EPA recommends against reissuing PolyMet Mine permit

Photo by: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Photo by: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

(St. Paul, MN) -- A hearing is underway to determine whether PolyMet's NorthMet mine permit under the Clean Water Act should be reissued.

The Environmental Protection Agency is recommending against the reissue of the permit. The agency says the current design of the operation doesn't ensure that clean water meets the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's requirements.

The tribe is among several groups objecting to the mine. Their reservation borders a stretch of the St. Louis River near where the mine would operate.