MEC Policy Director James Clift scored pro-environment points in a televised Upper Peninsula debate regarding a controversial plan to open an acid-producing nickel mine north of Marquette.

During the prime-time program broadcast on Marquette's TV6 on July 20, Clift debated Jon Cherry of Kennecott Mining on the merits and risks of Kennecott's proposed Eagle Project. The highly structured half-hour debate was hosted by TV6's Don Ryan, giving Clift and Cherry the opportunity to both ask and answer questions about the environmental and economic impacts of the project.

Clift's comments focused on two key risks that leaders and citizens need to weigh: first, the risk posed to the U.P. environment from the inevitable creation of toxic acid and as a by-product of the mining; and second, the potential to sacrifice the region's economic security by trading the county's 1,500 tourism jobs for fewer than 100 short-term mine jobs.

"The risks to Michigan's water resources from mining in sulfide ore bodies make it an issue that has ramifications far beyond the local community," said Clift. "This is an issue that all residents of Michigan need to educate themselves about and urge state officials to establish extremely high standards for protection of our water resources."

Kennecott's permit application is currently tied up in legal disputes related to the state's initial determination that the application was "administratively complete." Three groups, the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Huron Mountain Club, challenged that determination. They say the application lacked required documentation, and the state erred in processing and disseminating the application. The state is now appealing a circuit court ruling that an administrative judge should hear the case.

Prior to the court ruling in mid-June, the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) submitted a letter to Kennecott seeking clarification or additional information on 91 separate points, addressing a range of issues from the mundane to more comprehensive concerns. At the same time, the DEQ also posted responses to the host of issues raised by MEC, other groups and the public. Many of the issues were noted in the letter to Kennecott seeking additional information.

The show can be downloaded at TV6's website: www.wluctv6.com. The Kennecott application and related materials can be found online at www.mich.gov/deq and search for "Eagle Project."