5/15/2026

GOGEBIC COUNTY - Environmental groups are urging Michigan regulators to take a closer look at how wastewater from the proposed Copperwood Mine could affect endangered redside dace fish in Gogebic County. The state has extended public comment on the mine’s wastewater permit due to strong public interest. Opponents, like Protect the Porkies, say up to 500-thousand gallons of treated wastewater a day could harm fish habitat downstream, while Highland Copper says studies show the project will not impact the species. State regulators maintain the permit meets water quality standards and say the fish population is found upstream from the discharge site. Public copies of the environmental study regarding the fish have not been made readily available.