DNR – Quarterly PolyMet Permitting Update – 2nd Quarter 2018

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 fifth quarterly update issued by the DNR.

Permit to Mine

The comment period for the draft permit to mine for the proposed NorthMet project was open from January 5, 2018 to March 6, 2018.  The DNR and its consultants continue their review and careful consideration of the public comments, objections, and petitions for a contested case hearing on the draft PolyMet NorthMet permit to mine. This extensive review may result in changes to the draft permit. Using the decision criteria outlined in statute, the DNR will determine whether to hold a pre-decisional contested case hearing and the scope of any such hearing.  If no contested case hearing is held, DNR will proceed to making its final decision on the draft permit to mine. 

The draft permit to mine is comprised of the permit application, draft special conditions, and a draft Wetlands Replacement plan.  The draft permit to mine and several related fact sheets are posted on the DNR's Permit to Mine webpage for the NorthMet project.

Wetland Replacement Plan

The DNR continues to review the wetland replacement plan (WRP). The comment period for the WRP was conducted concurrently with the permit to mine application, and ended on March 6, 2018.  

Water Appropriation

The comment period for the draft water appropriation permits for the proposed NorthMet project was open from August 11, 2017 to September 12, 2017.  The DNR continues to review the comments received on these draft permits. Permit to mine comments that raise water appropriation-related issues are also being reviewed.

Dam Safety

The comment period for the draft dam safety permits for the proposed NorthMet project was open from September 15, 2017 to October 16, 2017.  The DNR continues to review the comments received on these draft permits. Permit to mine comments that raise dam safety-related issues are also being reviewed.

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.