Mesabi Nugget Deal
June 22, 2005
Commissioner Sheryl Corrigan
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Rd. North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Re: PSD/Title V Permit MN13700318-001, Mesabi Nugget, LLC Erie Nugget Plant
Dear Commissioner Corrigan,
We are writing because of recent troubling media reports quoting the President of Mesabi Nugget, Larry Lehtinen, saying that he expects the MPCA to ignore the Federal Land Manager finding that this proposed iron furnace would create "adverse" impacts for the Class I air over the BWCAW and that he expects MPCA has to "stick by the original deal" it made with Mesabi Nugget. [1] We also read and hear that this project is "fast-tracked."This new 197 ft diameter iron furnace with a 19-story smokestack is a significant polluter that risks health of people in our community and the pristine air over the BWCAW.
We are concerned that the public interest may be lost in the rush to be "business friendly." We understand that you are not responsible for the statements of a third party made to the media, but we are seeking your assurance that adequate public involvement and serious review of all comments on the permit will not be set aside in order to "fast track" this project. Rushing the permit through before the public understands its impacts does not meet the principles in the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Air Act.
In 2004, MPCA indicated in testimony at legislative hearings on the environmental review waiver bill that the public comment period for the air and water permits would be extended to 45 days from 30 days to give the public time to review the pollution impact of this complex new technology. This has not been done.
We would appreciate your assurance that: 1) the MPCA will provide the promised 45-day public comment period; 2) your staff will review all public, EPA and FLM comments on the draft permits; and 3) that no "deal" exists (as Mr. Lahtinen's statement suggests) that would bias the MPCA's final decision; hinder the MPCA's ability to act to protect the health of Minnesotans and the quality of Minnesota's environment; or limit the rights of Minnesotans to review and comment on this project.
We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Clyde Hanson, Co-Chair
Sierra Club Mining Without Harm Campaign
4038 Cascade Beach Road
Lustsen, MN 55612
Cc: Ginny Yingling, Sierra Club Conservation Chair, MPCA Citizens Board
[1] Source of Quotation: Murphy McGuiness Interactive Media: http://editor.duluthmn.com/index.phpsect_rank=1&story_id=169571