DNR Releases Latest Revision To PolyMet Environmental Review

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The latest environmental review for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has swollen to over 3,100 pages, reflecting how regulators struggled to with deal with nearly 58,000 written comments from the public and opinions expressed at public meetings.

The Department of Natural Resources submitted the "Preliminary Final Environmental Impact Statement" to state, federal and tribal agencies Monday, and made it available Tuesday to those who requested copies under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

The DNR says this version is also likely to change in response to agency feedback before the final version is released for a public comment period of at least 30 days this fall.

The state and federal governments are expected to make their final decisions sometime this winter on whether the project can proceed.+

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