Monday, May 7, 2007

Urge The DNR To Continue To Hold Ladysmith Mining Company To Cleanup Responsibilities

Remember the Flambeau Mine in Ladysmith, Wisconsin?

The Flambeau Mining Company is no longer mining copper and gold there, so it wants a "Certificate of Completion" from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and a release of most of the $11 million bond the DNR is holding to cover any pollution and or restoration problems.

Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA), a Madison-based public interest law firm, is representing the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and will contest, in court, the DNR's potential release of the company from future clean up responsibilities.

MEA is concerned about the DNR determining cleanup work is "complete" at the site because public records show the mine has contaminated a pond, stream, groundwater, and more.

Who will clean that up if not the mining company? And who will be stuck paying for it, MEA asks?

Prior to the contested case hearing, public hearings will be held on these issues at the Rusk County Courthouse in Ladysmith, Wisconsin - - on the following dates:

May 16th (2 PM to 5 PM and again beginning at 6:30 PM).
May 17th (beginning at 8:30 AM).

Please attend the public hearing and testify against the DNR issuing a "Certificate of Competion" and releasing the bond until the site has truly been restored to its original condition, meaning with clean water.

You can get more information from:

Melissa K. Scanlan
Executive Director
Midwest Environmental Advocates, Inc.
551 West Main Street, Suite 200
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
608-251-5047, or Fax 608-268-0205

www.midwestadvocates.org

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