STEPHENSON, MI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Aquila Resources held a public meeting about the Back Forty Mine project at Stephenson High School.
A decision was not made Tuesday night however people could share their thoughts on the plan.
Aquila Resources wants to construct a gold, zinc and copper mine in Lake Township, just north of Menominee, Mich.
The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and the Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River have challenged the wetlands permit and the inlands lakes and streams permit.
One tribal member says the project will pollute the water around the mine and destroy nearby Native American lands.
“This is a sacred area. We have sacred dance rings on and near the proposed mining site that our people did ceremonies and still continue to do ceremonies. Sturgeon and wild rice will be destroyed if this mine is allowed to start and continue. This is what I have to say for the Menominee people. No Back Forty mine, no back forty mine!”
Tribal members sang from the bleachers before the meeting started.
In January, the tribe announced they would appeal the dismissal of its lawsuit against the federal government, challenging how it is handling permits for a proposed mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
In December 2018, a federal judge dismissed the tribe’s suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Aquila, challenging the federal government’s refusal to exercise jurisdiction over a wetland permit sought by the company.
Chante Lessard, Director of Social Performance and Engagement for Aquila Resources, tells FOX 11 they’re confident the mine will be safe.
“We have people that are local here and they don’t want to see anybody get hurt, and they don’t want to see the environment get ruined. They live here, they hunt here, they fish here, they recreate here. We’ve got local employees, and who better than to make sure that we’re doing the right thing that people who live in the community.”
Children also held up shirts that spelled out “No Back Forty.”
People can submit written comments about the dam safety permit until July 5 to:
EGLEWater Resource Division, Marquette District Office1504 West Washington StreetMarquette, MI, 49855
People can submit written comments about the air quality permit until July 23 to:
Annette Switzer, Permit Section ManagerEGLE, AQDP.O. Box 30260Lansing, Michigan, 48909-7760
People can submit written comments on the mining permit until July 23 to:
Back Forty Project EGLE/OGMD1504 West Washington StreetMarquette, MI 49855
State regulators have issued the permits necessary for the project, and the company has said it hopes to start construction in 2020.
