Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Anne Moore, 218-723-2356 Saint Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is extending its initial public comment period on the draft air emission permit for Minnesota Steel Industry's proposed taconite mining and steel production facility in Nashwauk, Minn. The public comment period is extended from July 30, 2007, to August 6, 2007. Comments on the draft air emission permit should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on August 6 to Dick Cordes' attention at the MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, Minn., 55155-4194; or faxed to his attention at 651-296-8717. For more information about the draft air permit, call Cordes at 651-296-8157 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864. Copies of the draft permit documents are available for review at:

• MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road North

• MPCA Duluth office, 525 Lake Avenue South, Suite 400

• MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/data/index.cfm?PN=1

• Duluth Public Library, 520 West Superior St.

• Keewatin Public Library, 125 W 3rd Ave.

• Hibbing Public Library, 2020 East 5th Ave.
The permitting process is an integral part of environmental regulation and regulatory compliance. The MPCA works with Minnesota businesses, the Minnesota Legislature and federal officials to ensure the process helps to protect the state's environment. For more information about the agency's permitting process, visit www.pca.state.mn.us/permits/index.html. For general information about the Minnesota Steel project, contact Anne Moore, MPCA Public Information Officer, at 218-723-2356 or anne.moore@state.mn.us.