Major development slated for Lake Vermilion

[Ely Lake Expert]

This is the first I have heard of this. I really wish they would just keep vermillion that way it is.

Ryan

[StillFishin']

Emails send off to the Gov, St Loius Co. Plannig Comm., and the DNR.

Three main points were made:(1)Against US Steel trying to go against the Breiting plan that is in place, (2) Crictial lake habitat must be preserved, and (3) Against such a large scale developement in a now pristine area of the Lake ALL AT ONCE.

StillFishin'

[JMWalleyes]

What a sham! It sure sounds like the f$x is in An AUAR?? Yeah right! A full EIS will cleary sink thier ship and they know it!I'm curious to know the real reasons Commisioner Fink and his staff are so vehemently opposed to it?? My hat is off to Berglund, Envail and to all of you who have chosen to take up the fight to protect what the deep pockets wish to exploit. Although I live 600 miles away from all of you, I pray for your success.

This is reprinted from the Timberjay.

Saturday, December 04, 2001904 Volume 15, Issue 47

U.S. Steel plan for Vermilion goes forward

By Marshall Helmberger

U.S. Steel?s plans for major new development on Lake Vermilion?s east end moved a step forward on Thursday, with a decision by the St. Louis County Planning Commission to order a scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet on two separate proposals.

The county will now weigh the merits of U.S. Steel?s proposal compared with a traditional plat that company officials said complies with existing ordinances.

The decision, on a 5-2 vote, came after nearly six hours of debate and testimony by county and other public agency staff, local elected officials, U.S. Steel representatives and members of the public, held at the Biwabik City Hall.

County planning staff had recommended that the planning commission give conditional approval to U.S. Steel?s preferred proposal, which would develop 73 waterfront lots and about 60 non-lakeshore lots on a 1,400-acre parcel of rugged undeveloped land in Breitung Township.

They had also sought commission approval for a Alternative Urban Area Review, a relatively new environmental review process which would take the place of a full Environmental Impact Statement.

Instead, the planning commission postponed that decision until the results of the scoping EAW are available. County Commissioner Dennis Fink, who also serves on the planning commission, said the scoping document should help the commission better decide whether an EIS or an AUAR is a more appropriate review process. Under state law, the project triggers a mandatory EIS, but state rules now offer the AUAR as a possible alternative, contingent on approval by the state?s Environmental Quality Board.

The question of whether to proceed at all with a study of U.S. Steel?s preferred plan was the subject of considerable debate. Planning Commission member Barb Berglund, an Ely attorney, said she wasn?t comfortable ordering environmental review on a proposal that county staff acknowledged does not meet the provisions of the Tower-Breitung Comprehensive Plan or the countywide water plan. Neither of those plans allow a lakeshore density bonus for residential planned unit developments. According to county staff, such a development would be allowed no more than 61 units within the lakefront tier under the present rules and that approval of U.S. Steel?s request for 73 units would require amending the Tower-Breitung Comprehensive Plan and the county?s water plan.

Nor was Berglund, or anyone on the commission, pleased with the alternative subdivision proposal offered by U.S. Steel. Commission Chair Paula Bloczynski called the proposal submitted by the company?s design firm, LHB Architects, a ?worst-case scenario,? and questioned whether it was done in good faith. County planning staffer Mark Johnson acknowledged that the subdivision likely would not be approved by the county as submitted.

Local officials and residents had made similiar points during about two hours of public testimony. Tim Kotzian, chair of the Lake Vermilion plan?s citizen steering committee called the subdivision plan ?far-fetched,? and urged the commission to listen to the local residents who expressed their views in the local comprehensive plan. ?The townships and the people are trusting you as the county to do this right,? he said.

Breitung Town Board Chair Tim Tomsich said township officials are in support of development of the site, but want to make sure it reflects the local wishes expressed in the comprehensive plan and accompanying ordinance. Tomsich said the U.S. Steel proposal has some good elements, such as greater setbacks than required in the comprehensive plan, but he said the lot sizes fall well short of the standards set in the plan.

?You?ve got a one-time shot to get this right,? said Tower Mayor Steve Abrahamson. ?Take the time needed to get all the answers and do it right,? he said.

U.S. Steel representatives said their proposal, which they term a ?conservation plan? was developed after many months of careful review and with full consideration of the Tower-Breitung plan. LHB designer Dave Chmielewski said the proposal protects the environment and water quality by leaving sensitive areas as open space and focusing development in areas where it was best-suited. He said covenants and deed restrictions proposed in the development would limit clearing and the number of docks, although he acknowledged U.S. Steel has yet to decide whether to prohibit boathouses in the development.

Chmielewski argued the environmental impact of their preferred proposal would be less than that resulting from the subdivision proposal they offered and said the overall density of development would actually be less.

?We believe this plan meets the goals of the comprehensive plan and we are confident it is the better plan,? he said.

Yet not everyone on the planning commission was ready to accept that argument. After the public testimony was ended, Berglund offered a motion to reject U.S. Steel?s proposal without prejudice, and give the company one year to come back with a plan that was consistent with existing ordinances. Her motion was seconded by Ron Envall, a commission member from Fredenburg Township. ?I just don?t see how 100 foot lots are compliant with the Breitung plan,? said Envall.

But Berglund?s motion was voted down 5-2 after Commissioner Fink and county staff members argued vehemently against it. Fink then offered a motion to move ahead with the scoping EAW, which will help identify the questions to be answered by whichever environmental review process the commission eventually selects. Fink?s motion was approved 5-2, with Berglund and Envall voting against.

The decision didn?t sit well with local officials. The issue was on the Tower City Council agenda for Monday night, too late for the Timberjay?s early holiday deadline. But city officials are looking into hiring an attorney and are hoping to work closely with Breitung Township officials to develop a united front in pushing for significant modification of the U.S. Steel proposal. See next week?s issue of the Timberjay for more on this developing story.

.

[guideman]

Hi All,

The first Minnesota Muskie Alliance meeting of the year is this weekend in Brainerd. I have the 3 Bays development project on the meeting agenda and there will be representitives from the DNR at the meeting.

If anyone from the area wants to attend I'll be leaving Saturday morning about 6:00am. This is an opportunity to get us some state wide support for the cause. You can call me at 218-753-2612 or you can shoot me an e-mail if you'd like to ride with me to the meeting.

The SCLV had their December meeting last night so I'm hopping to finally get a reply from them on this issue. So far they have been totally silent even after I sent them several e-mails on the subject. Keep sending those e-mails and calling to let the money grabers know we are tired of it and we won't take it anymore.

Thanks Guys!

"Ace"

[jparrucci]

Funny how US Steel can build 73 new lots, but we can't even update our existing cabin. The restrictions on some of the building permits are ridiculous. If the council doesnt like you or know you, you are out. Need a new roof? Good luck! Without the approval, almost any building is impossible. I can see why some of you are upset at this, and I don't really like the idea either. But I want to know how they get the OK to build, and we can't even update our cabin? What a joke. Then again, no suprise, it is DFL country up here.

[Sportland_Bait]

Well I'm sorry to say, but welcome to the Brainerd Lakes Area. Thats exactly what has happened to our area over the years. All of the best spawning habitat has nearly been destroyed. I wish you guys the best of luck in your battle of preservation. I visited the lake Vermillion resorts many times when I was young it is truly a beautiful area. I hope it never changes.

Jason Erlandson

[upnorth]

I hate to tell you this jparrucci, but the it is usually the GOP that is for the big money folks.

But I don't think it is going to do anyone any good to sit and point fingers at political parties at this point. Better to unite and see if this kinda thing can be at least controlled if not averted. If we just sit and sling mud at the political parties we will be falling into exactly what they want, take the focus off them and the project and sit and bicker amongst ourselves.

There is number, email and snail mail addresses that we can send out thoughts on this kinda thing to, I did and if everyone else does they at least know that we know that they in violation of the Tower-Breitung agreement.

[guideman]

I doubt that any of the board of directors from U.S.Steel voted DFL in November. Lets have some reality for a moment here.

On Wednesday December 15th at 6:00pm there will be a joint meeting of the Township of Breitung and the city of Tower to discuss the proposed "3 Bays project". There should be some members of the St.Louis county planning board in attendance.

If you live in the area this is a MUST attend for anyone interested in saving this area of the lake from over development. If you can't attend you are encouraged to write a brief letter expressing their views and address them either to;

The town board, township of Breitung, PO Box 56, Soudan, MN 55782 or

City of Tower, PO Box 576 Tower, MN 55790

"Ace"

[garytheguide]

the project they are planning will absolutely devistate the east end of the lake...as well as affecting the whole lake...some of the most scenic shoreline will be destroyed...not to mention the fishing...the corporation will make all the money and take it with them out east or wherever they are from....they will be the only ones to win...at the cost of lake vermilion....when do we stop getting things shoved down our throat for the bigwigs gains???this is very bad news for us..very bad....Ace has been doing alot of work on this...he is a good contact on this issue...or catastrophy....we need to stop this crap ....enough is enough....unless its a greedy corp. that has no regard for our lake and what it means...I say stay away you greedy _______ers!!!

[upnorth]

If this goes through Vermilion will be well on the way to becoming Minnetonka north. And that just ain't funny.

This is just too pretty part of the world to become a freakin condo farm. I realize it will do some good to the local economy as far as bringing in people with money to spend at the local store and gas stations, but at what long term cost? In the long run I think it will ruin the area for tourism cuz it is gonna be to populated to be a place where you would want to take a get away vaction.

I don't live in the immediate area, but you guys over there have my full support.

[Fisherman For a Lifetime]

Terry,

I sent off detailed E-Mails to each of the contacts you listed in your posting. I cannot make the meeting, but please let me know what else I can do to help.

[guideman]

Thanks Fisherman,

I'm sure there will be other meetings before it's

over. All we can do is keep on keeping on and let them know we aren't happy about this development.

The more people that get involved the better our chances are of making a difference.

[MT Net]

Well, I'm still waiting to hear from my eamils. Has anyone else heard back?

I hope that Gov. Pawlenty will see firsthand the 3 bays area during the Walleye Opener next year. I also invited him to stop in for coffee sometime during the Opener. We'll see.

Terry, how did the MN Muskie Alliance meeting go?

[upnorth]

I emailed everyone and all that I got back was an auto response from Pawlenty that he doesn't respond to individual email, so I am not holding my breath to hear anything back from any of them.

[TomWehler]

Write the Gov. people.

Drop him a post card?

Short letter with you conserns?

He is easy to talk with and delagates pretty good.

Time will tell so keep givien them Hell!

Tom

[guideman]

Hi MT,

The meeting with the MMA went well, they will be drafting a letter to all the principles in this county supporting changes in the development. I also met with 2 representitives from the DNR and they were very sympathetic to our cause. They are sending me information on who to call and which state agencies can help us fight this thing.

Some of the key issues that we need to address are the boat ramps and docks, their failure to follow the existing laws pertaining to land use and the impact of the development of the fishery.

"Ace"

[guideman]

There were 46 people at the meeting in Tower last night, they voted overwhelmingly to make U.S X come up with a plan that follows all guidlines set forth in the Tower/Breitung plan. This wasn't an offical board meeting however we let our local commissioners know where the voters stood on this issue.

"Ace"

[Parker]

As someone who could not attend this meeting, I would personally like to thank everyone who took the time to attend. Thank you for doing your part.

[StillFishin']

I second Parker's statment praising all that went to the meeting. Any mention of all those that wrote/emailed their objections to the project?

StillFishin'

[BigFisherman]

Guideman, we have been through this very thing on our little lake here in Itasca County. We managed to file a petition for an EIS (Enivromental Impact Study)with the DNR in St. Paul, worked with and around our County Commissioners, and eventually managed to "save" our lake from serious permenant damage.

While Vermillion is not an enviromental fragil lake the type of developement described is potentially harmful. Should you wish to pursue please let me know & I can forward to you the rules etc for filing the EIS to get things started.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Quote:

---

Guideman, we have been through this very thing on our little lake here in Itasca County. We managed to file a petition for an EIS (Enivromental Impact Study)with the DNR in St. Paul, worked with and around our County Commissioners, and eventually managed to "save" our lake from serious permenant damage.

While Vermillion is not an enviromental fragil lake the type of developement described is potentially harmful. Should you wish to pursue please let me know & I can forward to you the rules etc for filing the EIS to get things started.

---

Vermilion is as Environmentaly fragil as any lake!

It may take a little longer to show up, but the effect will be the same!

Cliff

[JMWalleyes]

You are absolutely right Cliff, Vermilion is very fragile.

On a whim I decided to do a web search of USX to see if there was any other info available on this development subject and lo and behold I come upon links regarding USX subsidiary in Virginia "Minntac" and it's possible plans(if approved)to dump/pump millions of gallons of tailings wastewater daily (billions a year)into the tributaries that feed the Pike river and thus Vermilion . This may be old news to some of you, but (not being from your area) it is shocking news to me. I can't believe this s***!!! It's absolutely unbelievable a proposal that would pollute God's country is even being considered!!! How come this has not been discussed here on this forum before? In my opinion , this would have a far more serious ecological impact on the lake and its fishery (and the envir-oment /fisheries of those lakes to the north )than any housing development ever could! The enviromental impact statement ( exploring all alternatives)is supposedly due out this winter. I've gotta go... those sobs just ruined my day

[garytheguide]

that meeting was interesting...it is real strange the way they want to do there thing...the marinas are slated for very shallow water...wich makes no sense....and that is just one of the bad plans they have...just think of how much fill they are going to need and what will they use for that...as one guy said at the meeting..this plan looks like it is full of smoke and mirrors...they are afterall ruthless and devious...thinking of new angles to halt this...I just hate the thought of this...especially from some big corp. like this.............

[Cliff Wagenbach]

JMWalleyes,

That news is also old news to some of us, but there are a lot of uninformed people out there that do not know of this dumping request!

Just goes to show you how environmentally concious U.S. Steel really is.

Cliff

[upnorth]

JM that topic has been brought previously, although I think it was rather brief.

I don't think the Vermilion forum sees a lot of traffic compared to the rest of them. It definetly doesn't see as much posting.

It really be nice if more people would at least send their displeasure to the government officials that are making the decisions here, it seems that they can do things in private and word never gets out until it is too late.

[husker4u9899]

Everyone who has a interest in preserving the lake as it exists today needs to redouble their efforts to protect the lake from the efforts of US Steel, both their development and the proposed "dumping" of their excess water from their retention ponds from their mine in Virgina. If you have started any kind of petion for out of state people to sign who are also concerned, please direct me to that effort. The more of us involved increases the chances of a sucessful outcome. Visit Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to see what can happen when development runs wild. This was also a beautiful secnic area with great fishing at one time, with local ownership of housing, stores etc. NOT ANYMORE CORPORATE AMERICA CONTROLS THE LAKE PS: see you all in June.

[Silver Scale]

The Environmental Impact Statement for Mintac, US Steel, on releasing water from their tailings pond is suppose to be out for public review and comment in Janurary. When I see it I will let you know where you can get a copy or try and summarize the alternatives on this board. There are several alternatives, according to pretty reliable rumors. None of it may end up either in Vermilion or the Dark River, which is an excellent trout stream. Stay tuned..

[guideman]

I talked to Paula B. from the SCLV board while at breakfast this morning. She said that the SCLV is making Mintac tailings dumping issue their number one priority and they have already spent $5000.00

doing core samples.

This won't come easy for U.S. X, there will be a public meeting on the issue some time in January.

Best thing to do right now is keep on writing those letters to the people that have the final say on this issue.

"Ace"

[guideman]

Hey all,

I just want to keep this one in the public eye.

I'll post any info I get in the weeks to come on both of these issues.

"Ace"

[fwp]

I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY THAT SOME TOWN BOARD MEMBERS FROM BRIETUNG AND OFFICIALS FROM TOWER ARE GOING TO MEET AT MINNTAC NEXT MONDAY. I GUESS MINNTAC INVITED THEM. I HOPE WE DON'T GET SOLD OUT!