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 .
SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER
As the Back Forty Mine continues to develop, transparency and effective communication become more important. We recently published a newsletter as just one part of our effort to improve communication with the community now and in the future. It is also a suggestion we received from community members. Here’s a snapshot of where the project is today:
• The project is nearing the final stages of permitting. We look forward to regulatory approval of the wetlands permit by mid-2018.
• We’ve invested more than $90 million into the project and plan to spend more than $260 million to construct the mine.
• Drilling program results provide opportunity for future expansion.
BEYOND MINING
We want to help improve the overall economic strength of the community and the economic quality of life for all residents resulting from our mining activities. Typically, the additional tax revenues generated by a mine provide significant benefits.
In a typical year, we’ll pay roughly $20 million in taxes to federal, state, and local governments. About $5 million of those tax dollars will be distributed to Lake Township as a result of Michigan’s Nonferrous Metallic Minerals Extraction Severance Tax. The Severance Tax will disperse just like general ad valorem property taxes. What does this mean for residents? It means that there will be more money for infrastructure such as broadband and road upgrades, or new technology in schools, a local fire hall, or recreational trails.
Below you’ll find an example of the allocation of Severance Taxes to the local community during an average year.
* Calculated using metal prices of $1.20/lb zinc and $1,300/oz gold. These prices are subject to change depending on market conditions.
PROJECT TIMELINE
For more than 15 years we’ve been developing the Back Forty Mine. Recently, we cleared a permit hurdle and we expect to have all permits required to construct and operate the mine by mid-2018. Now, our team is focusing on engineering and planning for construction with the ultimate destination in mind – closure.
As members of the community, we pledge to respect all people and not to harm the environment in Menominee County. We’ve used various communication techniques over the years to capture your feedback and improve the way we do business.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE TOOLS
Recently, we added a new set of Community Response tools to create even more opportunity for you to contact us. The tools will enhance and streamline the way community members notify us of feedback, concerns, and grievances about our operation. We are leveraging technology to ensure more timely responses to the community, and complement traditional communication and increase access to the Back Forty Team.
Below you’ll find two new ways to reach us. Both the phone number and online form allow you to contact us 24/7 at your convenience.
• Community Response Line (906) 451-4192
• Online Response Form backfortymine.com/contactus
Of course, you’re welcome to stop by our office during regular business hours.
If you have any questions or concerns about the information in this newsletter or any other topic, please let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.
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.