An explosion of mining proposals are hitting the upper-Midwest: Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin. The northern regions of all three states have rich mineral deposits: zinc, nickel, copper, silver, and of course, iron ore. For a sample of what that sort of mining looks like, here's a Minnesota iron strip mine:
The problem isn't just that the once lush woodland has been turned into a barren moonscape for a gazillion years. No. The problem is that the northern regions of all three states just happen to be right next to one of the largest supplies of above ground fresh water in the world. Runoff from strip mines is effectively acid. It dramatically dropping the pH of the surrounding waters to the point where nothing can survive in it, not to mention all the other toxic chemicals set loose in the water.
Given Wisconsin's new leadership, it shouldn't be surprising then that the approval process is being "streamlined" from an average of 7 years to 300 days. 10 months to ascertain environmental impact.
A bill that would dramatically speed up Wisconsin’s mining permitting process is being considered by two Republican legislators. Right now the process takes two to seven years. The new legislation would reduce it to 300 days.
Senator Rich Zipperer of Pewaukee says reducing the timeline for ferrous, non-sulfide mining, like an open pit iron ore mine proposed in the Penokee Range by Gogebic Taconite, would still protect the environment. He says it’s important the process be fair, open but faster.
[snip]
The open pit mine in the Penokee Range would be in the 74th Congressional District - from where State Rep. Janet Bewley hails. She says fast-tracking the permitting process fits with Republican Governor Scott Walker’s “Open for Business” motto.
See? It's okay. It's all part of the "Wisconsin Is Open for Business" thing. It's part of a "motif" if you will.
That pesky approval process was simply getting in the way of business: ground water use, habitats, currents, farming...it's all just academic.
- An application no longer requires a risk assessment of accidental health and environmental hazards.
- If DNR fails to act within 10 business days on an exploration license application, it is
automatically approved.
- Circumvents DNR rulemaking process over ferrous mining permit regulations.
- Establishes that the expansion of the mining industry is a policy of the state.
- If there is a conflict between a provision of the iron mining laws and a provision in another state environmental law, the provision in the iron mining law controls.
- Eliminates contested case hearings for the mining permit
- Eliminates contested case hearings for other needed approvals for the mine.
- Eliminates citizen suits for mining permits.
- There is no longer a requirement for DNR to hold an informational meeting on the
environmental impacts of the project before it issues the EIS.
- And much much, much much more.
Say what you want to about mining, for or against.
But to go forward with mining proposals without due process, without a mechanism for challenging it, and without proper oversight is beyond the pale.
This isn't Pro Business. It's madness. Especially in light of the ecological and economic value of the Great Lakes and inland waters.