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July 11, 2017
About this Quarterly Update
To provide regular updates on the State’s review of PolyMet’s applications for its proposed NorthMet project, the DNR and MPCA are each issuing quarterly messages to those who have signed up to the GovDelivery list. This is the third quarterly update issued by the DNR. It identifies documents received over the past quarter and also provides information on the review process for various applications pending before the DNR.
New Documents Available
Since the last quarterly update, the DNR has received new documents and information that have been posted on the DNR website. These updates are as follows (please click on underlined text to link directly to the updated material).
Dam Safety Documents
PolyMet submitted revised/new dam safety permit application documents that include changes made in response to initial feedback from DNR technical experts and external consultants. The documents include:
Dam Safety Geo-Technical Report
- The DNR also received a dam safety geo-technical report from a team of outside experts to inform the permit application review process. Formed at the DNR’s request, this team of top geo-technical dam safety experts assessed the proposed design, operation and maintenance of the proposed NorthMet facilities. The team was led by the State’s consultant Emmons Olivier Resources, Inc. (EOR) and included experts in mining geo-technical engineering with both Minnesota and worldwide experience. The group included a member of the review panel that previously investigated the Mt. Polley dam failure in British Columbia.
Public Waters Work Permit
Permit to Mine
DNR technical experts and external consultants continue to review PolyMet’s Permit to Mine application, which is subject to further modification as DNR completes its review.
Financial Assurance
The DNR and its consultant, EOR, are continuing to review the financial assurance information in the Permit to Mine application.
Wetland Replacement Plan
PolyMet continues to work with the DNR to provide additional information needed for the wetland replacement plan. DNR technical experts continue their review of the wetland replacement plan information provided thus far.
Dam Safety
On May 15, the DNR distributed the revised dam safety permit applications to local units of government for a 30-day review and comment period. This review is consistent with Minnesota rules for Dam Safety permits. The DNR has also extended the same opportunity for comment to the three cooperating tribal agencies that have been involved in the Project’s environmental review. The 30 day review ended June 16, and the DNR is reviewing and considering the comments received from these parties. This review is not the public input stage of the process. At a future date, the DNR will seek public review and input on its draft dam safety permit decisions.
Water Appropriation
On April 14, the DNR distributed the revised water appropriation permit applications to local units of government for a 30-day review and comment period. This review is consistent with Minnesota rules for Dam Safety permits. The DNR has also extended the same opportunity for comment to the three cooperating tribal agencies that have been involved in the Project’s environmental review. The 30-day review period ended May 15. The DNR is considering input received from these governmental entities and will determine whether to proceed with preparing draft water appropriation permits. At a future date, the DNR will seek public review and input on its draft water appropriations permit decisions.
Public Waters Work Permit
On June 16, the DNR distributed the public waters work permit application to local units of government for a 30-day review and comment period. This review is consistent with Minnesota rules for Public Waters permits. The DNR has also extended the same opportunity for comment to the three cooperating tribal agencies that have been involved in the Project’s environmental review. Comments are due by July 18. After that 30-day review period has ended, the DNR will review and consider the comments received from these governmental entities and determine whether to proceed with preparing a draft Public Waters Work Permit. This governmental review of the application is not the public input stage of the process. At a future date, the DNR will seek public review and input on its draft public waters permit decision.
More Information
All GovDelivery messages, as well as additional documents, reports, and applications received to date are available on the State’s PolyMet Portal. Previous GovDelivery messages are under News on the main portal. Click on the DNR link to access other DNR-related documents.
State’s PolyMet Portal Website
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