Communities in northern Wisconsin are working on their next steps following a recent law change that'll give companies an easier time moving forward with plans to mine metals.
Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the repeal of a decades-old sulfide mining moratorium took effect this month. The moratorium required companies to provide proof of a sulfide mine that had operated for 10 years and been closed for 10 years without doing environmental harm.
Supporters of the repeal contend it'll allow companies to construct mines that will bring economic prosperity to their regions. Opponents say they fear mining sulfide minerals will lead to contamination of surrounding water resources.
Dan Bahr with the Wisconsin Counties Association says the association has created a model ordinance and handbook to guide counties through the changes and oversight of potential mining projects.
