Author Archives: Save the Wild UP

Tests find toxins at Flambeau mine

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By Lee Bergquist of the Journal Sentinel

11-1-11

Fourteen years after mining operations ended, water samples on the site of the Flambeau mine near Ladysmith show high levels of toxic pollutants.

In the most recent tests, state records show that copper and zinc levels have exceeded state toxicity standards for surface waters, potentially threatening fish and other aquatic life.

The findings come as mining regulation looms as a legislative issue this fall, and the Flambeau mine has been cited as a model of mineral extraction without environmental harm. Lawmakers are poised to rewrite mining laws and ease restrictions after Gogebic Taconite, based in Hurley, put plans on hold this year for a $1.5 billion iron ore mine until regulations are streamlined.

Read post: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/tests-find-toxins-at-flambeau-mine-133051073.html

Rushing Mine Permits Puts Water At Risk

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Opinion

October 31, 2011
by Eric Hanson

Wisconsinites have a deep affection for our pristine waters and a history of applying due diligence and reasonable prudence while questioning ill-conceived industrial projects that threaten that water. Think of the memorable citizens campaigns that blocked Exxon’s proposed mine on the Wolf River and Perrier’s plan for massive water withdrawals from the Mecan River watershed. 

Read post… http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/rushing-mine-permits-puts-water-at-risk-132959503.html

Eagle Rock: Economics versus spirit of place

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By Jon Magnuson ,  The Mining Journal, 9-18-11

This past week The Mining Journal reported as a lead story Inghan County Judge Paula J. M Manderfield’s denial of a request for an injunction to stop Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Minerals Company from dynamiting Eagle Rock, the entrance to the proposed controversial sulfide mine in Powell Township.

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You are Invited! Annual Fall Fundraiser, September 23rd

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Save the Wild UP will host its Annual Fall Fundraiser Social on Friday, September 23rd at the Upfront & Company, downtown Marquette, from 6:30 – 11:00 pm. Highlighting the evening will be speakers, a silent auction, food, cash bar and ‘live and local’ music. Don’t miss this opportunity to tackle early holiday shopping, catch up with old friends and enjoy good food and music. Tickets are on sale at the SWUP office for $15 per person, $5 student rate. Please call (906) 662-9987 for more information.

Groups Ask Judge to Halt Mine Blasting

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Huron Mountain Club – Keweenaw Bay Indian Community –
National Wildlife Federation – Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve
For Immediate Release: September 1, 2011
Contact: Michelle Halley, National Wildlife Federation, (906) 361-0520

Groups Ask Judge to Halt Mine Blasting
MARQUETTE, MICH. (September 1, 2011) – A coalition of groups yesterday asked a judge to halt imminent mining activity that would desecrate a sacred Native American site and jeopardize water quality for the Great Lakes and one of the region’s last spawning grounds for the coaster brook trout.

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Minnesota: Chamber, corporations pursue sulfide mining at cost of degrading Minnesota’s waters

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By C.A. Arneson | Monday, Aug. 29, 2011

It was bad enough when the U.S. Supreme Court bestowed corporations with personhood – but under the guise of the title Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota now has its own corporative dictator. And Minnesota’s dictator wants sulfide mining at all costs – including the permanent degradation of Minnesota waters.

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Proposed Kennecott Haul Road: Public Informational Open Houses Scheduled

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Marquette County Board of Road Commissioners (year took office), top to bottom - L to R: Joseph Valente ('08), Russell Williams, Vice Chairperson ('07), Neil Anderson ('09), Darryll Sundberg, Chairperson ('03), David Hall ('07)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Marquette County Road Commission will hold a series of informational open houses to provide information to, and collect written comments from the public regarding the proposed new roadway called County Road 595. Time and location are as follows:
Tuesday, Aug. 30th                12:00 -3:00  & 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.                       Citizens Forum Room, Lakeview Arena,
Wednesday, Aug. 31st           12:00 -3:00  & 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.                       Ishpeming Township Hall, Ishpeming

Informational packets will be available for public review at these meetings. Information will also be available to the public for review starting Tuesday afternoon, August 16, 2011 at the following locations: Marquette County Road Commission Administrative Office, The Peter White Public Library, City of Ishpeming, City of Negaunee, City of Marquette, Powell Township, Ely Township, Marquette Township, Negaunee Township, Ishpeming Township, Humboldt Township and Michigamme Township.

All written input given and received at these informational meetings will be considered at the Board of Marquette County Road Commissioners regular meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Ishpeming Township Hall. The public may submit written comment to the Marquette County Road Commission Office, 1610 N. Second Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or by emailing lbrogan@marqroad.org by Tuesday, September 6, 2011; 1:00 p.m.

Lisa Brogan
Marquette County Road Commission
Ph: 906-486-4491 x. 103
F:  906-486-4493

Rick Snyder speaks to invited guests in Houghton

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Photo courtesy of Houghton Gazette

Rick Snyder addresses over 150 folks in Houghton this week. Keweenaw Now was there and has a full report:http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2011/08/gov-rick-snyder-speaks-to-invited.html

Also Mining Journal writer Kyle Whitney interviewed Snyder on Monday in Marquette: …http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/565945/State-s-chief-executive-addresses-key-issues-in-first-visit-to-Upper-Peninsula-since-taking-office.html?nav=5006

TOUR the Eagle Site Catastrophe on the Yellow Dog Plains

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TOUR Kennecott/Rio Tinto’s catastrophic Eagle Site – 120 acres of scoured landscape suitable for alien visitors. See Eagle Rock, a significant Native sacred site, now surrounded by a 12′ chain link fence and barbed wire,  heavily secured and inaccessible to anyone seeking worship and prayer. Note the various contractors from Wisconsin and Minnesota, here for the short term gain while living in a motel in Marquette. Ask about the ‘high-tech’ waste water treatment plant that has never been tested under these local conditions, potentially pumping over 50,000 gallons of waste water back into the high plains hydrocycle – uncharted territory.
While out on the plains, visit the nearby headwaters of the pristine Salmon Trout River, (located directly over the ore body) once a thriving fishery soon to be degraded to an unknown status or lost altogether.
Enjoy the tour!
To sign up for tours you need to call Checker Cab at 226-7772.
Dates and Times:
  • Friday, August 19th from 3-7
  • Saturday, August 27th from 9-1
  • Friday, September 9th from 3-7
  • Saturday, September 24th from 9-1
You must bring a picture ID and a barf bag.