PENNY MULLINS, EH news editor/digital director
October 24, 2019
Eagle Herald
GREEN BAY — A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Coalition to Save the Menominee River against the developers of the Back Forty Mine in Menominee County, as well as several federal agencies.
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 18, 2019
Dear WRPC Member and Friends of the Menominee River,
Aquila’s Back Forty project is in deep trouble. Two federal lawsuits and two contested case administrative proceedings have challenged the proposed mine. Having failed to obtain a social license to operate a mine, Aquila has offered to fund the costs of reaching a “Community Agreement” if the community “agrees not to oppose the Mine or to take any action which would serve to unreasonably delay the construction of the Mine.” Not surprisingly, local communities have told Aquila “No thanks.”
September 18, 2019
The willingness of top Michigan regulators to ignore their own scientific staff and approve a wetland permit for a controversial open pit mine next to the Menominee River on the Michigan-Wisconsin border has been reported by Urban Milwaukee, but is only the beginning of a dangerous decision-making process. The proposed Back Forty metallic sulfide mine is owned by Aquila Resources, a Canadian exploration company that has no experience with mining.
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.
August 27, 2019
Eagle Herald
Dear Editor,
My husband and I attended the Mellen Township Meeting on Aug. 21. During the public comment portion of the meeting many residents spoke regarding the mine. It appeared those that attended had concerns regarding Aquila Resources’ contacting the townships to request a Community Contract be signed. This contract is irrevocable and auto-renewing. Aquila Resources has hired a grant writer with promises of equipment and services for government bodies in exchange for signing the contract. Once the contract is signed the government bodies would not be able to make statements against mining and the pollution of our water and air. Why is Aquila Resources doing this? It is because they do not have a social license (public’s trust) for operation of the proposed metallic sulfide mine on the banks of the Menominee River, less than 150 feet from the water. It appears they are trying to buy our approval. The state’s decision to approve this mine weighs heavily on the public’s trust. By signing this contract, you are giving Aquila Resources a social license to operate and approval to pollute our water and air.
August 27, 2019
Eagle Herald
Dear Editor,
Aquila Resources title heading — local agreement — named parties are: Menominee County, City of Stephenson, Lake Township, Holmes, Daggett and the Village of Daggett.
The language used in the local agreement tries to make it appear to be a cooperative effort. This statement about obligations is arrogant and likely not to be accepted by local units of government. These local agreements demand that participants agree not to oppose the mine or take any action which would serve to delay the construction of the mine.
