Who hasn't been riveted by the spectacular images of Michigan in the award-winning Pure Michigan ads? Many of these spots focus on our state's most defining feature -- water.
Each of us has a favorite stream, river, lake or Great Lake -- the inland seas that make Michigan one of the world's most easily identifiable places. As the stewards of the world's largest fresh water reservoir, we know there is no pure Michigan without pure water.
Today our water is under threat. Mining companies are exploring an ore body that extends from Minnesota to Wisconsin to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and down into the tip of the mitten. These proposed sulfide and uranium mines differ from the oxide mining historically done in this region. Mining companies are buying thousands of acres of mineral rights and exploring sites across Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Sulfide mining and water don't mix. In Michigan's water-rich environment there is virtually no safe way to conduct this type of mining. When mining activities expose sulfide-bearing rock to air and water, it decomposes, releasing sulfuric acid, which causes acid mine drainage and heavy-metal acid rain that can be devastating to fresh water, fish and wildlife even hundreds of miles beyond the mine or processing sites.
For six years there has been a legal challenge. While the case is extremely strong, a decision could still be a couple years away and would only apply to the Eagle project near Big Bay. According to mining giant Rio Tinto, sulfide mining is fast moving toward automation using robotics rather than miners. Most of the jobs would go to specialized imported workers.
After the mines are depleted, they would shut down, taking the wealth with them and leaving us to clean up.
The only way to give voice to this threat and win the battle for pure water is to reach voters directly via a ballot initiative campaign. This powerful tool provides an effective grassroots political front. It will help reach all those who believe fresh water is our most important strategic resource.
We will gather 400,000 signatures to secure a spot on the 2010 ballot.
The language proposed is tough, and it should be since the stakes are so high. We consulted the best legal, technical and political minds to put it together. It protects our water by shoring up weaknesses in Michigan's existing law, including prohibiting sulfide mining within 2,000 feet of a body of water unless it can be proven no harm will be done. It also corrects an oversight with respect to uranium mining -- namely, Michigan has no rules pertaining to it.
As former Gov. Bill Milliken says, "I am a big believer in the wisdom of the people of this great state and know that if given the choice, they will always choose protecting Michigan's water and environment over other interests."
Wisconsin has already strengthened regulations on sulfide mining. It's time for Michigan to do likewise. Learn more or join our cause at: miwater.org.
About the author: Duncan Campbell is treasurer for the Michigan Save Our Water Committee and is directing its MiWater ballot initiative campaign. A Michigan native, he has a master's degree from Michigan State University and runs his own digital mapping company. He has been an avid outdoorsman and conservationist since his Eagle Scout days and spent his youth camping throughout Michigan and exploring Lake Superior.
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