Kennecott Humboldt Mill
Permitting for a Brownfield Mine Site
Marquette County, Michigan

Foth completed the permit applications for refurbishment and recommissioning of an ore processing mill in Marquette County, Michigan.

Environmental Studies

Environmental conditions were documented for past mining activities associated with open pit iron mining and milling operations for both iron and sulfide ore. A detailed hydrogeologic and limnologic study was completed on the water-filled iron pit used historically for the disposal of sulfide tailings. A hydrologic and geochemical mass balance model of the iron pit was completed. The model incorporated thermodynamic mixing due to the future placement of tailings and redox-based geochemical processes that attenuate metal concentrations.

Studies were conducted to document the hydraulic integrity of the surrounding bedrock and stability of the chemocline and thermocline. The model also examined water quality conditions in the hypolimnion and epilimnion.

The results of the analysis were used as the basis for the development of a mine permit application, environmental impact assessment, NPDES permit application for the facility, and air permit that included dispersion and depositional analysis.

Challenges

  • Developing and implementing a data collection, analysis and documentation system as the foundation for defining baseline conditions at the site
  • Preparing a comprehensive set of permit documents to enable regulatory agencies to grant permits, maintain environmental protection and defend decisions
  • Evaluating and documenting the hydrogeological and geochemical conditions of a complex sub-aqueous tailings disposal facility and predicting the effects of additional tailings placement—a pivotal issue in the permit approval evaluation
  • Substantiating the predictions and engineering controls to protect the environment and minimize the effects of facility operations
  • Completing a Category N Baseline Environmental Assessment to effectuate and maintain liability protection in accordance with Michigan statutes.

Value Added

Prepared a set of applications consistent with the sister project permit applications of the Eagle Mine and the rigorous standards of mining permits under Michigan's new mining rules.
Continuing to provide strategic consulting services as part of the client team, assisting with multiple regulatory agency negotiations, communication and permit approval process.
Building and leveraging on the success of obtaining the first set of approved permits under Michigan's new nonferrous mining rules.

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