10-year environmental review of PolyMet mine proposal being released (at 12:30 CST)

[Brickbat]

http://www.startribune.com/10-year-environmental-review-of-polymet-mine-proposal-being-released/341647621/

The ten-year environmental review of Minnesota’s first and highly controversial copper-nickel mine is done.

The Department of Natural Resources announced today that it will release the final version of the 3,000 page document at 12:30 p.m. today. It’s a key milepost in the longest-running environmental review the state has ever conducted, an indication of the public interest and environmental risks that the proposed mine presents.

PolyMet Mining Corp., a small Canadian company, has proposed a $650 million copper-nickel mine in northeast Minnesota near Hoyt Lakes. The mine would create an estimated 350 jobs in the region. But the mine also presents much greater environmental risks than taconite mining. The metal is contained in sulfide ore, which when exposed to air and water, produces acid that leaches heavy metals and other contaminants out of the rock.

PolyMet is also just the first of several mining companies eager to tap into a major copper nickel deposit that reaches up into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

[Brickbat]

1. It's a lot to wade through, but it looks like it has the green light.

No coverage yet, just news agencies on Twitter.

[Brickbat]

2. "PolyMet would ultimately need to satisfy both the federal and state mitigation requirements."

[Brickbat]

3. DNR: Water treatment needed indefinitely; runoff won't hit BWCA or Voyageurs.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The final environmental review for Minnesota's proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine says wastewater from the project would have to be treated indefinitely to prevent pollution.

The 3,500-page document released Friday also says developers would have to put up money to make sure that all cleanup costs are covered after the mine closes. The exact amount and form of those financial assurances would be determined during the permitting process.

Answering a concern raised by critics, the document also says mine runoff would not reach the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Voyageurs National Park.

The release of the report by the Department of Natural Resources starts a 30-day public comment period. The agency will determine early next year whether the review is adequate. Then the company can start applying for permits.

[Angry Dragon]

4. The bottom line will be whether they are good citizens or greedy bastards

[jwirr]

5. Is there a use for this bi-product acid? And a way to capture

it for that use?

They need to set up safety measures to protect the water and air. Well that is until TPP allows the companies to sue us and over turn regulations.