By: Adrian B.

According to Steve Roy at the Region 5 EPA, in the department of Under Water Injection Permits (Sec. V), there is currently no set timeline for the decision on Kennecott’s withdrawal of their UIC Sec. V permit.

The Steve said that the current hold up is in part due to the fact that they are transitioning to a new Director of Region 5 EPA. Dr. Susan Headman, an appointee of the Obama Administration, is tentatively scheduled to start her term at the EPA office sometime during May, Steve’s best guess was May 18th.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has requested a meeting with Dr. Headman when she takes office, to discuss both the UIC permit, and the issue of ceded territory. It will be up to Dr. Headman whether or not she will grant the meeting.