 Environmental groups have gone to court to challenge the state's decision to grant key permits for the proposed poly-med copper nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and its allies say the permits would allow poly-med to threaten water quality downstream for centuries, that they failed to address safety concerns about the mine's proposed waste dam, and that they failed to protect taxpayers from cleanup costs. The group Jobs for a Minnesotans released a statement today calling the appeal one more attempt to delay a critical project for the state that has demonstrated it can meet or exceed regulatory standards. It said the project deserves to move ahead without further delay. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.