Democratic Party chair; and Carol MacLennan of Houghton. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

Why this forum now? A dramatic increase in exploration for nonferrous metals (metals other than iron) in the western Upper Peninsula caused concern over protection of the environment and public health. In response, the DEQ established a multi-stakeholder work group, which drafted language that was incorporated into a new law, enacted in December 2004.**

Doug Cornett, Director of Northwoods Wilderness Recovery (NWR), one of several environmental groups concerned about the potential for acid mine drainage from the proposed Eagle Project, said downstate Michigan residents are also concerned about the possible effects of sulfide mining on the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula.

"They come here to recreate and to get away from the city madness," Cornett noted.

Cornett and NWR's Traci Raymond spoke with local residents about the mining rules and public hearings at an informal meeting in the Motherlode Coffee House in October 2005. The purpose of the meeting, Raymond said, was "to answer questions about the metallic sulfide mining issue and to network with people who want to get involved with educational efforts." 

Stanton Township resident Jan Dalquist, right, receives information brochures on sulfide mining and the new Michigan legislation and rules from Doug Cornett, left, and Traci Raymond of Northwest Wilderness Recovery in the Motherlode Coffee House in Houghton. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

No metallic sulfide mines are currently operating in Michigan; but the proposed rules provide details on permit requirements, environmental assessments, mining and reclamation plans, financial assurance, standards for construction, operation and closure of nonferrous mines. They also set criteria for water monitoring, treatment and containment of ore and waste rock and reporting.

A view of the Salmon-Trout River, which flows through an area proposed for sulfide mining. (Photo © 2005 Northwoods Wilderness Recovery. Reprinted with permission.)

The DEQ held public information sessions and hearings on the rules Nov. 29 in Escanaba and Nov. 30 in Marquette. 

The rules for Part 632 governing non-ferrous metallic mineral mining can be viewed on the DEQ Web site.

Written Comments: Anyone may submit comments in writing as well as at the hearings. (Comments must be received by December 19, 2005.) Send to: Office of Geological Survey, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30256, Lansing, MI 48909-7756. Phone: 517-241-1515 / FAX: 517-241-1595 / E-Mail: mauls@michigan.gov.

Editor's notes:

* For information on the Kennecott Minerals Company's Eagle Project visit their Web site. See also a presentation on the Eagle Project.

** For information and updates on concerns about the proposed sulfide mining in the Upper Peninsula, visit SavetheWildUP.org, NorthwoodsWild.org and the Web site of the Eagle Alliance.

See also the Keweenaw Now articles, "Trekkers connect Michigan waters to highlight sulfide mining threats" (Aug. 17, 2005) and "Trekkers for clean water scheduled to reach Lake Michigan Aug. 30" (Aug. 30, 2005).

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