Nolan Applauds Forest Service Completion of Land Exchange Record of Decision for PolyMet Project

U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today applauded the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) release of its final, signed “Record of Decision,” a major achievement for the Nolan-backed PolyMet project.

Superior National Forest (SNF) Supervisor Connie Cummins’ signature on the Record of Decision allows PolyMet and the Forest Service to execute a land exchange necessary for PolyMet to begin mining the NorthMet deposit, while increasing the SNF’s net wetlands acreage and allowing for better land management administration.

“This is wonderful news for our Iron Range,” Nolan said. “We are another step closer to making the Polymet initiative a reality. I will continue to work with the appropriate agencies to ensure that the proposed project moves forward in an efficient manner.”

Congressman Nolan’s frequent dialogue and correspondence with top leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service has been crucial to getting a final signed Record of Decision.

Before the Forest Service can move forward with implementing the decision, the agency must print, publish and mail the Final ROD, as well as publish a legal notice. Additional steps for the project include:

• The final component of the environmental review will be the U.S Army Corps’ Record of Decision, and is expected to be completed in the near future.
• The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency must still sign off on their respective permits.