Thanks, rkeeb, for that summation of the meeting.  I found Max's comments quite interesting for an attorney who is supposed to be aware of the limitations on behavior as stipulated by applicable law.

"Max mentioned how someone “has told him it is a complex water table with perched aquifers”.     Max asked the NDEP to do what is right, not what is easy.    The NDEP tried to wrap him up (as they did with anyone going over 4 min) and Max said, “if you won’t stop this mine, the people will need to” (paraphrasing) "

It is quite evident that Max considers himself to be above any legal obstacles and intent on using the law where convenient and going beyond it when he feels it is necessary to accomplish his vision of how the world should be.  He may, in this instance, find himself in the position of placing himself in a position of commiting hubris and have to face the consequences, law degree or no law degree.  That would indeed be "poetic justice".  Be careful Mr. Max!