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You are receiving
this bulletin as a subscriber to the email notification list for the
proposed PolyMet/NorthMet mining project. This list is hosted by the
Department of Natural Resources but is used jointly by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency and DNR. If you are no longer interested in
receiving these bulletins please use the links at the end to
unsubscribe.
On
July 11, Poly Met Mining, Inc. (PolyMet) submitted an application to
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for a water quality permit
for its proposed NorthMet copper, nickel, and precious metals mining
project in northeastern Minnesota. The permit is called an NPDES/SDS
permit – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal
System. These are the federal and state programs that regulate discharge
of wastewater. Wastewater permits issued by the MPCA combine the
requirements of both programs.
The permit application can be found at www.pca.state.mn.us/quick-links/water-quality-permit-northmet.
Water quality (NPDES/SDS) permit applications include a description of:
- types of processes, sources, operations or areas which will generate wastewater
- volume of wastewater to be generated
- anticipated water quality of the wastewater generated
- treatment the wastewater will receive
- location of the discharge or disposal of the treated wastewater.
The
information contained in the permit application helps the MPCA
determine which state and federal requirements apply. The agency will
review this application and determine if it contains all of the
information necessary to start processing the application. If so, the
MPCA will begin developing requirements for a draft permit that will ensure
the project can meet applicable laws and requirements and preparing a
draft permit for public input. During this process it is normal for MPCA
technical staff to request additional information from the applicant.
Public
input will be solicited if a draft permit is developed. MPCA
encourages public participation during the formal public notice and
comment period when a draft permit is available for public review and
comment. Additional information about the MPCA’s permitting processes
for the proposed NorthMet project can be found at www.pca.state.mn.us/northmet.
This
is one of several permit applications PolyMet will be submitting to the
MPCA. You can find information about other permits and approvals and
sign up to receive these updates from the MPCA and DNR at the state’s
PolyMet web portal: www.polymet.mn.gov. Subscribers
to this email list will be notified of key steps in the water quality
permit process such as opportunities for public comment, as well as news
of any other applications the agencies receive.
Applications
related to water appropriation and dam safety also were submitted to
the Department of Natural Resources today. DNR will be sending out a
message similar to this one related to those permit applications.
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