DEQ to host public meeting concerning permit amendment
Meeting scheduled for January 9, 2019
The DEQ issued our original mine permit in 2016. Since that time, we've refined elements of the mine design to be consistent with our feasibility study and previously issued wetland permit. Examples of the revisions in the amendment application include a reduction in wetland impact, improved dust management, increased water storage capacity, and reduced footprint of tailings facilities post-closure. We continuously look for opportunities to minimize the potential impacts of our operations on the environment and community.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is holding a public meeting regarding the Back Forty Mine Permit Amendment Application on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. The meeting will take place from 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. CST at Stephenson High School. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the public that the DEQ has received an amendment application and how to access documents, provide information about the review process, and allow community members to provide comment on the amendment.
MDEQ will also accept written comments regarding the amendment application by mail or e-mail from the day of the meeting until 5:00 P.M. EST, Wednesday, February 6, 2019. Mail your comments to Back Forty Mining Permit Amendment, MDEQ-OGMD, 1504 West Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855. E-mail your comments to the designated MDEQ mailbox at DEQ- Mining-Comments@michigan.gov, including "Back Forty Mining Permit Amendment" as the subject. The MDEQ will only consider comments that pertain to the Mining Permit Amendment Application prior to making a final decision. For additional information, contact Melanie Humphrey, MDEQ, Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division, 906-250-7564, or e-mail humphreym@michigan.gov.
For more information about the meeting and amendment documents, click here .
Consolidated public hearing June 25, 2019
Meeting details
We have all of the permits necessary to construct and operate the Back Forty Mine. Since the issuance of our original mine permit in 2016, we have refined elements of the project design to be consistent with our feasibility study and previously issued wetland permit. The changes require us to amend both our mine and air permits and apply for a dam safety permit to ensure consistency across the permits.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is hosting a consolidated public hearing for the two permit amendments and one new permit. The hearing will be June 25, 2019, from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. CDT at the Stephenson High School gymnasium, W526 Division Street, Stephenson, Michigan 49887.
The EGLE has published multiple resources concerning the permits, including:
Comments
Submit written comments using the information below.
Dam Permit
EGLE, Water Resource Division, Marquette District Office
1504 West Washington Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Due by July 5, 2019
Air Permit to Install Modification
Ms. Annette Switzer, Permit Section Manager, EGLE, AQD
P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-7760
Due July 23, 2019
Comments may also be submitted online. Click here, scroll to Aquila Resources Inc. - Permit to Install Application No. 205-15A, and click Submit Comment.
Mine Permit Amendment
Back Forty Project, EGLE/OGMD
1504 West Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855
E-mail to EGLE-Mining-Comments@michigan.gov with “Back Forty Mining Permit” as the subject.
Due July 23, 2019
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach us via email at info@backfortymine.wp2.adnetcms.com, call our hotline at 906-451-4192, or fill out our contact form here.