APRIL 12 ACTION:
If you can spare a moment this week please make two phone calls for the following reasons:
WAVE wrote a letter to Governor Snyder on March 24 requesting a specific action. It reads,
“…we urge you to use your authority to issue an executive order calling for an immediate halt to activity at the Eagle Mine site until a complete impact study can be prepared by EPA mining experts. This review should encompass all aspects of the Eagle Project, including mining, transport, and milling of ore, as well as other potential mining projects in the vicinity of the Yellow Dog Plains.”
The Governor has not responded to our letter of request, so it is time to call and email both the Governor’s office and the U.P. office!!!
On the call please ask, “Are you going to issue an executive order or not?? When can we expect a response from the Governor? Has the Governor received the 15,000 signed petitions from citizens across the state in opposition to this project?”
Thanks for taking action! Our U.P.Governor’s representative at the Northern Michigan Office is Greg Andrews, so ask for him specifically.
Read this letter from Jessica to Governor Snyder: http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2011/04/letter-from-jessica-koski-gov-snyder.html
| Governor Rick Snyder P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, Michigan 48909PHONE: (517) 373-3400 PHONE: (517) 335-7858 – Constituent Services FAX:(517) 335-6863 E-MAIL: Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov |
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| Northern Michigan Office 1504 West Washington, Suite B Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 228-2850 Greg Andrews |
Washington D.C. Office 444 N. Capitol Street, Northwest Hall of the States, Suite 411 Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 624-5840 |
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2011
GOVERNOR ASKED TO HALT ALL ACTIVITY AT EAGLE MINE SITE
Marquette, MI — Representatives of WAVE, a new grassroots environmental coalition, met today with Greg Andrews, Governor Snyder’s Upper Peninsula representative. They brought a letter to the governor, calling for an immediate halt to construction of the Eagle Mine on the Yellow Dog Plains.
WAVE asks that EPA mining experts prepare an impact study that encompasses all aspects of the Eagle Project, including mining, transport, and milling of ore. WAVE contends that the environmental impact statement funded and prepared by Kennecott Minerals did not meet the requirements of the new law regulating nonferrous metallic sulfide mining in Michigan.
Accompanying the letter were petitions signed by over 15,000 persons, including doctors and health care professionals who oppose development of the mine because of the risks posed to the region’s water resources and to the health of people dependent upon it.
London-based Rio Tinto, aggressively anti-union, is developing the mine under the subsidiary name Kennecott Minerals. Despite numerous pending lawsuits, Kennecott has acquired the necessary permits and may soon begin excavating the mine. The portal is to be blasted through Migi zii wa sin (Eagle Rock), a Native American sacred site, an act akin to blowing up a church, synagogue or temple to the Ojibwe tribe.
According to WAVE spokesperson Catherine Parker, “The mine puts surface water, ground water and air quality at risk—along with the numerous and permanent jobs that come from the current recreation and tourism businesses.” She adds that the flawed process demonstrated by the permitting of the Eagle Mine sets a dangerous precedent, especially with the recent increase in mining exploration in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Testimony from doctors and public health professionals makes it clear that health is a key concern, especially for our children, seniors and future generations. To date, the state has chosen to ignore the potential health impact on the region, and WAVE hopes that Governor Snyder will change that.
They are requesting an in-person meeting with Governor Snyder to discuss their concerns.
Parker explained that the choice facing the Governor—whether to halt the mine’s development or allow the portal to be blasted—will impact the health of people in the Upper Great Lakes Region. She continued, “This is Governor Snyder’s opportunity to take a long term view of what is best for Michigan’s citizens and not jump at the fast money and short term economic gain represented by the Eagle Mine’s development.”
WAVE is a new grassroots coalition of individuals and representatives of environmental, health, and citizen groups around the Great Lakes Region. Its mission is to protect our water resources as part of a sustainable future.
Contact: Catherine Parker
Phone: (906) 662-9987
Email: waveactions@gmail.com
please stop this mine from going through.this mine will be nothing but contamination of our soil and hurt all who live here. men, women , children ,also the animals . please think about what kenicott is doing
Love the name. Great Job Folks!