March 3, 2007 editorial from the Detroit Free Press:

Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality stumbled in an uncharacteristic but worrisome way when it sidetracked, then retrieved, a two-part report it commissioned on a proposed underground mine near Marquette.

The first part of the report, by a mining engineer the DEQ hired as a consultant, raised doubt about whether Kennecott Mining Co.’s planned operation left a strong enough top layer to prevent a cave-in. The second part signed off on the mine’s safety as long as mining activity is at least 360 feet below the surface.

The DEQ canceled hearings planned for this month because the reports did not get full review within the department, never became public and had not been sent to Kennecott for a full response, which also would have been publicly posted. DEQ Director Steve Chester made the right decision to halt the permit process within days of learning of the report.

But it’s hard to understand why, even if this were merely a lapse in judgment, more people didn’t notice the absence of material from a consultant the department had hired for needed expertise. The DEQ has pledged to make the mine application process open and transparent. Apparently that promise didn’t register with every employee.

The mine is controversial because any misstep could ruin a fabulous trout stream, which starts in a wetlands complex directly above the nickel and copper deposit that Kennecott wants to extract.

Mine opponents already have charged this was a cover-up. Chester has to investigate fast, clean house if necessary, and explain thoroughly to retain the public’s trust. When a report dealing with mine safety doesn’t see the light of day, skeptics have reason to wonder what else lies below the surface.