Coalition formed to monitor Rio Tinto Eagle Mine

MARQUETTE, MI--   A coalition has been formed to independently monitor the potential environmental impacts of the Rio Tinto Eagle Mine in Marquette County. 

Officials announced Thursday that the Marquette County Community Foundation and Superior Watershed Partnership are teaming up to coordinate environmental monitoring, public outreach, and community input concerning mining activities.  The effort is called the Community Environmental Monitoring Program.

The mine site, the Humboldt mill, and transportation routes will be observed.  Officials say monitoring will include—but not be limited to—air, groundwater, and surface water quality, wildlife, and plant life.  They say the public will be given ample opportunity to provide input and suggest other monitoring needs. 

The MCCF will establish an independent oversight board to allocate funding for the project.  The SWP will coordinate and implement the actual program, and will work with universities, contractors, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved laboratories.