The mining company has submitted it's revised plan to sample iron ore at a mine site in the Penokee Hills, and a DNR spokesperson says they've identified the remaining issues.
The initial plan for Gogebic Taconite's desire to mine the large site in Iron and Ashland counties involves submitting what's called a Bulk Sampling Plan.
DNR spokesperson Larry Lynch says the agency has determined specific permits will be needed...
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"...we identified they needed to get coverage under a storm water permit. They've already submitted the stormwater permit application. We had already identified that particular requirement back in August, we had sent the company a letter regarding bulk sampling. In addition we have determined they need to submit a claim of exemption from the air permitting requirements. Based on the information they submitted to us, they appear to qualify for an exemption from air permitting because they don't meet the threshold specified in the rules to require a permit. There's also requirements they submit a cutting plan in relation to removal of timber from managed forest land. Along with that they have to notify Iron county of their plans to cut...."
Lynch reported the three bulk sample sites would be about three total acres. He thinks the DNR will take about two months to make a decision on the plan.
More information is available here Gogebic Taconite project .
