United States Steel Corp - Keetac - Wastewater Permit

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Comment From: David Lick

9/04/25 @ 7:59 AM

Since Dr. Pastor did his sulfate study there has been added argument about the results and the 10ppm standard. The mining industry and anyone discharging has not been in a hurry to meet the standards. The Pastor study was followed up by the Chamber...↓

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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

9/04/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comment regarding variance received 9/4/25

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/04/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments received 9/4/25.

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Comment From: Marco Good

9/04/25 @ 12:00 AM

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Comment From: John Trullinger

9/03/25 @ 8:00 PM

49 out of 50 states in the United States do not consider wild rice production to be a "beneficial use" protected by the Clean Water Act. Only Minnesota has decided to protect this "use" for water. Before 1900, it is likely that bodies of water thro...↓

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Comment From: Steven Biondich

9/03/25 @ 7:20 PM

Good afternoon,
My name is Steve Biondich, and I am currently the Mayor of Biwabik. I also stand here as someone who worked for 17 years in the mining industry until I was laid off this spring but still serve as the current Financial Secretary for th...↓

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Comment From: Brian Silber

9/03/25 @ 6:42 PM

As a member of the local business community, I am concerned about the implications of the draft permits for Keetac. Requiring sulfate compliance at each outfall is inefficient and scientifically unsound. A single downstream compliance point would bet...↓

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Comment From: Lee Gorsha

9/03/25 @ 6:28 PM

To the MPCA,

Why not put the water standard in place all at once so it is fair to all? If this is to be placed on cities too, then doing it this way will bring the cost for everyone into play. Why is there no proactive solutions or studies on the MP...↓

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Comment From: Andrew Altobell

9/03/25 @ 5:56 PM

To Whom It May Concern,
As a resident of a community affected by Keetac's operations, I am concerned about the MPCA's decision to require sulfate compliance at each outfall, despite all discharges entering a single water body. A downstream compliance...↓

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Comment From: Alyssa Anderson

9/03/25 @ 5:53 PM

Hello,

As a resident of a community downstream from the Keetac facility, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits. Requiring compliance at each individual outfall...↓

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Comment From: Craig Douglas

9/03/25 @ 5:49 PM

Dear MPCA,

As a supplier connected to Keetac, I am concerned about the draft permits' sulfate compliance requirements. Monitoring at each outfall is not representative of actual environmental impact. A single downstream compliance point is more accu...↓

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Comment From: Labors Union Member Harry Home... (Harry Homer)

9/03/25 @ 5:49 PM

Dear MPCA,

My name is Harry Homer, and I am a proud member of the Laborers' Union and a resident of a community downstream from the Keetac facility. I am writing to express my concerns about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach t...↓

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Comment From: union member skylar mattila (Skylar Mattila)

9/03/25 @ 5:44 PM

Hello,

As a union member and resident of a community downstream from the Keetac facility, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits. Requiring compliance at each i...↓

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Comment From: Brandy Muhich

9/03/25 @ 5:44 PM

Dear MPCA,

My name is Brandy Muhich, and I work at NTS, which supports Minnesota's mining and manufacturing supply chain. I am commenting on the proposed enforcement of the 10 mg/L sulfate standard in the Keetac permit.

This standard is not achieva...↓

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Comment From: Vickie Platt

9/03/25 @ 5:35 PM

Hello,

As a resident of a community downstream from the Keetac facility, and as someone with family members who are proud union workers, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in th...↓

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Comment From: Meadow Kouffeld

9/03/25 @ 5:28 PM

Dear MPCA,

My name is Meadow Kouffeld, and I work at Northeast Technical Services, which supports Minnesota's mining and manufacturing supply chain. I am commenting on the proposed enforcement of the 10 mg/L sulfate standard in the Keetac permit.

T...↓

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Comment From: katrina davis

9/03/25 @ 5:28 PM

Hello,

As a business who serves Minnesota's industrial sector, I am concerned about the impact of enforcing the outdated 10 mg/L sulfate standard. While this rule directly affects industries like mining and wastewater treatment, its consequences ext...↓

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Comment From: Shawn Dickson

9/03/25 @ 5:19 PM

To Whom It May Concern,

As a resident of a community affected by Keetac's operations, I am concerned about the MPCA's decision to require sulfate compliance at each outfall, despite all discharges entering a single water body. I work as a fire fight...↓

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Comment From: union member (Barbara Taray)

9/03/25 @ 5:17 PM

Hello,

As a resident of a community affected by Keetac's operations, a proud union member of USW Local 2705, and a farmer, I am concerned about the MPCA's decision to require sulfate compliance at each outfall, despite all discharges entering a sing...↓

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Comment From: Ryan Fink

9/03/25 @ 5:14 PM

To the MPCA,

As a member of the Gilbert community and a union member, I am concerned about the implications of the draft permits for Keetac. Requiring sulfate compliance at each outfall is inefficient and scientifically unsound. This could impact so...↓

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Comment From: Union Member Lee Majerle (Lee Majerle )

9/03/25 @ 5:11 PM

Hello,

As a union member and resident of a community affected by Keetac's operations, I am deeply concerned about the MPCA's approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits. Requiring compliance at each outfall, when all discharges enter a singl...↓

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Comment From: Pamela LaBine

9/03/25 @ 5:08 PM

Dear MPCA,

As an elected official representing Minnesotans and the city of Keewatin, I urge the MPCA to reconsider the enforcement of the outdated 10 mg/L sulfate standard. This standard, adopted in the 1970s and based on research from the 1940s, do...↓

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Comment From: Board Member of IMA Marci Knig... (Marci Knight)

9/03/25 @ 5:05 PM

I am here to support U.S. Steel and their submissions two site-specific standard (SSS) requests for sulfate at Hay Lake near Keetac.

The 2014 request was never acted upon by MPCA and the 2022 request was denied. These applications followed MPCA guid...↓

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Comment From: John Taray

9/03/25 @ 5:03 PM

To Whom It May Concern,

As a resident of Iron, a community affected by Keetac's operations, I am concerned about the MPCA's decision to require sulfate compliance at each outfall, despite all discharges entering a single water body. A downstream com...↓

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Comment From: Premium Plant Services (Mark Parenteau)

9/03/25 @ 4:57 PM

Hello,
I am the owner of Premium Plant Services, a Minnesota-based business that serves industries critical to our state's economy. I am writing to express concern about the enforcement of the outdated 10 mg/L sulfate standard. This rigid requirement...↓

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Comment From: Mitchell Gilbert

9/03/25 @ 4:55 PM

As a US Steel employee, I am concerned about the impact of enforcing the outdated 10 mg/L sulfate standard. While this rule directly affects industries like mining and wastewater treatment, its consequences extend across the entire supply chain—inclu...↓

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Comment From: Beth Ann Mackey

9/03/25 @ 4:50 PM

To Whom It May Concern at the MPCA,

As a resident of Keewatin, near the Keetac facility, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits. Requiring compliance at each in...↓

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Comment From: Mayor of Silver Bay Wade LeBla... (Wade LeBlanc)

9/03/25 @ 4:50 PM

Hello,

I serve as Mayor of Silver Bay, a community whose history and future are closely tied to Minnesota's mining industry. I am writing to provide comment on the proposed enforcement of the 10 mg/L sulfate standard in Keetac's permit.

I fully sup...↓

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Comment From: Mayor of Silver Bay Wade LeBla... (Wade LeBlanc)

9/03/25 @ 4:47 PM

Hello,

My name is [Name], and I serve as Mayor of Silver Bay, a community whose history and future are closely tied to Minnesota's mining industry. I am writing to provide comment on the proposed enforcement of the 10 mg/L sulfate standard in Keetac...↓

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Comment From: Adam Thompson

9/03/25 @ 4:43 PM

To Whom it May Concern,

Please consider lowering the Minnesota Sulfate Standard. These mines have put countless meals on the tables and children through college for our communities. I personally have worked at some of these facilities. For the past ...↓

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Comment From: Steve Giorgi

9/03/25 @ 4:40 PM

The sulfate standard established by Dr. Moyle's research nearly a century ago and has never been enforced, is a standard that is long overdue for a modern, scientific review. Requiring our industries and likely our community wastewater treatment faci...↓

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Comment From: Stacy Oltmanns

9/03/25 @ 4:38 PM

Hello,
I am writing to provide comments regarding public notice of draft NPDES permits MN0055948 and MN0031879 for the U.S. Steel Keetac tailings basin and mining area, respectively. I have interest in these draft permits because I, like most Minneso...↓tans, care deeply about protecting the environment. I am also a community member who understands and values the importance of the mining industry to our region. Mining supports families, schools, local businesses, and entire communities across the Iron Range, and its future is directly tied to the decisions being made in these permits.

I am concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) sulfate water quality standard of 10 mg/L for wild rice waters and its consequences to the Iron Range and communities across the state. MPCA was directed to review and update the wild rice sulfate standard in 2011 but has not done so to date. The enforcement of this outdated standard could jeopardize not only the mining industry, but also the stability of local governments and the livelihoods of people who call this region home.

I strongly urge MPCA to update the wild rice sulfate standard considering current science and site-specific variables. The current 10 mg/L sulfate standard oversimplifies the environmental needs of wild rice. Many other factors determine wild rice resilience, such as water depth and fluctuation, predation, and competing vegetation. Wild rice has even proven to be successful in waters with sulfate levels up to 1,600 mg/L and beyond—160 times higher than our current standard. The 10 mg/L standard is not proven to be effective, and compliance with it is unattainable for many businesses and communities. From wastewater facilities and small businesses to mines employing thousands of Minnesotans, the cost of meeting this arbitrary standard would put Minnesota at risk with no guaranteed outcome.

The current Keetac compliance schedule is also too short and unattainable. There are no commercially proven or economical sulfate treatment strategies available anywhere in the world. Rushing compliance will only lead to costly, ineffective solutions that could cause new environmental harms, such as increased solid waste, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. More time is needed to allow for proper evaluation and development of feasible treatment strategies that could benefit all Minnesotans.

In addition, requiring wild rice sulfate compliance at each of Keetac's outfalls does not make scientific sense when they all discharge to the same water body. A single downstream compliance point would be the most accurate and protective measure. MPCA must modify the permits accordingly.

Finally, U.S. Steel's site-specific standard (SSS) requests in 2014 and 2022 followed MPCA's own guidance and provided strong evidence that a higher sulfate standard is appropriate for Hay Lake, where wild rice has thrived for nearly 60 years despite discharges. It is concerning that MPCA has disregarded these applications and failed to take site-specific conditions and modern science into account.

In summary, I urge the MPCA to:

Refrain from including sulfate limits in Keetac's permits. If limits remain, they must be based on a single, scientifically valid compliance point and allow more time for compliance.

Abide by the 2011 law and update the outdated 10 mg/L sulfate standard, which the state has already acknowledged is incorrect.

As a community member who cares about both the environment and the mining industry, I ask the MPCA to make balanced, science-based decisions that protect natural resources while also ensuring the economic stability and future of the Iron Range.

Stacy Oltmanns
Community Member of Gilbert

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Comment From: Marcus Thompson

9/03/25 @ 4:36 PM

To Whom It May Concern,

Please reconsider the wild rice sulfate standard of 10 mg/L. This is far below the drinking water standard and this causes unreasonable cost for mining companies that decrease the ability for them to compete domestically. Als...↓

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Comment From: Travis Flynn

9/03/25 @ 4:32 PM

Hello,

As a community member and student from the Iron Range, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits for Keetac. The future of these decisions doesn't just affe...↓

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Comment From: Barb Kalmi

9/03/25 @ 4:28 PM

Hello,

I am writing to provide comments regarding public notice of draft NPDES permits MN0055948 and MN0031879 for the U.S. Steel Keetac tailings basin and mining area. I have interest in these draft permits because I, like most Minnesotans, care de...↓eply about protecting our environment, and because I serve both as a community member from Keewatin and as the vice chair of our local school district. In these roles, I see firsthand how decisions surrounding industry and environmental regulation directly impact families, students, and the future of our region.

I am concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) sulfate water quality standard of 10 mg/L for wild rice waters and its consequences to the Iron Range and communities across the state. MPCA was directed to review and update the wild rice sulfate standard in 2011 but has not done so to date. The future of Minnesota mines, local governments, schools, and industries are critically affected by the enforcement of this outdated standard. As a school district leader, I know how much our communities depend on stable employment and tax revenue from the mining industry to fund classrooms, extracurricular activities, and essential services for our children. Without mining, the ripple effect on schools, families, and community well-being would be devastating.

I strongly urge MPCA to update the wild rice sulfate standard considering current science and site-specific variables. The current 10 mg/L sulfate standard oversimplifies the environmental needs of wild rice. Many other factors determine wild rice resilience, such as water depth and fluctuation, predation, and competing vegetation. Wild rice has proven to thrive in waters with sulfate levels far beyond 10 mg/L, and yet our state continues to hold communities and industries to an unattainable and unproven threshold. This misplaced requirement threatens not only businesses and municipalities but also the livelihood of working families and the sustainability of our schools.

The current Keetac compliance schedule is also too short and unattainable. There are currently no commercially proven and economical sulfate treatment strategies in place anywhere in the world. Time is needed to evaluate and develop treatment alternatives that are effective and achievable. As a community member, I worry about rushing into costly, ineffective technologies that bring new environmental harms while draining the financial resources of companies that employ our neighbors. As a school district leader, I worry about the long-term consequences this has on our local economy, the tax base, and ultimately the opportunities we are able to provide our students.

Additionally, the two draft permits require wild rice sulfate compliance at each of Keetac's outfalls, even though they all discharge into a single water body where the wild rice standard applies. The compliance point should protect that water body and be representative of the combined discharges. MPCA must modify the permits to include a single downstream compliance point as proposed by the permittee, which is both factually accurate and more reasonable.

U.S. Steel has also submitted two site-specific standard (SSS) requests for sulfate at Hay Lake near Keetac. The 2014 request was never acted upon, and the 2022 request was denied, despite following MPCA guidance and demonstrating that a higher sulfate standard is warranted. It is concerning that the MPCA continues to disregard modern science and site-specific conditions when the health of our environment, economy, and communities are all at stake.

In summary, I urge the MPCA:

To refrain from including sulfate limits in Keetac's permits.

If limits remain, to modify the permits to include a single sulfate compliance point and allow a longer compliance schedule.

To abide by the 2011 law and update the 10 mg/L sulfate standard, which the state itself has recognized as outdated and incorrect.

As both a community member from Keewatin and a school district vice chair, I cannot stress enough that these decisions do not occur in isolation. They affect families, children, and the sustainability of the Iron Range. Our environment and economy must be balanced through science-based, site-specific standards that protect wild rice while also ensuring the long-term viability of our communities and schools.

Barb Kalmi
RAMS President and ISD 319 Vice Chair

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Comment From: Daniel Manick

9/03/25 @ 4:24 PM

Dear MPCA,
My name is Daniel Manick, and I serve as Mayor of Cook, located near the Keetac mining operation. I am writing to provide comment on the proposed enforcement of the 10 mg/L sulfate standard in Keetac's permit.
I support protecting wild ric...↓

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Comment From: Union Worker Cory Willeck (Cory Willeck)

9/03/25 @ 4:22 PM

Hello,

I am submitting comments on the draft NPDES permits MN0055948 and MN0031879 for U.S. Steel Keetac. I work in the mining industry, and like many of my union brothers and sisters, I care about protecting both the environment and the good-paying...↓ jobs that support families on the Iron Range.

I'm concerned with the MPCA's wild rice sulfate standard of 10 mg/L. This number is outdated, doesn't reflect current science, and puts thousands of Minnesota jobs at risk. The law required MPCA to update this standard back in 2011, and that still hasn't been done. Enforcing a rule that everyone knows is broken threatens our mines, local governments, small businesses, and the communities we live in.

The 10 mg/L limit is not realistic. Wild rice survival depends on many things—water depth, predators, competing plants—not just sulfate. In fact, wild rice has been shown to grow in waters with sulfate levels much higher than the current standard. Holding mines and wastewater facilities to an unattainable limit wastes time and money, hurts Minnesota workers, and doesn't guarantee better results for wild rice. Until the standard is updated using modern science and site-specific data, sulfate limits should not be included in these permits.

The current Keetac compliance schedule is also unworkable. There is no proven or cost-effective treatment for sulfate anywhere in the world right now. Forcing mines to meet this standard on a short timeline risks lost jobs and higher costs, with no clear environmental benefit. Longer schedules or variances are needed so that real, effective solutions can be developed. Rushing this process will only drive up electricity use, create more waste, and cause other negative environmental impacts.

Another issue is the compliance point. Keetac's discharges all go to the same water body, but the draft permit requires compliance at every outfall. That doesn't make sense. The company asked MPCA to combine compliance points so the measurement actually reflects what's going into the water. That's a reasonable request and should be included in the permit.

Finally, U.S. Steel has submitted site-specific standard requests for Hay Lake, where wild rice has grown for decades despite sulfate levels above 10 mg/L. The science and history clearly show a higher standard is justified, but MPCA hasn't acted on these requests. That needs to change.

In summary, I strongly urge MPCA to:

Refrain from including sulfate limits in Keetac's permits until the standard is updated.

If limits remain, modify the permits to use one downstream compliance point and allow more time for compliance.

Follow the 2011 law and finally update the 10 mg/L sulfate standard.

Minnesota can have both mining jobs and environmental protection, but that requires using up-to-date science and fair rules. Working families shouldn't have to pay the price for an outdated standard.

Union Worker Cory Willeck

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Comment From: Logan Yuretich

9/03/25 @ 4:18 PM

To Whom It May Concern at the MPCA,
As a resident of a community near the Keetac facility, Chisholm, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits. Requiring compliance...↓

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Comment From: Pam Roiger

9/03/25 @ 4:14 PM

I am very concerned that mining including waste water by the KeeTac Mine will put our water in danger of pollution that will affect clean drinking water/ground water, wild rice growth, wet lands, and Boundary Waters pristine waters. Please refuse a ...↓

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Comment From: City Councilor Randy Nash (Randy Nash)

9/03/25 @ 4:14 PM

Dear MPCA,

As both a Keewatin City Councilor and a small business owner, I see firsthand how state policies directly affect families, local government, and our community's economic stability. Like many towns in northern Minnesota, Keewatin relies on...↓

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Comment From: Mayor Mike LaBine (Mike LaBine)

9/03/25 @ 4:04 PM

Dear MPCA,

As the Mayor of Keewatin, I represent a community that has long been shaped by mining, local industry, and hardworking families. Our town, like many across northern Minnesota, depends on both the protection of our natural resources and th...↓

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Comment From: Troy Sundbom

9/03/25 @ 4:02 PM

Dear MPCA,

As a member of The Jamar Company, a business who serves Minnesota's industrial sector, I am concerned about the impact of enforcing the outdated 10 mg/L sulfate standard. While this rule directly affects industries like mining and wastewa...↓

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Comment From: Matthew Walto

9/03/25 @ 3:47 PM

Please see attached.

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Comment From: City of Biwabik (Steve Biondich)

9/03/25 @ 9:35 AM

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/03/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments from multiple senders received 9/3/25.

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Comment From: Sheryl Junemann

9/03/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comment received 9/3/25

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/03/25 @ 12:00 AM

Written comments received at 9/3/25 Public Meeting

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/03/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments regarding variance received from multiple senders 9/3/25

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/03/25 @ 12:00 AM

Written comments submitted at 9/3/25 public meeting

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Comment From: Sheila Jensen

9/02/25 @ 11:26 PM

I do not understand the willingness to ruin business and trash jobs on the Iron Range in order to 'save wild rice'. I don't get it. Have you looked around? Wild rice is doing just fine. It's taking over the bay of the lake where we have our boat. I d...↓

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Comment From: Matthew Walto

9/02/25 @ 4:40 PM

Please see the attached file.

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Comment From: United Steelworkers, District ... (Catherine Drummond)

9/02/25 @ 2:48 PM

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/02/25 @ 12:00 AM

Emails received from multiple senders on 9/2/25. Support denial of variance.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/02/25 @ 12:00 AM

Emails received from multiple senders on 9/2/25.

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Comment From: Owen Stuckey

9/01/25 @ 8:51 AM

The risk to the boundary Waters area is too great. Please deny the permit for this location.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

9/01/25 @ 12:00 AM

Emails received from multiple senders on 9/1/25. Support denial of variance.

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Comment From: Steve Bonach

9/01/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comment received 9/1/25

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Comment From: Daniel Iverson

8/31/25 @ 9:29 AM

Dear Sirs,
I am a life long Minnesotan with a BS in laboratory medicine in addition to years of experience and a degree in electrical construction and maintenance . Admittedly this by no means qualifies me as an expert in hydrology or chemistry.But I...↓

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Comment From: Jennifer Gasperini

8/31/25 @ 6:30 AM

Nothing is more important than clean water. Minnesota leaders must do everything they can to protect our waters and, in turn, habitat for wild rice and other flora and fauna for generations to come. We cannot back down to help mining companies profit...↓

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/31/25 @ 12:00 AM

Emails received from multiple senders on 8/31/25. Support denial of variance.

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Comment From: Jon Schneider

8/30/25 @ 1:58 PM

I support denying the water quality permit variance requested by US Steel. Protection of our water quality and wild rice is paramount. The mining industry should simply accommodate this regulatory standard. Permitting variances to water quality re...↓

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Comment From: Scott Sparlin

8/30/25 @ 9:51 AM

Do not allow Keetac to have a variance. The law is the law, and Wild Rice standards need to be met.

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Comment From: Roberta Haskin

8/30/25 @ 9:17 AM

Protect wild rice! Deny variance.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/30/25 @ 12:00 AM

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Comment From: Jim Etzel

8/29/25 @ 8:33 PM

Hold the mining companies responsible for the waste and pollution that they produce. Do not exempt them from compliance with clean water and environmental laws.

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Comment From: Glacier Park Iron Ore Properti... (Matthew Walto)

8/29/25 @ 7:06 PM

Please see the attached letter.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/29/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments from multiple senders received 9-29-25.

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Comment From: United Steelworkers (Al King)

8/29/25 @ 12:00 AM

Comment letter from United Steelworkers is attached.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/29/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments from multiple senders received 8/30/25.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/29/25 @ 12:00 AM

Emails received from multiple senders on 8/29/25. Support denial of variance.

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Comment From: City of Biwabik (Steve Biondich)

8/29/25 @ 12:00 AM

Comment letter from City of Biwabik

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Comment From: Tom Scott

8/28/25 @ 11:39 AM

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Comment From: Stephanie Hemphill

8/27/25 @ 11:36 AM

I support MPCA's plan to include sulfate limits in Keetac permits. The agency has been very patient with U.S. Steel over the years. The sulfate standard has been in Minnesota law for fifty years! The company doesn't need more time to figure out how t...↓

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Comment From: JEREMY KEITH SMOLICH

8/27/25 @ 10:33 AM

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/27/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments submitted by multiple senders on 8-27-25

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Comment From: lawrence black

8/26/25 @ 1:13 PM

I'm voicing support for the MPCA's denial of the variance permit.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/25/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments received 8-25-25

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/22/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments submitted by multiple senders on 8-22-25

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/21/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments submitted by multiple senders on 8-21-25

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Comment From: City of Chisholm (Adam Lantz)

8/21/25 @ 12:00 AM

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Comment From: Kraig Raiber

8/20/25 @ 8:37 PM

Please read to understand what is really going on with this proposed sulfate standard and how horribly biased the Star Tribune and other media are, trying to make mining out to be the bad guys! The truth is the water up here is cleaner than anywhere...↓

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Comment From: Jacob Friend

8/20/25 @ 2:55 PM

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Comment From: Dan Muhvich

8/20/25 @ 2:27 PM

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/20/25 @ 12:00 AM

Email comments submitted by multiple senders on 8-20-25

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Comment From: Superior Mineral Resources LLC (William Boucher)

8/20/25 @ 12:00 AM

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Comment From: Wilbert Koskiniemi

8/19/25 @ 5:04 PM

To Whom It May Concern at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
As a resident of Northeast Minnesota, I am writing to express concern regarding the proposed enforcement of the 10 mg/L sulfate standard in the draft permit for Keetac. This standard, ...↓originally adopted in the 1970s based on research from the 1940s, does not reflect current scientific understanding of wild rice ecology or sulfate behavior in aquatic systems.
From a scientific perspective, requiring sulfate compliance at each individual outfall—when all discharges enter a single receiving water body—does not yield representative environmental data. A downstream compliance point would more accurately capture cumulative impacts and better inform ecological risk assessments.
Moreover, the MPCA's rejection of two site-specific sulfate standard (SSS) applications for Hay Lake, despite adherence to agency guidance and evidence of sustained wild rice health over nearly 60 years of discharge, raises concerns about the integration of empirical data into regulatory decisions. Research from the University of Minnesota and the 2018 Governor's Task Force on Wild Rice confirms that wild rice resilience is influenced by multiple factors—including iron and organic carbon content—and that no single sulfate threshold is universally applicable.
Beyond environmental science, this issue carries significant economic implications for our region. Mining is a cornerstone of Northeast Minnesota's economy, contributing over $1.8 billion annually and supporting more than 4,000 family-sustaining jobs. These positions offer wages significantly above the regional average, with mining workers earning approximately $1,708 per week, nearly $950 more than the average across all industries. The sector also accounted for over one-third of net new jobs in the region during recent growth periods.
The enforcement of an outdated sulfate standard threatens not only environmental integrity but also economic stability. Without a modern, site-specific, and scientifically defensible approach, Minnesota risks undermining industries that provide high-quality employment and economic resilience to rural communities.
I respectfully urge the MPCA to:
• Refrain from including sulfate limits in Keetac's permits. If limits are retained, revise the permits to include a single downstream compliance point and allow sufficient time for compliance.
• Fulfill the 2011 legislative mandate to update the sulfate standard using current ecological science and site-specific data.
Minnesotans deserve a regulatory framework that supports clean water, healthy ecosystems, and thriving communities. I encourage others to attend the upcoming public meeting and submit comments to ensure our voices are heard.

Wilbert Koskiniemi

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Comment From: Jeremy Harala

8/19/25 @ 4:30 PM

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Comment From: lisa bodine

8/19/25 @ 4:28 PM

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Comment From: Travis Kolari

8/19/25 @ 3:46 PM

As a resident of a community affected by Keetac's operations, I am concerned about the MPCA's decision to require sulfate compliance at each outfall, despite all discharges entering a single water body. A downstream compliance point would more accura...↓

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Comment From: Bud Mickelson

8/19/25 @ 3:33 PM

As someone whose livelihood is directly tied to Keetac as a supplier of technical professional services, I am deeply concerned about the draft permits. The requirement for sulfate compliance at each outfall is not only scientifically inaccurate but a...↓

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Comment From: Jason Croteau

8/19/25 @ 3:27 PM

To Whom It May Concern at the MPCA,

As a resident of a community downstream from the Keetac facility, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits. Requiring complian...↓

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Comment From: Terra Friend

8/19/25 @ 3:11 PM

To Whom It May Concern at the MPCA,
As a resident of a community near the USS Keetac facility, I am deeply concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) approach to sulfate compliance in the draft permits. Requiring compliance at ea...↓

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/19/25 @ 12:00 AM

Grouped emails received 8-19-25

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Comment From: Amanda Hohlfelder

8/18/25 @ 4:06 PM

I am writing to provide comments regarding public notice of draft NPDES permits MN0055948 and MN0031879 for the U. S. Steel Keetac tailings basin and mining area, respectively. I have interest in these draft permits because I, like most Minnesotans, ...↓care deeply about protecting the environment.

I am concerned about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) sulfate water quality standard of 10 mg/L for wild rice waters and its consequences to the Iron Range and communities across the state. MPCA was directed to review and update the wild rice sulfate standard in 2011 but has not done so to date. The future of Minnesota mines, local governments and other industries are critically affected by the enforcement of this outdated standard.

I strongly urge MPCA to update the wild rice sulfate standard considering current science and site-specific variables. The current 10 mg/L sulfate standard oversimplifies the environmental needs of wild rice. Many other factors determine wild rice resilience, such as water depth and fluctuation, predation, and competing vegetation. Wild rice has even proven to be successful in waters with sulfate levels up to 1,600 mg/L and beyond – 160 times higher than our current standard. The current 10 mg/L standard is not proven to be effective and compliance with it is unattainable for many businesses and communities. From wastewater facilities and small businesses to mines employing thousands of Minnesotans, the cost of meeting a 10 mg/L sulfate standard puts Minnesota at risk with no guaranteed outcome. Do not waste time, money and energy on a sulfate standard that doesn't make sense. I strongly urge you to refrain from including permit limits for sulfate until the time and resources are invested to develop a sulfate standard that follows modern science, addresses site-specific variables and contains cost as required by the 2011 law.

The current Keetac compliance schedule is too short and unattainable. There are currently no commercially proven and economical sulfate treatment strategies in place anywhere in the world. Time is needed to evaluate and develop treatment alternatives that are effective and achievable. Since these are some of the first permits to contain the 10 mg/L sulfate limit, other permittees will use the testing and engineering developed for compliance as a model in the future. Current treatment technologies to reduce sulfate levels result in increased solid waste that will be required to be landfilled, increased electrical usage, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and other negative environmental outcomes. Time and careful consideration are needed to develop feasible sulfate treatment that all Minnesotans can benefit from. The MPCA should allow a longer compliance schedule, or grant the variance, to provide more time to effectively find a feasible solution. The current compliance schedule does not include time for regulatory agency requirements such as environmental review, permitting and other authorizations that may be required.

The two draft permits require wild rice sulfate compliance at each of Keetac's outfalls, yet they all discharge to one water body where the MPCA has said the wild rice standard applies. The compliance point should protect that water body and be representative of the combined discharges from the Keetac facility. The permittee requested to combine sulfate compliance points to factually represent offsite discharges, however the MPCA denied that request. It is concerning that the MPCA will not consider the request, even though it is more factually accurate than what is contained in the draft permits. MPCA must modify the permits to include a single downstream compliance point as proposed by the permittee.

U. S. Steel has submitted two site-specific standard (SSS) requests for sulfate at Hay Lake near Keetac. The 2014 request was never acted upon by MPCA and the 2022 request was denied. These applications followed MPCA guidance and show that a higher sulfate standard than 10 mg/L is warranted. It is concerning that the MPCA does not take into account modern science and site-specific conditions. I urge the MPCA to reconsider the SSS applications as Keetac has been discharging to Hay Lake for almost 60 years with healthy wild rice in existence.

In summary, I urge the MPCA:

To refrain from including sulfate limits in Keetac's permits. If the permit limits remain as proposed, the MPCA must modify the permits to contain a single sulfate compliance point and allow more time for compliance.
To abide by the 2011 law and update the 10 mg/L sulfate standard that the state of Minnesota has recognized as being incorrect.
Thank you.

Amanda Hohlfeder
715-225-6956
1831 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN

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Comment From: Iron Range Mayors (Daniel Manick)

8/18/25 @ 12:00 AM

Letter received 8/18/25. Mayoral Support for Iron Mining, Keetac site-specific standard and variance.

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Comment From: Multiple Senders

8/18/25 @ 12:00 AM

See attached document for like-email comments received 8/18/25.

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Comment From: Range Association of Municipal... (Paul Peltier)

8/15/25 @ 12:48 PM

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Comment From: Brian Anderson

8/14/25 @ 8:34 PM

I am extremely disappointed the MPCA is attempting to implement a sulfate standard with no scientific backing. With bottled water having up to ten times the suggested standard, this does not make any sense.

I am concerned potential treatment of the...↓

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Comment From: Emily Roose

8/14/25 @ 7:36 PM

I am hoping to see financial information by each mine to determine if it is financially feasible or not. I am hoping to understand if this would actually cause this mine to close.
I am also hoping to see the potential positive economic impacts of co...↓

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Comment From: Lee Peterson

8/14/25 @ 2:28 PM

MPCA,
I agree with the MPCA that a sulfate variance at the Keetac Mine needs to be denied. It's incredible that they've been operating without a permit since 2016. That's sad.

Five years is too long to wait for them to come into compliance with the ...↓

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