Full disclosure: Absolute Michigan is actively working with Save the Wild UP.

Is Acid Mine Drainage for Michigan?
Also see What is Acid Mine Drainage?

As readers may be aware, we at Absolute Michigan are firmly opposed to anything that harms the beauty and health of Michigan's environment. Today we would like to introduce you to one of the greatest threats we know of: metallic sulfide mining. The science is complex, but these two simple facts tell you pretty much all you need to know:

1. Sulfide mining (or acid mining) unlocks sulfide dust that, when mixed with water, forms sulfuric acid. You may know it better as "battery acid". You may also know better than to dump it in a river or lake.
2. Every sulfide mine in a water-rich environment has polluted either its ground or surface water. That's "every" as in "every single one" or "every time".

The state of Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has already issued a preliminary permit for a sulfide mine that will be located directly underneath the Salmon-Trout River on the Yellow Dog Plains north of Marquette. The Salmon-Trout wanders through the Yellow Dog for a few miles before flowing into Lake Superior and is thought to be the only spawning ground for the endangered coaster brook trout on Michigan's northern shore.

Fishing the Falls by Jim Sorbie

Well that's fine and dandy but what can I do?

• If "battery acid" and "every time" and "underneath a river" are bouncing around in your head like angry ping-pong balls, you need to get out to the DEQ Permit Hearings in Marquette (Mar 6-8) or Lansing (Mar 12). Click for details on times and process. (you can also submit written comment)
• If this isn't alarming to you, check out this mining map. Understand that we're not talking about one mine way up in the UP ... we're talking about turning the wolves loose on the whole state of Michigan. Guess that "Pure Michigan" thing will have to be tweaked.
• If you'd like to do more, thanks, and a great place to start is to Take Action on Acid Mining.
• If you're wondering what all the talk about Greg Brown was, head over to Save the Wild UP for a slideshow of the beauty of the Upper Peninsula set to a song from Greg's new CD, Yellow Dog. The CD benefits the Yellow Dog Preserve and will be available for sale at the hearings and from Earthwork Music.