STEPHENSON, Mich. Dec. 8, 2017 – The MDEQ has deemed Aquila’s wetland/stream/floodplain permit application for the Back Forty Mine administratively complete and the regulatory technical review process can now move to the next stage. The updated application provides additional information to assist the MDEQ in its evaluation of wetland impacts associated with the mine. For example, the application accounts for new land acquired by Aquila and changes to the project footprint that minimize the potential for any off-site impacts to wetlands.
As requested by Aquila, a public hearing has been granted and will take place at the Stephenson High School on January 23, 2018 from 6 PM to 10 PM. The MDEQ review process, along with the public hearing provides the community with opportunities to comment on the permit application. In addition, the MDEQ will gather input from various regulatory agencies, including from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).
We encourage supporters of the mine to add a comment on the MDEQ website in support of the permit application. Documents related to the permit and a comment form can be found on the MDEQ website.
The original announcement from Aquila can be read here.