MARQUETTE COUNTY -- Friday is the big day for the Kennecott nickel and copper mine project in the Yellow Dog Plains of Marquette County.

That's when the Department of Environmental Quality will announce whether it will approve or reject Kennecott's request for permits to build the mine.

However, if the DEQ gives the go-ahead, there's still another obstacle to overcome:  the DNR, which has to approve its own permits. The DNR decision isn't expected until January 10.

"The DNR has sent us a letter asking for a few clarifications in the process," said Jon Cherry, the project manager for Kennecott. "Mostly with regard to long-term monitoring plans."

Michelle Halley of the National Wildlife Federation says the split decision between the two agencies doesn't make much sense.

"We have one state agency, the DNR, saying they don't have enough information to make a decision on the surface lease, and yet we have a different state agency, the DEQ, apparently saying they have enough information and are granting the permits."

The DEQ has given preliminary approval to the permits, but has not yet given final approval.

Several environmental groups and many local residents oppose the Kennecott mine because they believe it may jeopardize the environment on the Yellow Dog Plains.