Wisconsin Resources Protection Council

For Immediate Release, January 18, 2011

Lawsuit Filed to Stop Release of Toxic Metals at Wisconsin’s Flambeau Mine

MADISON, Wis.— The Wisconsin Resources Protection Council, the Center for Biological Diversity and Laura Gauger filed a Clean Water Act citizen suit today against Flambeau Mining Company over its partially reclaimed Flambeau Mine near Ladysmith, Wis. According to the suit, the mining company is violating federal law by discharging pollutants, including potentially toxic metals like copper, iron and zinc, into the Flambeau River and a tributary known as “Stream C” that flows across the company’s property.

(Note:  This legal action supersedes the action initiated in June 2009)

1. Press Release - January 18, 2011 – Lawsuit Filed to Stop Release of Toxic Metals at Wisconsin’s Flambeau Mine

2. Fact Sheet – January 18, 2011 – Summary of Clean Water Act Citizen Suit Against Flambeau Mining Company (for an updated July 2011 fact sheet, please click HERE)

3. Mine Schematic

4. Background Information on Flambeau Mine

5. Official Correspondence

Complaint by WRPC, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Laura Gauger to Kennecott’s Flambeau Mining Company for violations of the Federal Clean Water Act – January 18, 2011

• Entire Document

Response to WRPC Notice Letter, issued by Kennecott’s Flambeau Mining Company – December 30, 2010

• FMC Response

Notice Letter sent by WRPC, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Laura Gauger to Kennecott’s Flambeau Mining Company – November 16, 2010

• Entire Document

6. Scientific Reports that Form the Basis of WRPC’s Complaint

• Report on Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination at the Flambeau Mine, David M Chambers, Ph.D. and Kendra Zamzow, Ph.D., Center for Science in Public Participation, June 5, 2009
  • Groundwater Summary
  • Surface Water Summary
  • Entire Document

7. Contact Information:

• Attorney James Saul
• Attorney Marc Fink
• Attorney Dan Mensher
• Dr. David Chambers
• Dr. Al Gedicks
• Laura Gauger