Wisconsin Resources Protection Council

January 9, 2020

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

Merry Christmas, said the Aquila Resources radio ad. But the only thing they left us in their stocking is fool’s gold. Let’s not be the fool in their stocking. If allowed to dig the Back Forty Mine, Aquila would destroy the watershed with acid mine drainage — a byproduct of mineral extraction. Shakey Lakes — the crown jewel of Lake Township — would be one of the first casualties of the mine. This popular county park would be decimated by air, water and noise pollution. Acid mine drainage — similar to battery acid — would seep into wetlands and ruin downstream wells.

January 2, 2020

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

We all know there has never been a metallic sulfide mine that hasn’t poisoned the environment and there is no reason to think it will be any different with the proposed Back 40 Mine, less than 50 yards from the Menominee River. Their permit applications already show they intend to pollute.

Published by Door County Pulse, Peninsula Pulse –  December 6th, 2019

November 20, 2019

Eagle Herald

October 11, 2019

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

Back Forty project — is it a done deal? No.

Aquila does not have all necessary Back Forty permits. As of Oct. 6, only one of five required permits has been both issued and deemed “effective,” and that is the NPDES Permit, No. 1 on the list below.

September 24, 2019

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

This letter will correct Dale Anderson’s false claims (published in a Letter to the Editor Sept. 20). He and Aquila both got false claims printed recently. No, they do not have all the permits. No, they will not be mining next year. It’s more likely than ever now that they’ll never mine this site, with their dangerous design plan.

September 17, 2019

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

Aquila Resources continually states they have all permits to begin mining. That is a blatantly false statement.

Aquila’s Part 632 Permit is not valid as it was contested and remains in review.

September 5, 2019

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

Aquila Resources’ latest attempt to brainwash area residents is corrupted by greed and delusion. The Canadian company is in the midst of a bogus propaganda campaign designed to convince everyone that it will begin mining at the Back Forty site next year. This is an attempt to appease the company’s investors, who have grown impatient with Aquila’s plummeting stock value and lack of return on investment. In fact, numerous hurdles block Aquila’s mining plans.

August 31, 2019

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

It seems almost daily we read about money allocated for pollution clean-ups; most for our waters. Extended funding for our Great Lakes. Which is great. Then why are we not putting such effort to try and stop our greatest threat thus far to our waters before it happens? I am speaking about the proposed sulfide mine, Back Forty project. Not to be confused with the iron mine near Iron Mountain, these two are different beasts. Time and again, you hear representatives talk about the need for clean water, yet do the opposite and support this mine and for one reason, dollar signs.

August 20, 2019

Eagle Herald

Dear Editor,

The Menominee Tribe has repeatedly voiced concerns to Michigan environmental regulators about the proposed Back Forty Mine. Aquila Resources, the Canadian mining company behind the mine, has failed to submit the information required to determine the likely impacts of the mine from acid mine drainage, wetlands destruction, and groundwater drawdown. Nevertheless, the agency, now known as Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE), has granted multiple permits needed for the mine to move forward. Recent reporting in the Detroit Free Press and other outlets reveal approval was granted despite serious concerns flagged by regulatory staff, and a staff recommendation to deny at least one of the permits necessary for the mine.