EPA denies permit for Back 40 mine

The Environmental Protection Agency denied a wetland permit for the Aquila Back 40 mine, the final permit needed for the project.

Among its objections, the EPA says Aquila Resources did not explain how it would manage discharge from the mine to meet water quality standards. That's been a major concern of people opposed to the sulfide mine.

Additionally, the EPA says Aquila didn't provide details of the mining project to help the agency assess its potential impact. "The proposed site layout is not consistent with the approved state permit to mine," reads

dated March 8. "Nor are all impacts of the project identified in the application, including impacts caused by any planned underground mining, a power plant, and mining water management systems."

The mine would be located along the bank of the Menominee River, just across the state line from Wisconsin and about 15 miles west of Stephenson, Mich.

Canada-based Aquila Resources has 90 days to resolve the EPA's objections or it will not receive the permit.