Local "Die-In" opposes House American Health Care Act; June 14 is Stop TrumpCare Senate Call-In Day

By Michele Bourdieu

At their "Die-In" event on May 13, 2017, local opponents of the Republican House of Representatives' American Health Care Act of 2017, gather at Veteran's Park in Houghton to protest Michigan 1st District Rep. Jack Bergman's "yes" vote for the May 4 passage of the bill, H.R. 1628, which proposes to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and "defund" Planned Parenthood. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- On May 13, 2017, about a week after Republicans in the US House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) of 2017 (H.R. 1628) to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (aka ACA or Obamacare), about 75 local concerned citizens gathered in Veteran's Park in Houghton and stretched out on the grass in a symbolic "Die-In" to protest the proposed law that would deprive millions of health insurance they now receive through the Affordable Care Act.

Participants in the May 13 "Die-In" display tombstone-shaped signs protesting aspects of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed by the Republican House -- including projections that 24 million people would lose health care coverage nationally. Over 40,000 in Rep. Jack Bergman's Michigan District 1 could lose coverage under the AHCA.

Now, a month later, Republicans in the US Senate are preparing their own version of the bill "behind closed doors," in the hope of passing a bill before July 4th, according to a June 12, 2017, article in USA Today, which notes concerns of some Republicans and strong opposition from Democrats because of the lack of transparency in preparation of the bill.*

The Indivisible Movement, one of the hosts of the May 13 "Die-In" has declared today, June 14, 2017, Stop #TrumpCare Senate Call-In Day. Indivisible asks concerned citizens to call their senators today and tell them to reject TrumpCare and their closed-room deal to take health care away from millions of people.**

At the "Die-in" speakers and other participants noted reasons for their strong opposition to the American Health Care Act passed by the House.

Matt Seigel of Houghton offered an introduction.

"We're here today in response to a threat to the lives and health of thousands of people in Michigan and across the country, a threat aided by the actions of our own Congressional Representative, Jack Bergman, for the primary purpose of further enriching the wealthiest Americans while unnecessarily hurting the most vulnerable among us," said Seigel. "Jack Bergman voted to take health care away from millions of ordinary, working Americans so that he could give a huge tax cut to the richest and most secure among us, the very people who need the least, but take the most."

Seigel noted also that the AHCA lets states opt out of coverage for pregnancy, maternity and newborn care. It would also roll back protections for people with pre-existing conditions, including cancer, asthma, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Alzheimer's and more.***

Two high school students from Houghton -- Ganna Omar and Daphne Maki -- were among the youngest participants in the "Die-in."

Daphne Maki, left, and Ganna Omar, both of Houghton, display their sign of concern for those with pre-existing conditions, who could lose health care coverage under the American Health Care Act passed by the Republican House.

"I'm 16, but I would have a pre-existing condition under this bill," said Maki. "I'm here for myself and my future, but also the future of others who would be negatively affected as well."

Omar, a high school freshman, said, "I'm very fortunate to have insurance and not be affected by this bill, but I feel strongly about voicing the need to protest other Americans' health care."

Signs at the "Die-in" show strong opposition to the House Republicans' American Health Care Act (AHCA).

One of the speakers, Marika Seigel, co-organizer of the "Die-in," shared a testimonial from her brother, who had four different types of cancer that totaled $100,000 in medical bills after surgery.

"Luckily, about a year earlier I had enrolled the Affordable Care Act," her brother said. "As a part time woodworker and teacher, I had no health benefits. I found a plan that was reasonably priced, and in the end saved me tens of thousands of dollars. Even after a large price reduction given by the hospital due to my income level, it's likely I would have had to declare bankruptcy without the coverage I had under the Affordable Care Act. It is not a perfect bill, but it encouraged me to get insured after going about 6 years without medical insurance if any kind. Luckily I now have a job with benefits, but the ACA helped me when I needed it."

More signs at the "Die-in" reflect concerns about cancer and other serious illnesses that require good coverage.

Valorie Troesch, co-organizer of the "Die-In" event and active member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, spoke about the experience of her niece, who suffered from stage 4 melanoma before the ACA and had no health insurance. Troesch recounted how she accompanied her niece to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and helped her pay for tests, but she still lacked the thousands it would cost for surgeries and treatment.

"No one who hasn't been there can understand how it feels to hear a doctor tell a 30-year-old mother with a 10-month-old baby at home that she has 3-6 months to live without treatment," Troesch said. "Her only option for health insurance coverage was Medicaid -- and, to qualify, she had to separate from her husband (who had lost his job). So that is what she did. She received the care she needed and today is in full remission. But the stress of separation destroyed her marriage so she still paid a very high price."

Troesch reminded the audience that the United States is the only developed country in the world without universal health care, while Rep. Bergman, as a retired general, has the very best health care money can buy -- paid for by us, the taxpayers.

Valorie Troesch, right, addresses participants in the "Die-in." She told a story about how lack of health insurance affected her niece's life. Pictured with megaphone is Matt Seigel.

Cynthia Drake spoke about her own personal experience as a single parent and business owner without health insurance until the ACA came along.

"Before the ACA was created, I did not have health insurance for over a year when I left 'regular employment' to build my own business," Drake said. "I could not afford to buy insurance and so I went without it. The ACA has allowed me to have health insurance again, and now I can build my business and support my family as a single parent while having health care so that I do not have to worry about emergencies which might arise in my health -- and I get preventative health care to maintain my health. Without the ACA I still wouldn't have insurance -- and I think I represent many people."

Anne Newcombe of the Keweenaw People's Movement, said she believed the "Die-In" action showed people are not taking health care lightly.

"I guarantee that for every person that was out there (at Veteran's Park) there are 20 more that think the same thing," she said.

Bill Binroth of Chassell spoke about his own experience of family loss.

"I recently lost a grand-nephew due to a lack of healthcare coverage in a misunderstanding with his employer," Binroth said.

Today Binroth added his concerns about the potential Senate bill.

"What's going on in the Senate right now is of major concern," Binroth told Keweenaw Now. "From the leaks that have come out, it sounds like their bill is not much better than that of the House of Representatives, i.e., leaving millions without healthcare coverage. We're anxiously awaiting what might be in store for the American people."

In addition to Indivisible, the "Die-In" was also hosted by the Houghton County Democratic Party and Houghton/Keweenaw Forward Action Michigan.

* See the USA Today article, "Senate Republicans draft Obamacare repeal bill behind closed doors."

** Click here to learn about the Indivisible June action plan to stop TrumpCare in the Senate.

*** For details on the AHCA see the May 4, 2017, New York Times article, "What’s in the AHCA: The Major Provisions of the Republican Health Bill."  For a Library of Congress summary of the bill, click here.

Houghton Elementary fourth graders present interactive skits on climate issues

By Michele Bourdieu

Houghton Elementary fourth graders take turns describing the advantages and disadvantages of various types of energy, from oil to solar, during their June 2 climate program, organized by volunteers from the Keweenaw Climate Community and their teachers. Each energy type was examined to determine whether or not it is "clean" and/ or "renewable." (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- Last week, as President Trump made his announcement about pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement, 106 fourth graders at Houghton Elementary School, coached by their teachers and several Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC) volunteers, were busy practicing for their June 2 presentation of lively, interactive, creative skits on climate issues.

The event began with a song about why we should try to "make the world a better place."

Music and art were incorporated into this introductory presentation with a motivational song and posters created by the students. Click on YouTube icon for larger video screen. (Videos by Keweenaw Now)

Next a game of "Jeopardy" involved all the students who, divided into groups, competed to answer questions related to renewable energy, pollution, ways to conserve energy and other climate issues.

KCC member Jim Vendlinski and his group of students take the stage to ask "Jeopardy" questions on the climate, while the fourth graders in the audience compete in small groups to be the first to answer correctly. At left, KCC member Stephen Handler assists his group by clarifying a question. The prize for the winning group: "bragging rights."

KCC member Andi Vendlinski coached a class in demonstrating -- through pantomime -- the many steps and many people involved in producing one apple that they might buy at the grocery store. Students were invited to mime the planting of seeds, fertilizing and watering the apple tree, picking the apples, driving the apples to the market and selling them in the store.

Students raise their hands to volunteer for the pantomime skit on the steps involved in growing, transporting, selling, buying and eating an apple. At center is Andi Vendlinski, KCC member and coach for the skit.

Andi Vendlinski noted the high interest and enthusiasm of the fourth graders.

"After the first lesson, all the instructors were really impressed with how much many of the kids already knew about climate change, and how eager and enthusiastic they all were to learn more," she said. "It's so much fun when the kids are into it!"

Following the presentations on different types of energy (photo above), the final skit told the story of how a local healthy ecosystem works and how its plants and animals might be threatened by climate change.

These students mime the change in trees when climate change begins to have damaging effects on the ecosystem.

Students demonstrate through pantomime the effects of extreme heat and flooding on the ecosystem that was once healthy. Click on YouTube icon for larger video screen.

KCC volunteers Rob Handler and Emily Shaw assisted teacher Ken Klein with this skit on the effects of climate change.

"We were in Mr. Klein's class for two days, talking about the effects of climate change on plants and animals," Handler said.

On the third day the students developed the skit, he added, and Mr. Klein had them practice it in class.

"They were awesome," said Shaw. "They practiced a lot."

In addition to Mr. Klein, other fourth-grade teachers who participated were Margo Hall, Neeta Jacobson, and Shannon Lehto.

Pictured here in the Houghton Elementary School cafeteria following the climate program are Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC) volunteers, from left, Hunter King, Emily Shaw, Jim Vendlinski, Andi Vendlinski, Stephen Handler, Kathy Halverson and Rob Handler. Not pictured is KCC volunteer Jenny Dunn, who also helped coach the students but was unable to attend the Friday program.

After the presentations all the students received LED energy-efficient light bulbs, donated by HEET (Houghton Energy Efficiency Team), and a reusable bag from Wal-Mart. Other sponsors were FOLK (Friends of the Land of Keweenaw), who donated supplies, and GS Engineering, who contributed funding for the project.

To learn more about the work of the Keweenaw Climate Community, visit their Web site and their Facebook page.

Editor's Note: Jim and Andi Vendlinski's children, twins Lewis and Catherine Vendlinski, who just celebrated their 9th birthday, participated, along with twins Stephen and Rob Handler, in the Keweenaw Climate Community's third Climate Café held last November. See our Nov. 30, 2016, article, "Keweenaw Climate Community to hold 4th Climate Café Dec. 1 at Orpheum Theater; video report on October, November KCC events."

Questions on Eagle East: DEQ to hold public meeting June 8

From: Mining Action Group*

This aerial photograph shows (1) Eagle Mine facility and active drill rigs in the (2) southern drilling area for Eagle East, (3) northern drilling area for Eagle East and (4) eastern drilling area for Eagle East. The general location of the Eagle East ore body, some 3000 feet below the surface, is outlined by the large circle. Click on photo for larger version. (May 2017 photograph © Jeremiah Eagle Eye)

MARQUETTE -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is holding a public meeting on the permit amendment request to expand Eagle Mine's operations to include Eagle East -- and eight kilometers of tunnels to connect these ore bodies. The public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2017, at the Westwood High School, 300 Westwood Dr, Ishpeming.**

While the proposed permit "amendment" is described as a "significant change" to the Eagle Mine permit, Eagle East is actually a new ore body, located beyond the previously permitted boundary of Eagle Mine. More mining spells serious trouble for the environment, with a widening industrial footprint and impacts never considered under the original permit. More mining means more tailings, more dewatering, and an increased risk of water contamination.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT EAGLE EAST

1. Lundin Mining claims that the Eagle East deposit will extend the life of Eagle Mine by only one or two years. What the mine doesn’t mention is that this modest extension to life of the mine comes at a cost: increased truck traffic, increased air emissions, more toxic mining waste permanently stored in a pit lake at Humboldt Mill, and increased discharge of pollutants to the Middle Branch of the Escanaba River. Is Eagle East worth the enormous environmental footprint?

2. Lundin describes the combined ore as "Eagle ore" but Eagle and Eagle East are two different ore bodies, born from different volcanogenic events and sources. The new Eagle East ore body contains higher grades of copper and nickel, as well as other toxic heavy metals.

3. How will this new ore body impact water quality? The Eagle East ore body is located three thousand feet below the surface, so the ore and waste rock contain high quantities of entrapped salts from ancient brines, laced with heavy metals. This will, in turn, create long-term problems for the Humboldt Pit, where the addition of huge amounts of Eagle East waste tailings will dramatically increase Total Dissolved Solids. At the present Eagle Mine, the wastewater treatment plant will also need a new crystallizer to handle the salts and metals.

4. Last year’s undisclosed "partial pillar collapse" at Eagle Mine draws the overall safety of the expansion into question.*** Has the underlying geology been thoroughly studied? Can we trust Lundin to tell us when our watersheds and their employees are in danger? Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that a Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration investigation found that a significant "large block failure" resulted from an undetected rock fracture. Mining experts have repeatedly warned that the Eagle ore body is filled with hard-to-map "smaller-scale discontinuities that could weaken the rock mass." Was the data correctly interpreted? Has the stability of Eagle Mine been dangerously overestimated from the beginning? Concerns about last year’s rock failure at Eagle Mine must be addressed before the company’s mining permit is amended.

Written public comment on the proposed permit amendment will be accepted until 5 p.m. on July 6, 2017. Send all comments to DEQ-Mining-Comments@michigan.gov, including "Eagle East Permit Amendment" as the subject, or mail them to:

DEQ Eagle East Permit Amendment
Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals
1504 West Washington Street
Marquette, MI 49855

Editor's Notes:

* The Mining Action Group (MAG), formerly Save the Wild U.P., is a volunteer grassroots effort defending the clean water and wild places of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from the dangers of sulfide mining. MAG is a new semi-autonomous arm of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC).

** See Keweenaw Now's May 30, 2017, announcement of the public meeting: "MDEQ to hold public meeting on Eagle East Mining Permit Application Amendment June 8; public comments accepted until July 6."

*** See the Mining Action Group's May 25, 2017, article, "Eagle Mine Buries Underground Collapse," citing details of a 2016 underground collapse incident at Eagle Mine and grave concerns with the company’s lack of transparency. 

Michigan Tech News: Saving Lives and Money: The Potential of Solar to Replace Coal

By Allison Mills*
Posted June 1, 2017, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted with permission

Michigan Tech researcher Joshua Pearce, pictured here, says by transitioning to solar photovoltaics (PV) in the US, up to 51,999 American lives would be saved at $1.1 million invested per life. (Photo © Sarah Bird and courtesy Michigan Tech University)

HOUGHTON -- By swapping solar photovoltaics for coal, the US could prevent 51,999 premature deaths a year, potentially making as much as $2.5 million for each life saved.

In a new study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.119), a team from Michigan Technological University calculated the cost of combusting coal in terms of human lives along with the potential benefits of switching to solar.

(Inset photo: Guest author Allison Mills.* Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

Health Impacts

Tens of thousands of Americans die prematurely each year from air pollution-related diseases associated with burning coal. By transitioning to solar photovoltaics (PV) in the US, up to 51,999 American lives would be saved at $1.1 million invested per life.

"Unlike other public health investments, you get more than lives saved," says Joshua Pearce, a professor of materials science and electrical engineering at Michigan Tech.** "In addition to saving lives, solar is producing electricity, which has economic value."

Using a sensitivity analysis on the value of electricity, which examines the different costs of electricity that varies by region throughout the country, saving a life by using solar power also showed potential to make money -- sometimes as much as several million dollars per life, says Pearce.

"Everybody wants to avoid wasting money. Just based off the pure value of electricity of the sensitivities we looked at, it's profitable to save American lives by eliminating coal with solar," he explains.

Pearce worked with energy policy doctoral student Emily Prehoda on the study, and their main goal was to better inform health policy. They gathered data from peer-reviewed journals and the Environmental Protection Agency to calculate US deaths per kilowatt hour per year for both coal and solar. Then they used current costs of solar installations from the Department of Energy and calculated the potential return on investment.

Michigan Tech energy policy doctoral student Emily Prehoda worked with Michigan Tech Professor Joshua Pearce on a new study calculating the cost of combusting coal in terms of human lives along with the potential benefits of switching to solar energy. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

Pearce and Prehoda also analyzed the geographic impact of coal-related deaths.

Certain geographic regions are harder hit by coal-related deaths from air pollution. (Map courtesy Michigan Tech)

"Here, we have solid numbers on how many people die from air pollution and what fraction of that is due to coal-powered plants in each state," Pearce said.

Power of Solar

To fully replace all the coal production in the US with solar PV, it would take 755 gigawatts -- a significant increase compared to the 22.7 gigawatts of solar installed in the US currently. The total cost of installing that much solar power totals $1.5 trillion, but that investment is figured into Pearce and Prehoda's calculations, and is a profitable investment.

As Pearce sums it up: "Solar has come down radically in cost, it's technically viable, and coupled with natural gas plants, other renewables and storage, we have ways to produce all the electricity we need without coal, period."

He says resisting the rise of solar energy is akin to if computer manufacturers kept using vacuum tube switches instead of upgrading to semiconductor transistors.

"My overall take away from this study," Pearce says, "is that if we're rational and we care about American lives -- or even just money -- then it's time to end coal in the US."

Next Steps

The World Health Organization reports that millions die each year from unhealthy environment. Air pollution is notably the largest contributor to non-communicable diseases like stroke, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses and heart disease. Future work can expand this study globally.

"There's roughly seven million people who die globally from air pollution every year, so getting rid of coal could take a big chunk out of that number as well," Pearce says.

He adds that another goal of future research is to dig deeper into the life cycles of coal production, as this study only looked at air pollution-related deaths. Doing so will continue to illuminate the multiple positive impacts of solar power and its potential to do more than keep the lights on.

Notes:

* Michigan Tech science writer Allison Mills studied geoscience as an undergrad at Northland College before getting a master's in environmental science and natural resource journalism at the University of Montana.

** Click here to learn more about Professor Joshua Pearce and his work.

"Sustainable and Efficient Business Strategies" event to be June 5 at Great Lakes Research Center

How can energy efficiency and energy conservation add to your business's bottom line? Find out Monday, June 5, at the Great Lakes Research Center. The free event, "Sustainable and Efficient Business Strategies," is sponsored by the Keweenaw Young Professionals, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, the Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC), and Michigan Interfaith Power and Light. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Young Professionals)

HOUGHTON -- "Sustainable and Efficient Business Strategies" will be the subject of an event to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 5, in Room 202 of Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center, 100 Phoenix Drive in Houghton. This a non-partisan, non-political event that is focused on educating the local business community about programs that are available for energy efficiency and energy conservation. It is free and open to the public.

The event is sponsored by the Keweenaw Young Professionals, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, the Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC), and Michigan Interfaith Power and Light.

Light fare will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Stephen Handler, a member of both KCC and Keweenaw Young Professionals, said the groups especially hope members of the local business community will attend.

"This event is designed to help local businesses understand how energy efficiency and energy conservation can help add to their bottom line," Handler said. 

Presentations will help attendees learn WHY energy efficiency is a smart investment for their business, WHAT steps to take to cut energy waste, and HOW to get positive recognition for their business's efforts. Presenters will share information about existing programs that are available to our local community.

Click here for more details and FREE registration.

Guest article: A Highland Map of Lake Superior Mining

By Louis V. Galdieri
Posted May 31 on his blog, lvgaldieri*
Reprinted with permission

UPX Minerals Map courtesy Highland Copper and Louis Galdieri. (Click on map for larger version)

It would be instructive to lay this map, published today (May 31, 2017) by Highland Copper, over the map of Mines, Mineral Exploration, and Mineral Leasing around Lake Superior published in 2013 by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Having acquired all of Rio Tinto’s exploration properties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Highland now dominates sulfide-mining exploration in the UP.

A multi-billion dollar mining behemoth like Rio Tinto could arguably have left these copper, zinc and gold sites idle for a rainy day. The same can’t be said about a junior like Highland. With market capitalization of $62 million, the company paid $2 million at closing, leaving its subsidiary on the hook for an additional $16 million (in the form of a non-interest bearing promissory note), to be paid in regular installments.

According to company’s own press release, "the payments…will be accelerated if Highland publicly releases a feasibility study covering any portion of the UPX properties." So once exploration begins with test drilling in 2018, we might see efforts to expedite permitting and development for these sites.

If UPX succeeds in taking even a fraction of these sulfide-mineral deposits from exploration to development, and if these new mines are developed under the pressure of an accelerated payment schedule, the risk to the Lake Superior watershed will be significantly heightened.

* Guest author Louis V. Galdieri is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. He and fellow filmmaker Ken Ross visited Houghton, Mich., in October 2013 and screened their documentary 1913 Massacre, about the Italian Hall tragedy. Click here for his blog.

Editor's Note: See our May 12, 2017, article, "DEQ cites Highland Copper's wetlands, soil erosion violations from mining exploration in Porkies, along CR 519."

MDEQ to hold public meeting on Eagle East Mining Permit Application Amendment June 8; public comments accepted until July 6

MARQUETTE/LANSING -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division (OGMD), will hold a public meeting from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017, at the Westwood High School auditorium, 300 Westwood Drive, Ishpeming, Michigan 49849, on the Eagle Mine LLC (Eagle), Eagle East Mining Permit Application Amendment. The MDEQ will also accept written public comment on the request for amendment following the public meeting until 5 p.m. July 6, 2017.

The MDEQ received an application on March 22, 2017, from Eagle requesting approval to amend their Mining Permit MP 01 2007, issued under Part 632, Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Mining, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, to mine the Eagle East mineral resource. The MDEQ, OGMD, determined that the request for amendment constitutes a significant change from the conditions of the approved mine permit, and on May 5, 2017, the permittee was notified that the application was determined to be administratively complete.

According to Melanie Humphrey, geological technician in the MDEQ Marquette Office of Oil, Gas and Minerals, Upper Peninsula District, the amendment application will be reviewed in the same manner as a new permit.

"The public meeting next week is regarding a request to amend an existing permit, not another separate permit,"  Humphrey said. "Regardless, we are going through the review process as we would a new permit application, which includes a public information meeting. We will consider all comments and information in our review before making a proposed decision on the request. Before making a final decision, the MDEQ will hold a public hearing on the proposed decision. The date of the hearing will depend on when we are finished with our review."

The purpose of the June 8 meeting is to inform the public that the MDEQ has received the application for amendment request, to provide information regarding the proposed amendment and departmental review process, and to allow interested parties the opportunity to comment and/or ask questions on the proposal. To accommodate all parties that wish to provide oral comment, presentations will initially be limited to five minutes. This limit may be reduced or extended upon the discretion of the meeting facilitator. Written comments will also be received at the meeting.

Interested persons may submit written comments by mail or e-mail until 5 p.m. July 6, 2017. Mail your comments to DEQ Eagle East Permit Amendment, Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals, 1504 West Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855. E-mail your comments regarding the application for amendment request to the designated MDEQ mailbox at DEQ-Mining-Comments@michigan.gov, including "Eagle East Permit Amendment" as the subject. All verbal and written comments presented during the meeting and comment period will be considered prior to making a proposed decision on the request for amendment.

Click here to access the Lundin Mining Corp. Request for Amendment and other documents. Click under "Applications on File" for more information.

HEET: Houghton County residents cutting energy use, saving money on utility bills

Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) Manager Melissa Davis displays information about HEET's work during the April 26, 2016, Lake Superior Celebration at Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

HANCOCK -- Houghton County has seen a significant overall drop its home energy consumption since entering the Georgetown University Energy Prize competition, the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) has reported.

Approximately 50 communities are in the running for the $5 million prize, which challenges communities to rethink their energy use and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency. HEET is an ad hoc group of volunteers formed to help Houghton County compete for the prize.

During the first two years of the competition, from January 2015 through December 2016, average power use dropped 13.0 percent for residential electrical customers compared to the previous two-year period. On average, Semco Energy residential customers cut their natural gas consumption by 15.9 percent over the same time frame.

The Georgetown University Energy Prize statistics are calculated by totaling the energy use of Semco, UPPCO and Ontonagon County REA customers and dividing that by the number of residential and municipal utility bills. This method helps to account for changes in energy use that are unrelated to energy conservation practices, such as a growth or decline in population.

Ten finalists for the Georgetown prize are expected to be announced soon; but whether or not Houghton County is selected it is still a winner, said HEET manager Melissa Davis.

"I am super satisfied," Davis said. "Houghton County residents have saved some money, and many are a little warmer come winter."

The electrical and natural gas usage figures are encouraging, but they are preliminary, Davis noted. They will be weighted to reflect any weather-related variation in energy use during the time frame of the contest.

Many of HEET’s activities were made possible by Efficiency UNITED, which offers a variety of energy-saving programs to Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) and Semco customers. Early in the competition, HEET launched a county-wide effort to encourage those customers to take advantage of Efficiency UNITED services.

"We’ve connected people with rebates that take the edge off of energy-efficient homeowner upgrades, and we’ve encouraged people to switch incandescent light bulbs for LEDs," Davis explained. "Probably the most popular Efficiency UNITED program has been the refrigerator replacement program for income-qualified residents. A close second was the program to replace electric water heaters with heat-pump water heaters, which bring the operating costs down substantially."*

Some of the energy efficient products promoted by Efficiency UNITED include these LED light bulbs and night lights and a water saving shower. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Though the first phase of the Georgetown competition is winding down, HEET is still in business, she noted.
 
"We are still doing what we’ve always done: finding leaky homes and working with volunteers to tighten them up," Davis said.

HEET trains volunteers to winterize their own homes, then brings together groups of volunteers to help tighten up other residences in the community.

"It’s like a 'handy guy' party, where the homeowner gets an assist and everyone has a good time," said Davis. "We do this twice a month."**

None of HEET’s success would have been possible without widespread community support.

"Dozens of local businesses, municipalities, service organizations and individuals put an oar in and kept HEET moved along," Davis said. "Thanks to their support, we’re still going strong."

* For more information on Efficiency UNITED, visit efficiencyunited.com.

** To learn more about HEET go to energizehoughton.org. Click on "Volunteer" to find out how you can help with winterizing residences.

UPSTART to bring community solar to L’Anse and to participate in National Solar Competition

L'Anse Village Manager Robert LaFave is pictured here in front of solar panels installed at the Village’s Water Treatment Facility. (Photo courtesy Brad Barnett, Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region regional planner)

L'ANSE -- The Upper Peninsula Solar Technical Assistance Team (UPSTART) has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative’s Solar in Your Community Challenge. 

Over the next 18 months, UPSTART will design a community solar program to enable residents and businesses in L’Anse, Mich., to go solar. UPSTART received a $10,000 technical assistance award from the U.S. Department of Energy to support its efforts. UPSTART’s program will explore innovative funding models, and the lessons learned from this pilot project will inform other Upper Peninsula communities looking to go solar. UPSTART is one of eight Michigan-based teams competing in the competition and the only Upper Peninsula-based team to receive an award.

UPSTART will join hundreds of other teams from around the country in their pursuit of solar projects and programs that expand solar access to low- and moderate-income households and nonprofit organizations. All teams will compete for $1 million in final prizes, which will be awarded by judges based on each project or program’s innovation, impact, and replicability. 

UPSTART will work with L’Anse residents and businesses to develop a 50kW community solar program. The team will identify opportunities to increase low- to moderate-income (LMI) families’ access to solar power through creative funding and outreach models and will build on a technical feasibility study completed this spring by Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Research Center.

UPSTART is an innovative partnership dedicated to facilitating rapid community solar growth in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. UPSTART’s team members include Michigan Tech's Keweenaw Research Center and Environmental and Energy Policy Program, WPPI Energy, the Village of L’Anse, and the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR).

Visit UPSTART’s Facebook Page for the latest news, updates, and ways for you to get involved.

The Solar in Your Community Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative and administered by SUNY Polytechnic Institute, is a $5 million prize competition that aims to expand solar access to low and moderate income households; and state, local, and tribal governments; and non-profit organizations.

More information about the selected teams and the Solar in Your Community Challenge is at www.solarinyourcommunity.org.      

Citizens' Climate Lobby workshop inspires local citizens concerned about climate change; local CCL Chapter to meet May 22

By Michele Bourdieu

Elizabeth Dell, Great Lakes Regional coordinator for the Citizens' Climate Lobby, meets with a group of local citizens concerned about climate change at a workshop on May 6, 2017, in the Keweenaw Co-op in Hancock. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- In preparation for forming a local chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby, a group of about a dozen citizens concerned about climate change met with Elizabeth Dell, Great Lakes Regional coordinator for the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) on May 6, 2017, in the meeting room at the Keweenaw Co-op in Hancock.

[The first meeting of a local CCL chapter will be held TONIGHT, Monday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m., following the presentation "Sea Change: Addressing Climate Change on Lake Superior," at the Portage Lake District Library.*]

To begin her workshop, Dell, who is from Traverse City, Mich., gave a brief history of the founding of CCL and presented CCL's single proposed solution to climate change: To empower citizens to connect with and influence their members of Congress to work toward passage of Carbon Fee and Dividend, a climate change solution that bridges the partisan divide.

Carbon Fee and Dividend is a revenue-neutral carbon tax with 100 percent of the net revenue returned directly to households. CCL believes it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 52 percent below 1990 levels within 20 years while growing the economy and saving lives.

"Our purpose is to create the political will to address climate change," Dell said. "We advocate for Carbon Fee and Dividend because we think it's one of the most effective, efficient and visible ways to reduce greenhouse gases, and we think we can get bi-partisan support."

Elizabeth Dell, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator for the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL), introduces her May 6, 2017, workshop in Hancock by relating how CCL was founded and defining its mission. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

The Carbon Fee

CCL proposes an initial fee of $15/ton on the CO2 equivalent emissions of fossil fuels, escalating $10/ton/year, imposed upstream at the mine, well or port of entry.**

Dell noted citizens are paying an artificially low price for fossil fuels -- a price that doesn't include hidden costs such as health impacts, military use, sea level rising, floods and more.

An increasing tax on fossil fuels will result in high prices that consumers and investors will try to avoid, she added.

"All this will drive technology in the direction of more clean energy," Dell said.

The Dividend

According to the CCL Web site, "100 percent of the net fees from the carbon fee are held in a Carbon Fees Trust fund and returned directly to households as a monthly dividend. About two-thirds of households will break even or receive more than they would pay in higher prices. This feature will inject billions into the economy, protect family budgets, free households to make independent choices about their energy usage, spur innovation and build aggregate demand for low-carbon products at the consumer level."**

The revenue neutral dividend does not grow government and is intended to protect lower income earners, Dell explained.

According to the proposal so far, every adult in a household would receive the same amount, and each child (up to two children per household) would receive half that amount monthly.

According to CCL, economic modeling studies have found that in just 20 years a Carbon Fee and Dividend policy could reduce carbon emissions to 50 percent of 1990 levels while adding 2.8 million jobs to the American economy.**

Clean Energy Economy

During the workshop, a question on whether the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy would lead to replacing fossil fuels with clean energy led to a discussion on why this would happen:

After Elizabeth Dell points out how the increased cost for fossil fuels is expected to lead to more investment in clean energy, workshop participants join in the discussion. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

The CCL Web site points out statistics showing that green energy jobs already outnumber coal, oil and gas jobs and renewable energy is expected to provide more and higher paying jobs as well as more diverse opportunities.***

Lobbying Congress

Dell explained the importance of lobbying Republican members of the House and Senate to communicate to them CCL's proposed Carbon Fee and Dividend solution to climate change. She described recent progress in the U.S. House of Representatives, which now has a bi-partisan Climate Solutions Caucus with 38 members -- 19 Republicans and 19 Democrats.

During her May 6 workshop in Hancock, Elizabeth Dell speaks about the bi-partisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

The bipartisan House Climate Solutions Caucus explores policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate. The caucus was founded in February of 2016 by two south-Florida representatives Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) who serve as co-chairs of the caucus.****

During a break in the workshop for small-group discussion, participants share personal experiences and thoughts about climate change solutions and lobbying . Pictured here, from left, are Nancy Langston, Anne Newcombe, Julie Bakkila and Bill Binroth. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Dell encouraged the workshop participants to form a local chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby and coordinate with other Michigan CCL chapters, including those in Marquette and Traverse City, to lobby District 1 House Rep. Jack Bergman and/or his staff members in order to communicate CCL's mission.

"Lobbying is one of the most important things we can do," Dell said. "That (lobbying) allows us to build relationships with members of Congress (House and Senate) and start making change that could lead to legislation," Dell said.

Sharing their recent lobbying experiences with the group were Nancy Langston, who visited with one of Bergman's Marquette staff recently, and Sarah Green, who spoke about visiting Bergman's office in Washington, DC, while she was there for the Apr. 29, 2017, People's Climate March. Langston and Green are co-organizers of the Keweenaw Climate Community (KCC), which has sponsored several events on climate change locally.*****

Elizabeth Dell speaks about lobbying Congressional representatives and senators to gain their support for CCL's Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Dell also noted the importance of speaking with local officials about CCL and making them aware of the need to address climate change. A local chapter of CCL could, for example, influence county or city officials to adopt a resolution such as the Republican Climate Resolution (H.Res.195), which is being introduced by a group of 20 Republican House Members led by Reps. Elise Stefanik, Carlos Curbelo, and Ryan Costello. The resolution invokes the conservative principle "'to protect, conserve, and be good stewards of our environment, responsibly plan for all market factors, and base our policy decisions in science and quantifiable facts on the ground.'" 

The House Resolution resolves, "'That the House of Representatives commits to working constructively, using our tradition of American ingenuity, innovation, and exceptionalism, to create and support economically viable, and broadly supported private and public solutions to study and address the causes and effects of measured changes to our global and regional climates, including mitigation efforts and efforts to balance human activities that have been found to have an impact.'" ******

Dell encouraged everyone at the workshop to join CCL and to volunteer to spread the word about its proposed climate solution.

During the May 6 workshop, Elizabeth Dell displays a handout for recruiting new CCL volunteers. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Dell reminded workshop participant to check the CCL Web site for more detailed information and to tune in to the one-hour weekly intro call on Wednesday at 8 p.m. (EDT). The Web site also holds monthly meetings with guest speakers accessible on line.

Dell is optimistic about CCL's efforts and proud of their accomplishments.

"Nobody deals with Congress about climate change more than we do," she said.

Notes:

* Click here to learn about tonight's presentation and meeting.

** See details on Carbon Fee and Dividend on the CCL Web site.

*** Click here to see job statistics.

**** Read about the Climate Solutions Caucus here.

***** Do a search for Keweenaw Climate Community in our upper left corner of Keweenaw Now to see our articles on the KCC Climate Cafés.

****** Click here to read the Republican House Climate Resolution. See also the May 19, 2017, New York Times Opinion article on CCL, "Cracking Washington’s Gridlock to Save the Planet."

Portage Library to host "Sea Change: Addressing Climate Change on Lake Superior" May 22; local Citizens' Climate Lobby chapter to meet

The Portage Lake District Library will host "Sea Change: Addressing Climate Change on Lake Superior" with the Gordon family and crew at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 22. Their boat will be docked near the library between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, for tours. The local chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the library. (Poster courtesy Citizens' Climate Lobby)

HOUGHTON -- The Gordon family -- Mark and Katya Gordon and their two daughters, Cedar and Lamar -- return to Houghton for another presentation on "Sea Change: Addressing Climate Change on Lake Superior" at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2017, in the Portage Lake District Library community room. At 7:30 p.m. the local chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby will join the discussion and hold a meeting. All are welcome.

Sea Change is an ambitious three-year sailing and community-building project that takes youth sailing around Lake Superior in order to enhance climate change awareness and education, do citizen science, and build alliances in communities around the shores of Lake Superior.

The Gordons will share the story of their liveaboard sailing experiences and discuss climate science as it relates to the changing eco-systems of Lake Superior and its surrounding coasts. They will also suggest climate solutions including carbon pricing.

The public is invited to go on board the Gordons' custom-built 40 ft. steel sailboat, Amicus II, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23. The sailboat will be docked at the Houghton public docks.

Since 2010 the Gordons have been taking youth and young adults sailing with them on voyages lasting from four days to three months. Students experience the immensity and wildness of Lake Superior while they study, collect, and record data to support climate change research on the lake.

Click here to learn more about their Sea Change Expeditions.

Following the Gordons' presentation on Monday, members of the Citizens' Climate Lobby will join the discussion about climate change and hold their monthly meeting. Citizens' Climate Lobby is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. They train and support volunteers to engage elected officials, the media, and the public in order to generate the political will necessary for passage of their Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal.*

* Watch for an article on the Citizens' Climate Lobby, coming soon.

Michigan Tech News: The Sugarbush Diaries: 73 Taps, 500 Gallons, 12 Dozen Bottles of Made-in-Alberta Deliciousness

By Cyndi Perkins, Michigan Tech Web Writer
Posted Apr. 19, 2017, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted in part with permission

Michigan Tech Instructor Tara Bal is pictured here with the wood-fired evaporator used to bring sap to its optimal boiling temperature. Bal, whose PhD work centers on sugar maples, and who remembers syrup-making from growing up in a tightknit Amish community, didn't like to see it sitting there unused at the Ford Forestry Center in Alberta. She wrote a development grant for a non-traditional online course, which includes a fieldwork component and has the added benefit of introducing students to forestry and biology, including how tree physiology relates to sap flow. (Photo © and courtesy Cyndi Perkins)

Plonk. Plonk. Plonk. The sap drips hitting the bottom of galvanized buckets in Preacher Park are louder than the raindrops on an April weekend at Michigan Tech's Ford Forestry Center.

The buckets aren't full yet (at time of this writing). But across US-41, Tara Bal's maple syrup management and culture class is collecting from the sugarbush maples that line the streets of Alberta Village. The trees look a little like hospital patients receiving IV drips. Some bear rectangular blue sacks; you can see the clear liquid inside. Flexible, thin blue tubing protrudes from the tap holes on others, snaking down into white plastic buckets.

Students also learn a second boiling method: In the Native American tradition, Jamie Opsahl uses heated rocks to bring sap to the boiling point in a hollowed-out maple log. (Photo © and courtesy Cyndi Perkins)

But tapping doesn't hurt the trees, says Bal, a research assistant professor in Michigan Tech's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (SFRES) -- you can pinpoint her location by following the smoke billowing above the Sugar Shack, out back of the research, education and conference center's dining hall and dorms. ... Ford Forestry Center, the planned community of Alberta built by Henry Ford, is graced with fine maple specimens. How long has syrup been made here?

"As long as Ford was here, and before that, the Anishinabe," says Bal....

Click here for the full article on Michigan Tech News. This article also received attention in Lake Superior Magazine's June/July 2017 issue.

DEQ staff to hold 2017 open house on Torch Lake Abandoned Mining Wastes Project May 16 in Lake Linden

From Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality and Amy Keranen, Abandoned Mining Wastes Project manager

During the May 2016 open house, Abandoned Mining Wastes Project Manager Amy Keranen, right, DEQ Remediation and Redevelopment Division, talks about educating the public about the project with visitors from Friends of the Land of Keweenaw (FOLK), from left, Catherine Andrews and FOLK President Linda Rulison. Keranen and DEQ staff will hold their 2017 open house on the project this Tuesday, May 16, at Lake Linden-Hubbell High School Auditorium. (Keweenaw Now file photo)
 
LAKE LINDEN -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites the public to an informal open house from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Lake Linden-Hubbell High School Auditorium to learn about the project findings and next steps for the Abandoned Mining Wastes Project.

The focus of the Abandoned Mining Wastes (AMW) Project is the investigation of mining-era chemical containers and residues historically discarded in or near Torch Lake. Work to date has included a review of historic studies, on-land and in-lake investigative activities, and a series of remedial actions.

The DEQ Abandoned Mining Wastes (AMW) project team will be available to share their findings with the community and to answer questions during the May 16 open house.

This project team consists of staff involved in the planning, fieldwork, interim responses, and reporting for the project; the DEQ sampling crew who conducted investigative activities; and the On-Scene Coordinator from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Emergency Response Branch (ERB) who is managing two projects in the Lake Linden area. Project area maps and photos will be on display to show where the team conducted their work, what they have found, and what they have planned.

Contact DEQ staff at 906-337-0389 for more information.

Notes from the Desk of Amy Keranen: Spring 2017 Newsletter

In her latest newsletter, Amy Keranen, DEQ project manager for the Abandoned Mining Wastes - Torch Lake project, gives an update on the DEQ's AMW project, including recent referrals to the EPA Emergency Response Branch. The following information is taken from this Spring 2017 Newsletter:

Lake Linden Recreation Area Sediments

Removal of contaminated sediment from Lake Linden Recreation Area. (Photos courtesy Amy Keranen)

Evaluation of results of several key studies conducted at the Lake Linden Recreation Area (LLRA) between 2005 and 2015 concluded that contamination exceeding health-based and ecological criteria extends outward from the area along the shore, which was the focus of a 2007 emergency removal (pictured above). Based on these findings, in January 2017, the DEQ requested EPA Emergency Response assistance to address the contaminated sediments at the LLRA site. The EPA is currently evaluating the existing information to determine what next steps are necessary.

Calumet Stamp Mill Asbestos

Asbestos removal near foundations of the Houghton County Historical Society Museum in Lake Linden. 

The EPA ERB from Grosse Ile, Michigan, continues to work with Honeywell Specialty Materials and the Houghton County Historical Society to remove asbestos near the foundations at the Museum in Lake Linden. Work started in October 2016, and cleanup activities will be completed by this summer. Mr. Brian Kelly, who manages these projects for the EPA ERB, will be at the May 16th Open House.

Quincy Mining Co. Mason Area: Focus of 2017 Field Investigation

 Quincy Reclamation Plant ruins in Mason.

In 2016, the AMW project team started looking at the third and final stretch of the Torch Lake shoreline -- the Quincy Mining Co. area in Mason. They reviewed existing data, completed preliminary reconnaissance activities, conducted a side scan sonar survey and recorded underwater video using a remotely operated vehicle. Based on the comprehensive review, a Sampling and Analysis Plan has been developed to assist in the identification of historic areas of contamination or data gaps requiring further assessment. This plan will be implemented during 2017; and, depending on the findings, interim response actions may be undertaken to reduce the public’s potential for exposure to mining era wastes.

2017 Remediation Projects

Investigations at the former Hubbell Smelter property and on the south side of the Tamarack Sands confirmed that debris has been buried under the soil cap constructed on the stamp sands during the Torch Lake Superfund project. Investigations also show polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated soils are eroding into Torch Lake at the former Hubbell Coal Dock property. To address the conditions in these three areas, interim response actions have been designed and will be implemented during 2017 following completion of contracting and permitting activities.

Drums are visible sticking out into Torch Lake from beneath the Superfund soil cap near the former Hubbell Smelter property. The drums that contain PCBs and hazardous levels of lead will be removed and disposed. This removal is planned for May 2017.

This photo shows one of the seep areas where fluid wastes are coming up from likely buried drums that have decomposed beneath the Superfund soil cap in the Tamarack Sands. The seeping wastes that contain high concentrations of solvents and chemicals, not typically associated with mining related industry, will be removed and disposed. This area will be excavated for proper disposal in May/June 2017.

This photo depicts surface water runoff and erosion of PCB-contaminated soils into Torch Lake from the Coal Dock PCB Burn Area. A project to address these concerns by capping the area and improving the drainage from the site is being planned for this summer, 2017.

Work planned for 2017 

•  Implement the Quincy Mining Co. Mason Sampling and Analysis Plan, prepare a Site Investigation Report, and undertake interim response actions if needed.
•  Implement interim response actions in the Hubbell Processing Area (Shoreline Drums and Coal Dock PCB Burn Area) and Tamarack Sands.
• Prepare summary reports documenting all aspects of the 2016 and 2017 Emergency Response Actions.
• Honeywell Specialty Materials, under EPA ERB oversight, will continue to remove asbestos near the foundations at the Museum in Lake Linden.
• EPA ERB will proceed with removal assessment activities related to the Lake Linden Recreation Area.
• All project documents will be posted on the Abandoned Mining Wastes Project Web site as they are finalized.*

If you have questions, any information regarding historic waste issues or concerns you wish to discuss, please contact Amy Keranen at keranena@michigan.gov.

* Click here for the DEQ Abandoned Mining Wastes Project Web site.

DEQ cites Highland Copper's wetlands, soil erosion violations from mining exploration in Porkies, along CR 519

By Michele Bourdieu

Some water remains in a ditch area between Gogebic County Road 519 and a snowmobile trail along the eastern right-of-way of the county road. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is investigating wetlands and soil erosion violations in this area from equipment used in an exploratory drilling effort conducted by Highland Copper in and adjacent to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park as the spring thaw arrived. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo taken Apr. 29, 2017.)

MARQUETTE -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Office of the Great Lakes (OGL) recently announced the importance of the month of May as American Wetlands Month.

"Healthy wetlands are now being recognized for their ecological and functional importance, and many groups at the federal, state, and local level are working to protect and restore them," notes the OGL. "As part of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s focus on protecting wetlands, the Office of the Great Lakes supports healthy wetlands ecosystems by restoring areas affected by legacy pollution, working to prevent introductions of aquatic invasive species, protecting our unique coastal environments, and promoting stewardship of our Great Lakes water resources."

The Michigan DEQ has responded to recent violations of wetlands and soil erosion statutes by Highland Copper's exploration activities in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (the Porkies).

In an April 20, 2017, press release, the DEQ states it issued a violation notice to Highland Copper Company Inc. for soil erosion and wetlands impacts at sites on road commission property along County Road 519 in Gogebic County. The violation follows environmental damage discovered in early April.*

This April 26, 2017, photo shows sediment-filled muddy water passing through fiber rolls (erosion control) on an access road left chewed up by Highland Copper's drilling equipment. Muddy water is flowing into ditches of CR-519, which convey the water to a ravine that feeds the Presque Isle River. (Photo © Steve Garske and courtesy Mining Action Group)

The notice requires Highland Copper Company Inc. to stabilize the site, restore disturbed wetlands, obtain additional permits, and investigate previously used drill sites to determine if other wetlands have been disturbed.

According to Steve Casey, DEQ Water Resources Division district coordinator for the Upper Peninsula, the DEQ violation notice requires that the company delineate wetlands and apply for an appropriate after-the-fact permit for impacting wetlands. This permit may have penalties associated with it. They must also obtain a soil erosion control permit from Gogebic County.**

John Pepin, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deputy public information officer, said, "Highland Copper’s exploration at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park did not cause any damage under permits issued by the DNR, which included several provisions for protection of park surface features. Highland Copper, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Gogebic County Road Commission continue to address wetlands and soil erosion concerns on road commission property, within the right-of-way of County Road 519, which were discovered in April and are currently being remedied."

Hay bales and other short-term remediation measures are in place and working along Gogebic County Road 519. This photo shows a ditched area with standing water between the county road and a snowmobile trail, along the east side of the county road. Later, long-term measures like grading and reseeding will be undertaken to help restore original surface features. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources Apr. 29 photo)

Highland Copper Company Inc. has been conducting exploratory drilling of copper minerals situated beneath the surface of a mile-square section of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, bisected by County Road 519. Drilling ceased on road commission property on April 4 after company officials were made aware of the erosion issues.*

This Apr. 26 photo shows water in a CR-519 ditch flowing north to the Presque Isle River. (Photo © Steve Garske and courtesy Mining Action Group)**

"According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s website: 'Sediment is the greatest pollutant by volume impacting our lakes, streams, and wetlands. Sediment is the product of uncontrolled erosion,'" the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC) Mining Action Group recently noted in an update on the Highland Copper violations in the Porkies. "'Erosion and sedimentation result in: loss of fertile topsoil, filling of lakes and streams, increased flooding, damage to plant and animal life, and structural damage to buildings and roads.'"**

Kathleen Heideman, board member of UPEC's Mining Action Group, commented recently on Michigan's track record in wetland protection, noting her concerns for another mining project in the Western U.P. as well.

"Michigan wetlands, especially the iconic vernal wetlands where spring peepers are now breeding and singing, are extremely vulnerable," Heideman said. "Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality has a bad track record when it comes to wetlands protection, permitting them to be drained by mining projects, obliterated by roads, and intentionally filled with industrial wastewater discharges. These threats are real. The Aquila Back Forty project, for example, recently submitted a Wetland permit application, seeking the permission of state regulators to destroy and impair wetlands at the Back Forty mine site, located on the banks of the Menominee River. Will Michigan's DEQ protect these wetlands? Or will Michigan facilitate the desires of the mining industry, and sacrifice more wetlands in the process? In honor of American Wetlands Month, the Michigan DEQ should remember that it is easy to write celebratory press releases. It is more difficult to make permitting decisions that actually protect Michigan wetlands. We must encourage them to do the right thing."

Highland Copper's exploration within and adjacent to the Porkies is part of a feasibility study related to their Copperwood mining project, located near the Porkies.

According to Highland Copper's Web site, "Highland acquired the Copperwood Project from Orvana Minerals Corp. ('Orvana') in June, 2014. The Copperwood deposit is located in Gogebic County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA within the Porcupine Mountains copper district (Figure CW 1) and about 35 kilometers west of the White Pine North Project. Copperwood is a project at the final feasibility stage. All major permits required for mining the Copperwood Project were obtained or approved in 2012 and 2013, subject to certain conditions, including providing financial assurance."***

As to whether mining could take place within the Porkies, Casey noted, "Highland is doing exploratory drilling, which is a preliminary step to determining whether an ore body can be feasibly mined. They don't even know if it's feasible yet."

Highland had indicated they planned to access the ore body under the Porkies underground from Copperwood, but Casey added the DEQ does not know enough at this time to determine what permits would need to be issued or modified should they decide to do so.

"If they want to add the additional ore body that's under Porcupine Mountains State Park, there will be multiple public meetings and a comment period," Casey said.

Notes:

* See our Apr. 7, 2017, article, "State, county officials address citizens' concerns about erosion from Highland Copper mining exploration along CR 519 in Porkies." 

** Click here to see more photos from the Mining Action Group. Click here for information on Soil and Sedimentation Control under Part 91 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), 1994 PA 451, as Amended.

*** See Highland Copper Company's description of the Copperwood project here.