The Department of Natural Resources and Environment will be holding an informational meeting at the Westwood High School auditorium in Ishpeming on Thursday, March 11, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., to discuss a request by the Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company to modify the groundwater discharge permit for the Eagle Rock Mine project.

Kennecott was issued a groundwater discharge permit for its proposed mining operation on December 14, 2007, that authorizes the discharge of treated mine contact water to a rapid infiltration basin.  The quality of the discharged effluent will be in compliance with the groundwater standards established in Michigan's water protection laws. 

On February 18, 2010, Kennecott requested a modification to the infiltration design of that permit.  In the original design Kennecott proposed a series of infiltration pipes that would be covered with native soil, while in the modified design Kennecott is proposing to use at least three inches of styrofoam insulation overlain by a 40 millimeter liner.  The actual elevation of the distribution piping is exactly the same in both designs, and the volume of the discharge, chemical quality of the effluent, and application rates to the rapid infiltration basins that were approved as part of the original permit application would all remain exactly the same should this modification proceed.

The styrofoam insulation has been used successfully in Alaska in similar winter weather conditions.  The proposed modification is intended to allow for improved access to the infiltration piping for maintenance and provide for better distribution of the treated effluent.

This public meeting is not required for a permit modification of this type, however, the DNRE wanted to give the public an opportunity to ask questions about the changes in design being discussed.  The proposal is available for viewing online at: http://tiny.cc/vkoPN.

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations.