Why we’re concerned about the new draft Minntac permit

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking comments on its U.S. Steel - Minntac - tailings basin wastewater permit.  See here:  https://comment.pca.state.mn.us/us-steel-corp-mn-ore-operations-minntac-tailings-basin-wastewater-permit/surveys/contact-information.  We urge readers to comment by Oct. 26. 
High sulfate pollution from Minntac’s tailings basin flows into Lake Vermilion’s Pike Bay.  The Vermilion Lake Association (VLA) regularly tests water quality and the highest sulfate levels are found in Pike Bay where Minntac pollution enters Lake Vermilion.  Water samples taken in 2026 show sulfate levels ranging from 19 - 54 mg/l.  The natural level of sulfate is less than 3 mg/l.  Since 1973, Minnesota law has set an enforceable standard of 10 mg/l sulfate for wild rice waters like Lake Vermilion.  The law was established because high sulfate levels are extremely harmful.  A look at the lake’s health confirms just how damaging they can be.  The EPA has designated Lake Vermilion impaired due to high sulfate contamination.  The MPCA has designated Lake Vermilion an impaired wild rice body of water.  Finally, the Minnesota Department of Health has issued a warning that consumption of fish caught in Lake Vermilion poses a health risk due to high levels of mercury contamination.  (The sulfate flowing from Minntac to Lake Vermilion supports the methylmercury contamination of fish.  Methylmercury is a neurotoxin that causes damage to the brain and central nervous system.)  
For years, the consequences of sulfate pollution have been well known.  Rather than stop the pollution, MPCA and U.S. Steel have engaged in a cycle of toothless permits and delay tactics that ultimately enable U.S. Steel to avoid meeting the 10 mg/l sulfate standard applicable to Lake Vermilion.  The current draft permit is more of the same. It proposes creation of a cutoff wall (dam) to stop pollution from flowing into Lake Vermilion. This technology is novel and even though the MPCA estimates completion within 11 years, U.S. Steel says the project is so complex it can’t estimate when construction will be completed. More confounding is U.S. Steel’s plan for clean-up of the water it polluted.  U.S. Steel offers to take no active steps to clean up its mess.  Instead, it says the water will self-clean once the pollution stops. A process it estimates will take 45 years. MPCA’s permit says that available sulfate reduction technologies are available and that U.S. Steel must employ them but it sets no clear, enforceable timetables.  Rather a vague “as soon as possible” is set as the timeframe.  A timeframe U.S. Steel is already signalling will be extended far into the future.
It’s time the MPCA step-up and hold U.S. Steel accountable for meeting Minnesota’s sulfate standards. At a minimum, the permit must include
 Clear, short, enforceable timelines that ensure U.S. Steel stops the flow of pollution from Minntac’s tailings basin.  
 Clear, short, enforceable timelines for Minntac to employ available technologies that accelerate the reduction of sulfate contamination so that Minntac is finally in compliance with the state’s 10 mg/l sulfate standard
 Posting of sufficient financial guarantees to ensure the pollution is stopped and cleaned up
We are making these recommendations in furtherance of our mission to protect and improve Lake Vermilion for all.  That’s been our mission since 1968.  Some ask if we have changed our mission, we have not.  As always, we also continue to support Minnesota businesses, including mining, but expect businesses to follow the law.  We are concerned that U.S. Steel’s unlawful actions are harming Lake Vermilion, its wildlife, fauna, and its residents.  We are also concerned for the small businesses that are the backbone of local economies.  Also, the resorts, guides, bait shops, grocery stores, and restaurants which cater to the visitors who come to this area to enjoy Lake Vermilion’s bounty.  Sulfate pollution is an existential threat to that bounty and to those who depend upon it. It is also preventable.  
Lori Ptak, President,
Vermilion Lake
Association