Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
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CRANDON, WI - Wisconsin residents strongly believe mining should be required to meet the same environmental standards as other industries according to a recent statewide poll commissioned by the Forest County Potawatomi Community. The poll finds that statewide, Wisconsin citizens are 18 to 1 in favor of requiring mines to meet the same groundwater and hazardous waste standards as other industries; more than 3 to 1 in support of a ban on the use of cyanide in mining; and, almost 4 to 1 against allowing companies with an history of pollution to mine in Wisconsin.

The scientific and random telephone poll surveyed 600 Wisconsin residents age 21 and over during the first two weeks of June 2001. The poll, conducted by Chamberlain Research Consultants of Madison, used standard polling techniques and can be projected to the population at large with a 95% degree of certainty.

"We are pleased to announce that Wisconsin residents of all ages, political parties, incomes, religions, occupations and geographic regions believe mining should be held to the same environmental standards as other industries," said Jeff Crawford, the Forest County Potawatomi Community Attorney General. "Stated simply, Wisconsin citizens do not want mining to have special treatment."

The poll shows the level of support for requiring mining to meet the same environmental standards as other industry remains high even in traditional mining areas like Northern Wisconsin, where historically mining has had its most vocal allies. In the Wausau/Rhinelander media market, 95% of those polled were in favor of requiring mines to meet the same groundwater and hazardous waste standards as other industries. Also, 65% of Northeastern Wisconsin supports a ban on cyanide in mining.

The poll also shows support for strict mining regulations is higher than average in Green Bay and the Fox Valley. For instance, while 60% of the state supports a ban on cyanide in mining, 64% of residents in the Green Bay/Appleton media market support the ban. In addition, while 70% of the state supports refusing mining permits to companies with a history of environmental pollution, 76% of the 8th Congressional district is in favor of refusing a mining permit to such a company.

Currently, Wisconsin mines are allowed to pollute within 1,200 feet of a mine or tailings dump while other solid waste facilities, such as landfills, are required to meet groundwater standards within 300 feet. In addition, unlike other industries that handle hazardous materials, mining is exempt from hazardous waste regulations. Wisconsin law also contains several loopholes that allow companies to obtain mining permits despite records of pollution.

"There is a belief that Wisconsin has strong environmental regulations for mining," continued Attorney General Crawford. "However, mining is not required to meet the same environmental standards as other industries. Mining is able to take advantage of significant loopholes in Wisconsin law that allows it to pollute more than other industries."

In addition to showing statewide support for requiring mining to meet the same environmental standards as other industries, the poll shows that Wisconsin residents oppose locating a sulfide mine in Northern Wisconsin. Statewide, 55% oppose locating a sulfide mine in Northern Wisconsin while 24% support such a mine. Opposition to mining rises in Green Bay and theFox Valley where 61% of the Green Bay/Appleton media market is opposed and 60% of the 8th Congressional district is opposed.

"We are gratified that people throughout Wisconsin are united in believing we need better laws governing the impacts of mining," said Chairman Gus Frank of the Forest County Potawatomi Community. "It is our hope that the leaders of Wisconsin are listening to what people throughout Wisconsin are saying and will take appropriate action to bring equal treatment to mining."