Michigan DEQ: Rotten to the Core

November 24, 2009

Gabriel Caplett – LSMN Editor

Russ Harding,  first director of Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality,  recently attacked a bill, introduced by Representative Dan Scripps, to protect our water resources and economy from irresponsible corporate exploitation.  Harding also wrote a letter to the Mining Journal, making the dishonest claim that a ballot proposal “effectively bans future mining in Michigan.” Harding’s background as a staunch defender of Dow Chemical has shown him to be an apologist for corporate interests , even when doing so threatens public health. Read the rest of this entry »

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DEQ, Governor’s Office Under EPA Scrutiny

December 16, 2007

by Gabriel Caplett

In November, 2007, Dow Chemical reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a dioxin concentration of 1.6 million parts per trillion (ppt) in river-bottom sediment adjacent Wickes Park, in Saginaw, MI.  This represents the most concentrated amount of dioxins in the Saginaw River since testing began in 1978 and is the single highest level of dioxin ever reported to the EPA.  The highest level previously found in the Saginaw River measured much less, at 32,000ppt.

Dioxin is a dangerous toxin affecting the nervous and reproductive systems, causes numerous cancers and also affects childhood and fetal development.  Read the rest of this entry »

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The Soundest Science Money Can Buy: Drilling, Dioxin and Skullduggery at Michigan’s DEQ

April 2, 2007

by Gabriel Caplett

On March 1, 2007, the Michigan DEQ (MDEQ) withdrew its proposed approval of Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co.’s permit application.[1] The decision was made following the exposure of the DEQ’s failure to publicly disclose a crucial report regarding the crown pillar subsidence and hydrologic stability of Kennecott’s Eagle Project.

DEQ Hears Public Comment, Lansing, December 2005 photo courtesy Doug Cornett

DEQ Hears Public Comment, Lansing, December 2005; Photo courtesy Doug Cornett

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) had submitted Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the DEQ, attempting to retrieve a report regarding crown pillar subsidence and the hydrologic stability of the Eagle Project. NWF lawyer, Michelle Halley, stated that the DEQ initially ignored the requests then submitted only partial information before finally releasing the report.

In a phone interview, Steven Wilson, in the DEQ’s Office of Geological Survey, noted that, at the agency, “many reports get lost or shredded.”[2] Read the rest of this entry »

1 Comment | Eagle Mine, Health, Kennecott-Rio Tinto, Law, Michigan, water pollution | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
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