Today, I follow-up on my recent post on Scott Walker's pay-back to the open-pit mining doner. I thought I'd dig a little more into this little-explored turf-battle occurring NOW, over one of Wisconsin's "valuable" natural resources.
The Wisconsin Governor may "know nothing about it," but that doesn't mean we need to.
The initial turf-war appears to be a classic battle between First Nations interests and those of nearby Big Mining interests:
Bad River Chippewa could have say in Gogebic iron ore mine
Tribe received authority from the federal government to regulate water pollution beyond the reservation
by Lee Bergquist, Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com -- Feb. 17, 2013
[...]
Gogebic Taconite -- and its plans for a $1.5 billion open-pit mine about 5 miles from the tribe's nearest boundary -- would have to abide by the Bad River's authority.
The pit, plunging to a depth of 1,000 feet, would produce enormous amounts of waste rock and, potentially, runoff pollution that would flow in the direction of tribal lands if not handled properly.
Gogebic also is planning a factory to process iron ore into taconite pellets. The plant would have to meet Bad River's pending air standards.
A legal expert says the tribe's new environmental authority and its long-standing treaty rights could pose trouble for Gogebic.
[...]
The Federal EPA gave the Chippewa Tribe
regulatory standing ...
State, Tribal & Territorial Standards: Tribal
Tribal Water Quality Standards approved by EPA -- water.epa.gov
[...]
Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of the Bad River Reservation
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians Water Quality Standards (PDF) (28 pp, 1.1MB)
(Effective September 21, 2011) Regulations establishing water quality standards for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of the Bad River Reservation.
The Federal EPA gave them standing, only to see Walker's Deregulation efforts attempt to
take it away.
Senate approves mine bill, sends it to Assembly
Proposal eases regulations in hopes of drawing iron ore mine to northern Wisconsin
by Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com -- Feb. 27, 2013
[...]
Gogebic, a unit of Florida-based Cline Resource and Development, is proposing to construct a $1.5 billion iron ore mine in Ashland and Iron counties. The mine would operate for 35 years or longer and would run for about four miles atop an iron-rich ridge.
Opponents say there is so much water and so many wetlands near the proposed site that a mine would cause extensive environmental problems. Backers of the measure say there are adequate environmental protections and that regulators will not grant mining permits unless companies can show they have adequate environmental plans in place.
The proposed mine site is in the Bad River watershed and upstream from the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation. The tribe is adamantly opposed to the legislation, and lawsuits appear likely if a mining permit is eventually granted to Gogebic.
The proposed mine would create about 29 million tons of waste rock and tailings a year, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. [...]
If only First Nations people were
really put in charge of
our Environmental policies, eh?
BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA INDIANS [emphasis added]
savethewatersedge.com
POSITION STATEMENT ON PROPOSED GTAC IRON MINE AND PROPOSED IRON MINING LEGISLATION IN WISCONSIN
September 2011
The position of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
(“Band”) on the proposed Gogebic Taconite LLC (“GTAC”) iron mine in the Penokee
Hills of Ashland and Iron Counties, and on proposed iron mining legislation in the State
of Wisconsin, is as follows:
A. THE BAND OPPOSES THE PROPOSED GTAC MINE AND ANY MINING
IN THE PENOKEE HILLS. The Band opposes development of the proposed GTAC
taconite iron mine in the Penokee Hills of Ashland and Iron Counties in Wisconsin,
because it is clear, based on available geologic and environmental information, that such
a mine cannot be developed and operated using current mining technologies and practices
without destroying the environmental quality, including the air, lands and forests,
wetlands, streams, and rivers of the Bad River watershed, the Bad River Indian
Reservation, and Lake Superior. The Bad River watershed is a pristine environmental
resource, and the Band’s way of life is highly dependent upon maintaining the health and
integrity of the watershed. The proposed GTAC iron mine would destroy the Bad River
watershed and the Band’s way of life.
[...] although the Band also reserves the right to propose other provisions if
legislation is actually introduced:
1. THE DEFINITION OF IRON MINING SHOULD BE CLEARLY SET
FORTH TO EXCLUDE ANY PROJECT PROPOSAL THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL
TO CAUSE ACID MINE DRAINAGE. [...]
... What a more environmentally protected and revered world it would be, eh?
Regarding the Chippewa's threat of legal action against Gogebic, the Bad River Band of Chippewa appear to be part of this recent Lawsuit, attempting to hold Gogebic accountable for their "exploratory" run-off activities ... (They could have additional suits pending as well.)
Residents sue Gogebic Taconite over mine sampling without permit
by Todd Richmond, Associated Press; madison.com/news -- March 13, 2014
A group of northern Wisconsin residents has filed a lawsuit alleging a company looking to dig a huge iron mine near Lake Superior needed a permit before it launched exploratory excavations last month.
The lawsuit argues the Department of Natural Resources' failure to require Gogebic Taconite to obtain a storm water permit resulted in no safeguards to reduce potential pollution as snow melt and rain runs off excavation debris. The lawsuit demands a judge declare a permit is necessary and order the DNR to force Gogebic Taconite to mitigate any environmental damage.
[...]
Supporters insist the mine will bring jobs to the economically depressed region. Opponents, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, fear the mine will pollute one of the last pristine areas in the state. Republican lawmakers added to the furor last year when they passed a law relaxing state regulations to help jump-start the mine.
And "jump" they will -- if the exploratory land-scrapings strike enough pay-dirt ...
And the following "official" reports and "activists" blogs, show why "imminent domain" Republicans like Walker and company, are bad news for Environmental protection.
Gogebic Taconite provides $700,000 to block the historic Wisconsin Repeal Republican efforts -- then the re-energized Republicans led by Walker, provide rollbacks to historic Wisconsin Environmental Laws ...
Wisconsin Assembly passes sweeping mining bill
by Tim Mandell, The Rural Blog, irjci.blogspot.com -- 3/08/2013
Wisconsin is one step closer to allowing the opening of its first open-pit iron mine in a very rural area near Lake Superior, despite environmentalists' objections. The measure passed the state Assembly on Thursday by a party-line vote of 58-39, and Gov. Scott Walker is expected to sign it into law early next week, reports Todd Richmond of the LaCrosse Tribune.
"Conservation groups and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa contend the bill eviscerates environmental protections and are considering lawsuits." reports Richmond. "Under the plan, state environmental officials would have up to 480 days to make a permitting decision. Currently, they face no hard deadline. The public couldn't challenge a permit decision until after it has been made."
Richmond writes that Republicans, who recently gained complete control of state government, have "played up the mine as a huge economic engine, saying it would create hundreds of jobs for the impoverished region and thousands more across the state's heavy equipment manufacturing sector. But company officials have refused to move forward until lawmakers eased the regulatory path for them."
[...]
Let one of the Wisconsin Republican pro-mining cronies explain it, in his own "
stuff-happens" world-view ...
Wisconsin, Inc.
by Charles P. Pierce, esquire.com -- March 8, 2013
[...]
They not only passed the bill, but eliminated any chance the people of Wisconsin had to protect themselves. For example, nobody denies that the massive open-pit mine that Gogebic Taconite plans to gouge out of northern Wisconsin is bound to do environmental damage. The Republicans who pushed for the bill admitted that openly.
[...] "The bill reflects the reality of mining. There are going to be some impacts to the environment above the iron ore body," said Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst. "If the law is challenged and ends up in court, the judge needs to know it was the Legislature's intent to allow adverse (environmental) impacts. That way, a judge can't find fault if the environment is impact.
[...]
The legislation was written in such a way as to defang the state's Department Of Natural Resources, provide what is essentially a liability shield for the company, overturn over a century of environmental protection laws for the benefit of a single company. The mine also would benefit from a proposed budget provision that would repeal a state law dating back to the 1880's that prevented Wisconsin land from being controlled by foreign corporations or governments, leading more than a few people to wonder exactly who's going to get the 75 kajillion jobs that Walker and his pet legislature insist the mine will provide. In short, despite the fact that polls show substantial opposition to both the bill and the mine itself, and despite the fact that its sponsors concede the destruction it inevitably will cause, the Wisconsin legislature passed a law not only to permit the project to go forward, but to immunize the corporation against responsibility for any destruction the project might wreak on the state and the people therein. They gave away public lands to this company while arranging that the political entity known as the state of Wisconsin, and therefore the people they ostensibly represent, would be unable to protect themselves from the damage the company will do.
[...]
A uniquely Republican world-view, eh?
Damn the damage, Let the no-fault drilling go on.
Well were does this classic land-battle stand now?
Now that Walker has managed to relax a century of Wisconsin Environmental Protections, how is Gogebic Taconite faring in the new Walker streamlined permit-processing world?
Here's one official (watered-down) permitting page:
[Wisconsin] DNR approves exploratory drilling application
Published: January 16, 2014 by the Central Office -- dnr.wi.gov
Contact(s): Ann Coakley, 715-365-8957
MADISON - Gogebic Taconite, LLC, has received approval from the Department of Natural Resources to conduct additional exploratory drilling at the company's proposed mine site in northern Wisconsin.
The company recently submitted an exploratory mining application to drill 15 exploratory drill holes at the site located in Ashland and Iron counties. Gogebic Taconite had applied for and received an exploration license in the spring of 2013 and drilled eight exploration drill holes last summer.
[...]
Here's another official page, which consolidates the extent of Wisconsin's current Environmental-interest in Gogebic on-going mining efforts:
Environmental analyses of [Wisconsin] DNR actions
dnr.wi.gov
Gogebic Taconite
Gogebic Taconite LLC is currently considering development of an iron ore mine along a four-mile stretch east of the community of Mellen. The area of interest straddles the boundary between Iron and Ashland counties and lies between Tyler Forks River to the east and Ballou Creek to the west. If developed, the project would likely include an open pit mining operation, a plant site and waste disposal facilities. The DNR is waiting for the permit applications and environmental impact report (EIR) to be submitted by the company. The DNR will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) and make it available for public review once the EIR is received. See Gogebic Taconite LLC, potential mining project for more information.
Meanwhile,
back on the activist ranch, some environmentalists see this streamlined process,
and sometimes armed-approach, at completing the DNR "paperwork" -- as part of a disturbing new "grab-the-land" trend ...
Will the Wisconsin craziness cross the border?
by Dan Burns, mnprogressiveproject.com -- July 17, 2013
As you’ve probably seen, Gogebic Taconite brought in armed guards, done up like paramilitaries, to the site of a proposed iron mine in Wisconsin. The guards have since been pulled, as they weren’t properly licensed to work in Wisconsin. As far as I could find out, as of this morning, they’re not back. It’s unclear whether licensing issues are entirely the reason for that, or whether the publicity may also have caused Gogebic to rethink its approach.
There are proposals for two big mines in northern Minnesota [in the "Boundary Waters" wilderness area]. Those opposed to them, especially in other parts of the state like the metro and therefore well away from the action, should not underestimate how close these projects are to getting underway. About the only thing that really seems to be holding them back are questions about whether they will be profitable for their investors, given declining prices for their planned output.
Could we see troops of masked, camouflaged guards here in Minnesota? Discussion, below the fold.
[...]
Here is one particular 'sardonic take' on the Gogebic armed thugs, and the resulting
"off limits" zone of near-by
public forest lands; all apparently to prevent those "dangerous activists," from
seeing, documenting, and reporting on Gogebic environmental compliance, or likely lack thereof ...
Gogebic Taconite mine games
POLITICAL CAPITAL -- Wisconsin Politics and Profound Political Satire
political-capital.blogspot.com -- Posted 30th December 2013
[...]
[Arrested and felony-charged] Kloth was among 20 protesters at the Gogebic Taconite mining site in northern Wisconsin on June 11.
Completely and totally losing it, Taconite Tom Tiffany demanded (and got) the closure of forest lands open for public recreation where Bulletproof No Compromise Security Force has established a DMZ around the perimeter of the iron mine.
[...]
Contaminants from the mine include mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals, sulfates (asbestos), sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that upon release from mining tailings’ waste dust, waste rock, ore transport and processing will irreversibly pollute Wisconsin’s air and water.
No problemo for controversial GOP Gov. Scott Walker and Republican-controlled legislators who weakened mining environmental standards and streamlined the permitting process for the mine.
[...]
What caused this armed, militia-style response to guard their exploratory activities?
It appears to be this -- the local Wisconsin County and its residents taking a keen interest in this Scott Walker give-away of their land, water, and air quality -- a Board considering local zoning regulations, to try to curtail the inevitable 'git-er-done' damage, to said local resources.
The new face of Gogebic Taconite
by James Richard Bailey, bloggingblue.com -- July 7, 2013
No way of telling if these guys are Homeland Security, employees of mining company Gogebic Taconite (GTAC), or KKK (yes they exist up here in the North).
They appeared in the Penokee Hills at a GTAC rock sample drilling site this weekend. This followed a peaceful press conference and citizen testimony at a meeting of the Iron County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors in nearby Hurley on Friday. The board was considering zoning regulations that would apply to GTAC when they attempt to create the world’s largest open pit Iron mine in the pristine Penokee Hills, headwaters of the Bad River Watershed. Blogging Blue readers who are interested can keep abreast of developments by going to the Citizens Concerned about the Proposed Penokee Mine Facebook Group site, or to www.savethewatersedge.com
It will be interesting to watch and see who ultimately wins, in this classic battle between
the People who live on and cherish the Land, and
the Business Interests who simply see the Land, as
"a boundless resource put there for them to exploit."
Afterall, if THEY don't extract the wealth of the land -- someone else will, sooner or later.
... It's only a matter of time ... and enough shovels-ful of money, greasing enough "know-nothing" political-wheels.
In Walker's Koch-sponsored, Gogebic-funded world, that is.