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Quarterly
Update
The following is a summary of the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) activities during the second quarter 2017 regarding
applications submitted by Poly Met Mining, Inc. (PolyMet) for its proposed
NorthMet mine and processing plant.
The MPCA and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) send out quarterly messages summarizing activities and documents
added to the project website in the previous quarter. For the most up to date
information, check the state’s PolyMet web portal (www.mn.gov/polymet) and MPCA’s project website (www.pca.state.mn.us/northmet). It is also the
MPCA’s future goal to use this email subscription list to notify the public in
advance of any permit comment period or other opportunity for public
participation.
Air
quality permit
During this quarter, the MPCA continued to review the reports and elements
of the permit application. MPCA completed its review of PolyMet’s Air Emissions Risk Analysis (AERA)
modeling submitted in the application. The AERA uses a scientific process to
estimate the potential human health risks from air toxics emitted from a
facility. MPCA concluded that PolyMet’s modeling was accurate and risk
estimates do not exceed facility risk guideline values.
The following AERA-related
documents are posted on the project website: workplans, workplan approval,
modeling results (in the permit application), and list of errata for the AERA
report. Because
of their large size and file format, the AERA modeling files are not posted
online but are available by request at: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/about-mpca/information-requests.
Individual wastewater
NPDES/SDS water quality permit
MPCA continues to review PolyMet’s NPDES/SDS water quality permit application.
Work is ongoing in the areas of
antidegradation, permit limitations, and other permit requirements. MPCA continues to maintain routine
conversations with EPA during the review process.
Construction
stormwater general NPDES/SDS water quality permit
No applications
for Construction Stormwater General Permits were received this quarter.
401
water quality certification
MPCA continues to coordinate with DNR and US Army Corps of Engineers in
reviewing the request and determining appropriate wetland mitigation and
potential water quality certification requirements. The 401 certification request
and related application materials are available on the project website.
You are receiving this message as a subscriber to
the PolyMet email notification list.
This list is hosted by the DNR. It is used
jointly by MPCA and DNR to provide regular updates and share information about
key steps in the permitting/certification processes, including opportunities
for public comment.
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