Last week the Minnesota DNR released the final environmental impact statement in regards to permitting PolyMet mining expansion in Northern Minnesota. PolyMet is hoping to use the site of the old SLV Steel facility to achieve their goal of opening a new copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes, MN. The completion of this report is certainly a milestone for PolyMet – but it’s not the end of our campaign to protect our earth.
YOU MAY FIND THE FULL EIS REPORT HERE:
[http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/environmentalreview/polymet/index.html]
Local advocates were hoping that the release of this final EIS would address some of the most specific questions on Minnesotan’s minds.
-Mine Waste Storage: Does the new draft of PolyMet’s plan use the best available technology to prevent a disaster like last year’s tailings dam collapse at Mount Polley?
-Flawed Water Model: Does the new draft address the specific problems raised by independent scientists about the accuracy of the ‘water model’ used to predict where polluted water will flow and how much contaminated water will have to be treated?
-Polluted How Long? Does the new draft finally disclose how long polluted water will require expensive treatment after the mine closes?
-Damage Deposit: Does the new draft detail the amount and form of financial assurance needed to protect Minnesota taxpayers if the mining company goes bankrupt?
Based on preliminary materials reviewed so far, we suspect this “final EIS” will not adequately address any of these concerns. Instead, it appears regulators and PolyMet are still ducking the tough questions, while trying to reassure a skeptical public that all their worries will be addressed at some later time.
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TAKE ACTION WHILE THERE’S STILL TIME
PolyMet’s proposed sulfide mine in northern Minnesota risks Minnesota’s clean water legacy. Federal and state regulators are currently accepting objections from the public on PolyMet’s final mine plan. PolyMet’s mine plan puts Minnesota’s water, health, and taxpayers at risk.
Take action today to send them a message: PolyMet would do more harm than good.
1. Voice Your Opinion To Governor Mark Dayton:
MN Governor’s Office – (800) 657-3717
2. Send Your Thoughts To The Minnesota DNR:
[https://secure2.convio.net/mnlcv/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=579]