STEPHENSON, MI-- The Environmental Protection Agency has some objections to the issuance of a wetland permit for the Aquila Back Forty mine in Menominee County.
In a letter to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the EPA identifies seven primary areas of concern. They include Aquila’s failure to provide a complete description of the project; lack of relevant information about a mine pit to be located on a bluff above the Menominee River; and the fact that Aquila says the mine will not adversely affect water quality, but doesn’t explain how it will ensure discharges meet water quality standards.
The EPA has directed the DEQ to resolve the concerns in 90 days. If they aren’t resolved in that time, the DEQ will be directed to deny the permit for the mine.
