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EPA Public Hearing on Wetland Fill Permit Application for County Road 595 in Marquette, Michigan

Release Date: 07/30/2012
Contact Information: Anne Rowan, 312-353-9391, [email protected]; Peter Cassell, 312-886-6234, [email protected]; Brad Wurfel, 517-241-7395, [email protected]

For Immediate Release

No. 12-OPA058

CHICAGO (July 30, 2012) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing on August 28th to take comments on the Marquette County Road Commission’s application for a wetland fill permit for the construction of County Road 595. EPA scheduled the hearing at the request of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

The Road Commission has proposed a new 21.5-mile primary county road, running north-south between U.S. Highway 41 and County Road Triple A, through Champion, Ely, Humbolt and Michigamme Townships. According to the application, construction would affect 25.81 acres of wetlands and would require the building of 22 stream crossings.

MDEQ has the authority to issue permits for projects under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for wetlands, lakes and streams. EPA’s role is to ensure that proposed projects comply with federal guidelines. At the hearing, EPA will take comments on two issues: (1) whether there are practical, alternate routes for the road which would have less impact on aquatic resources; and (2) proposals to mitigate damage to wetlands and streams.

Oral and written comments will be taken at the public hearing. EPA will hold an informational question-and-answer session immediately before the public hearing -- at 6 p.m. on Aug. 28. The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. Both will be held at Northern Michigan University, Don H. Bottums University Center, Ontario/Michigan/Huron Rooms, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette.

The public comment period started on July 27 and concludes on Sept. 4, 2012. Comments should be addressed to Melanie Haveman, U.S. EPA (WW-16J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604-3590 or [email protected]. For questions or additional information, call EPA toll-free at 800-621-8431, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,week days. Related documents and information about the public hearing are available on EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/region5/water/cr595.

The official records are also available at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St., Ishpeming.