Minnesota DNR has opened a 30-day public comment period on draft water appropriation permits for the proposed NorthMet project.  The proposed project would require six water appropriation permits for various construction and operation activities at the mine site and plant site.

DNR has completed its comprehensive review of the company’s six water appropriation permit applications and considered input from state, local and tribal governments. These applications are consistent with rates and volumes evaluated and discussed in the NorthMet EIS.

DNR is now seeking public review and input on draft permit language before making any permitting decisions.  DNR will accept written public comments on the draft water appropriation permits from August 11, 2017 until September 12, 2017. Please include the words “NorthMet Water Appropriation” in the title of your comment email or letter. 

Written comments may be submitted no later than September 12, 2017 by email to: NorthMetPermitting.DNR@state.mn.us

or by U.S. Mail to:

MN Department of Natural Resources

ATTN: PolyMet NorthMet Project

500 Lafayette Road N, Box 45   

St. Paul, MN 55155-4045

PolyMet’s water appropriation permit applications along with DNR’s draft water appropriation permits and fact sheet are available at the DNR’s PolyMet webpage.

An updated timeline graph is also available from the DNR. 

DNR’s review of PolyMet’s other applications – dam safety, public waters, and permit to mine, including financial assurance proposals and the wetland replacement plan – is ongoing. Applications are available from the DNR's PolyMet permitting website.