Michigan judge nullifies crucial permit for mining project
Administrative Law Judge Daniel Pulter invalidated a wetlands permit granted in 2018 to Aquila Resources Inc. โThe ruling raises valid concerns about the potential impacts on groundwater, and surface water including the Lower Menominee River,โ department spokesman Hugh McDiarmid Jr. said. โObviously, we are disappointed by the judge's decision," company President Barry Hildred said Tuesday. Aquila has several options, including appealing to a department permit review panel, suing in state court or submitting a new application. Dale Burie, president of an opposition group called SAVE the Menominee River, said he expects Aquila to keep pushing for the project.