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DNR Extends Comment Period On PolyMet Environmental Review

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is giving the public an extra week to comment on the final environmental review for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.

The original deadline was Monday, Dec. 14. The DNR said Thursday that it's extending that through 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

The DNR must determine whether to certify the final environmental impact statement on the project as adequate, which would let PolyMet apply for permits. The DNR released the 3,500-page document Nov. 6

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr says his agency has already received 30,000 comments on the final EIS.

PolyMet's opponents say the mine poses serious health and environmental risks despite revisions to the document. Supporters say the review shows the mine will meet environmental standards and create hundreds of jobs.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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