Final EIS & Permitting

Based on the comments on the Draft EIS, the agency writes a Final EIS, and again the public has an opportunity to provide comments. .   The EIS is not a decision document, but presents a final analysis of all potential environmental impacts (physical, social, cultural) and the ways in which these might be mitigated, and indicates a preferred alternative.  Prior to issuance of a Permit to Mine and other permits, the DNR Commissioner must make a finding that the EIS is “adequate.”

The public is not invited to comment on this finding, but if they are still unhappy, or feel that the agency has missed a major issue, they may appeal . The agency may then revise the EIS, or explain why the agency reached its decision .

Once all matters are resolved and the permit conditions for all permits have been defined, the draft permits are public noticed, and the public has an opportunity to provide comments. The regulatory agencies then review and respond to the comments, at which time the permits can be finalized and issued.

The DNR issues the permit to mine, water appropriation, state wet lands permits and a number of other permits.   PCA issues permits relating to air and water discharges and the Department of Health is also involved in various aspects of the permitting process.