E.P.A. Public Hearing on Wetland Fill Permit Application for Co. Road 595 in Marquette, Michigan

For Immediate Release

No. 12-OPA058

CHICAGO (July 30, 2012) - The E.P.A. will hold a public hearing on August 28th to take comments on the Marquette Co. Road Commission's application for a wetland fill permit for the construction of Co. Road 595. E.P.A. scheduled the hearing at the request of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

The Road Commission has suggested a new 21.5-mile primary Co. road, running north-south between U.S. Hwy. 41 and Co. 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 plans under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for wetlands, lakes and streams. EPA's role is to ensure that suggested plans comply with federal guidelines. At the hearing, E.P.A. will take comments on 2 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. E.P.A. will hold an informational question-and-answer session immediately before the public hearing -- at six p.m. on Aug. 28. The public hearing begins at seven 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 review period started on July 27 and concludes on Sept. 4, 2012. Comments should be addressed to Melanie Haveman, U.S. E.P.A. (WW-16J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604-3590 or [email protected]. For questions or additional information, call E.P.A. 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 accessible on EPA's website at www.epa.gov/region5/water/cr595.

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

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