Environmental Groups Push for Extended Review of Upper Peninsula Mine Permit
State regulators extend comment period on controversial Upper Peninsula mine permit amid concerns over endangered fish downstream from proposed wastewater discharge.
WAKEFIELD, MICHIGAN — Environmental advocates are mobilizing opposition to a controversial mining project in Gogebic County as state regulators consider renewing a wastewater permit for the Copperwood Mine, citing concerns about potential impacts on endangered fish populations downstream.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy opened public comment on April 15 for an application to renew the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the Copperwood Mine under development in the western Upper Peninsula. Due to substantial public interest, the department has extended the comment period for at least another 30 days beyond the original Friday deadline.
Concerns Over Endangered Fish Population
Protect The Porkies, an organization opposing the mine due to its proximity to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Lake Superior, argues that state environmental officials and the mine’s operator failed to adequately consider a population of endangered redside dace located downstream from the proposed discharge site.
If the permit is renewed, the mine would be authorized to discharge up to 500,000 gallons of wastewater per day into Namebinag Creek, positioned just over half a mile upstream from the redside dace population, according to Protect the Porkies.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has classified redside dace as a threatened species, making protection of their habitat an important environmental consideration in permit reviews.
Extended Review Process
Scott Dean, EGLE’s strategic communications advisor, confirmed that the department is extending the public notice period due to the high level of interest in the permit application. EGLE is also working to schedule a virtual hearing on the matter to provide more opportunities for public input.
The environmental group is encouraging residents to participate in the comment process, calling on them to “shatter the record” for public comments on the permit renewal. The organization contends that current environmental assessments have not adequately addressed the potential downstream impacts on the endangered fish population.
Location and Environmental Context
The Copperwood Mine site sits in close proximity to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, with the current mine access road located a short drive from the Presque Isle Campground within the park boundaries. The Presque Isle River flows into Lake Superior near the Copperwood deposit, highlighting the interconnected nature of the local watershed.
The controversy reflects broader concerns about mining activities near pristine wilderness areas and their potential impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Environmental advocates argue that the permit review process should include more comprehensive analysis of how wastewater discharge could affect sensitive species and habitats in the region.
The extended comment period and planned virtual hearing represent efforts by state regulators to ensure thorough public input on the permit renewal as the mining project moves through the regulatory approval process.
