Canadian National Railway is disputing the ore dock demolition permit issued by the city of Ashland. Danielle Kaeding reports from Ashland.

The city’s drinking water supply is one of the bones of contention. Either way, the historic structure will not be torn down this year.

Canadian National spokesman Patrick Waldron said last week that conditions of the permit issued by the city are "not acceptable." However, Waldron declined to comment on the specifics of negotiations between the railway company and Ashland city officials. Yet, Ashland Planning Director Brea Grace says the railroad took issue with insurance coverage and water quality standards imposed by the city.

"They wanted to use the state drinking water standards. Our water intake is 1500 feet or so from the end of the ore dock. The city of Ashland is obviously concerned about supplying safe and healthy drinking water to our community. There are some testing requirements that go beyond the state drinking water quality standards. The city was not comfortable using just that as the only measure of water quality."

The permit also gives the city the right to issue a stop work order if testing shows that water quality has been affected by the demolition. As far as liability is concerned, Grace says the city used the same insurance requirements that CN has used on permits that the railroad has issued to Ashland in the past.

CN spokesman Patrick Waldron has said the railway company offered to send representatives to Ashland for further negotiations on the demolition permit. Ashland Mayor Bill Whalen says there's nothing more to discuss, and Canadian National can begin demolishing the historic ore dock anytime.

"There's a mediation clause in the permit. When you're moving along on a project this size, you just can't encompass everything that may present itself and you might have to work your way through it. We have a mediation contract in there so the project can continue on its way, and we can sit down and work out those details."

CN's Waldron said demolition of the nearly century old ore dock will not begin this year. Ashland's Grace says the State of Wisconsin requires that the ore dock be completely removed from the bed of Lake Superior by the beginning of 2015.

Canadian National spokeswoman Kelli Svendsen says the railway company just received a response today from the city of Ashland in regards to a letter sent by the railroad addressing CN's concerns with the demolition permit. CN is reviewing the letter and will draft a response. However, Svendsen doesn't know when that may be.

Danielle Kaeding is the webmaster and news reporter for gitchegumeegamut.com.

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