Mining company penalized for landfill violations

Northshore Mining Co. has paid more than $37,000 in fines for discharge violations at its landfill in Silver Bay.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, heavy rains and spring thaw caused unpermitted discharges four times over a two-year period. Some of the leachate reached the Beaver River, which flows into Lake Superior.

Northshore Mining is owned by Cleveland Cliffs Corp. Cliff's spokeswoman Maureen Talarico says the company is in the process of improving the site.

"We've implemented immediate measures to prevent further releases. Plus, we're going to commit to a landfill expansion that will basically provide retention for more than seven inches of rain in a 24-hour period," said Talarico. "We'll also reconfigure the edge of the landfill for improved drainage to the internal water collection system."

Northshore Mining's landfill collects waste ash and demolition debris generated by Northshore's mining operations. Improvements to the landfill are expected to be in place this fall.

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