Corps of Engineers issues permit for PolyMet’s NorthMet mine project

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St Paul District, completed its Record of Decision and issued an individual permit to PolyMet Mining, Inc., for its NorthMet project late yesterday, March 21.

The permit authorizes the discharge of dredged and fill material into 901 acres, and indirect impacts to 27 acres, of waters of the United States in association with the construction and development of the NorthMet mine, which is located in St Louis County, Minnesota. The applicant purchased 1,278 credits from the Lake Superior Wetland Bank to offset wetland loss. 

Compared with PolyMet Mining’s original proposal, the permitted alternative avoids impacts to 500 acres of wetlands at the mine site and incorporates measures to minimize impacts to important ecological resources. 

“This has been a very carefully weighed decision,” said Col. Sam Calkins, commander of the St Paul District. “This Record of Decision culminates a long, complex and thorough process. Our regulatory staff have worked extensively with the federal and state resources agencies, federally recognized Tribes, environmental organizations and the applicant. We are confident that we have identified an appropriately balanced alternative and proffered a permit that will allow access to an important mineral resource, while maximizing protection to natural resources including wetlands.”

A copy of the Record of Decision can be found here: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PolyMet/.

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