Al has been at this for years, and his writing is authoritative.
Also note that federal authorities have warned Gov. Walker, DNR Secretary Stepp and others against fast-tracking permits for large-scale operations, like the mine about which Gedicks is writing.
The approval of the mine will be based on the law and science, not alarmist hype. The land has been owned and explored by mining companies for over 120 years specifically for the purpose of mining and is not located on or near any tribal lands. Iron mining has been a part of the heritage of Iron County since its settlement and the current economic depression in the area is a direct result, not of mining, but of a lack of mining. The City of Montreal still sounds the old mine whistle daily in tribute to the prosperity that the mines brought. The stock piles stand adjacent to the Montreal River behind the old city hall and if there is any major negative effects of runoff into waterways, it is certainly not apparent today.
ReplyDeleteTo claim that the Kakagon sloughs could somehow be at risk is
somewhat curious since the Bad River does not even flow into it.
Iron is an essential part of our lives. The resource is here, the environment will be protected and the economic benefits are badly needed. It is time to support responsible mining and help speed this project along.
I say prove through unbiased science and evidence that the environment won't be at risk and put laws in there to hold accountable those companies that rape our environment with fines and actions in the form of making the environment clean and whole again. The companies must hire several firms chosen by environmental groups to provide ongoing monitoring of potential damage and cease any further mining if problems arise until corrective actions can be put into place.
ReplyDeleteTell me how the usage of incredible amounts of water to process the ore can be good for the environment. Once used, this water needs to be discharged somewhere. How is this in any remote form good for the environment? Is the mining company going to clean the water before it is discharged?
I would add politics to science and law.
ReplyDeleteThe kids call that first entry "copypasta."
ReplyDeleteMy own youth informs me the appropriate response is "Cool story, bro."
Copypasta: love it. A new term for the American dictionary.
ReplyDelete