Listening session on mining bill well attended
ASHLAND, Wis. (AP) — At least 200 people have jammed a hearing in Ashland to tell legislators how they feel about legislation to streamline the state’s mining laws.
The Wisconsin State Journal reported most of the attendees spoke Saturday against changing the state’s permitting process. They say they’re concerned about environmental damage that could take decades or longer to repair.
The listening session was organized in response to proposed legislation that would help a mining company open a massive iron mine in far northwestern Wisconsin. Republicans say the bill will help it create hundreds of jobs.
Mike Wiggins Jr. is the tribal chairman of the Bad River Chippewa Band. He says the mine would threaten sacred rice beds.
Bayfield Mayor Larry McDonald says he’s concerned about potential damage to Lake Superior.
——— Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj
Feb 10, 2013 at 11:35 p.m.
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"If existing taconite mining cannot be counted on for examples of safe mining, what about GTAC’s
track record? GTAC itself has never mined taconite before but GTAC’s owners- the Cline Groupoperate coal mines in Illinois. Cline has been cited 25 times for violating water quality standards at 4
mines including 19 times at the Deer Run Mine which opened only 3 years ago."
http://www.wisconsin.sierraclub.org/docu...
Feb 10, 2013 at 10:14 p.m.
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Actually, the mining bill spcifically excludes iron containing sulfide ore from environmental restrictions that are in place. Very interesting language, especially when there is most likely a large amont of pyrite in the area. Maybe people should look that up and do some reading on acid rock drainage. Maybe ask a few questions about just why that specific Language is used in the bill and why it is neccessary. Other than to free a company of liability and remove our states environmental protections.
Feb 10, 2013 at 9:08 p.m.
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Actually the mining company is incorporating the newest technologies and environmentally friendly techniques. the mining bills were actually clarified and made more specific. Do you really think a global company would try and poison the water when they know they will be under the microscope for many years/decades after they start the mining. Ask BP how that worked out.
Feb 10, 2013 at 10:41 a.m.
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Money talks. Unfortunately.
Feb 10, 2013 at 9:16 a.m.
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this mine is a bad idea from the word go...did the legislators not read the geologic report on this site? this mine would be the first of it's kind in the region, as all other iron mines were not surface strip mines like this proposed Gogebic mine...any and all waste rock associated with this mine will, not maybe, produce acid mine drainage due to the chemical nature of the waste rock, thus polluting the aquifer...and we have no business changing these laws designed to protect natural resources, at all...if this bill passes and Gogebic comes in and opens a mine, you all can mark my words, the waters will be poisoned...
Feb 9, 2013 at 7:34 p.m.
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Over 200 people showed, 97 were able to speak over a 10 hour period. About 10 to 1 against the mine.
Just to get a better idea of the size of what they are proposing click on the link..
http://woodsperson.blogspot.com/2013/01/...
Feb 9, 2013 at 6:48 p.m.
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Maybe they forgot...last year when they were going to have a session in that area, Jauch cancelled it.
Feb 9, 2013 at 6:20 p.m.
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The AP reported on this - remember that they never really like or report favorably on things that are of a republican nature.
Feb 9, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
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They started at 9 am this morning.
Feb 9, 2013 at 5:34 p.m.
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"jammed"? Watching the live feed, there are many empty chairs.
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