Near Birch Lake Reservoir, Jeff Hanson’s mobile lab is testing a potentially proven, cost-effective method to remove sulfate from watersheds flowing into the Boundary Waters. This pollution, a byproduct of taconite mining, harms humans and contributes to toxic mercury levels in fish.
Blue-green algae is spreading in BWCAW lakes. A $1.3 million grant will be used to study its impact. While visitors should assess their own risk, the researchers also provide tips to help limit exposure.
The Northern Lakes Scientific Advisory Panel reports that walleye in Crane Lake, gateway to Voyageurs National Park, contain four times more mercury than those in nearby unimpaired lakes. Upstream sulfate pollution from taconite mines may be to blame.
Legislation introduced in Congress would reinstate Twin Metals Minnesota’s federal mineral leases and reverse the 20-year mining moratorium near the BWCAW.
Federal, state, and local crews are actively cleaning up areas of environmental contamination on the Thomson Reservoir. This reservoir, which is part of the St. Louis River, plays a central role in a broader effort to repair historic industrial pollution that has long plagued the watershed and the largest river feeding into Lake Superior.
President Trump recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate domestic mineral production in northern MN, including the proposed NorthMet mine. Advocacy groups criticize the effort, saying the current administration is ignoring science.
Two bills have been reintroduced to the legislature to address wilderness protection and mining practices near the BWCAW. Supporters of mining highlight its positive impact on local revenue and economic growth. However, opponents continue to advocate for protecting the wilderness and surrounding areas, noting that they contain some of the cleanest waters on Earth.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals sided with an environmental group over a mining expansion project along the North Shore. They ruled that the MNDNR must reconsider whether an EIS is necessary for the proposed expansion of the Mile Post 7 tailings pond. Northshore Mining is working to fulfill a permit to expand the basin just 3 miles from Lake Superior.
Multiple environmental groups traveled to Washington D.C., recently for the latest appeal by Twin Metals Minnesota. The Chilean-owned mining company has been seeking to reinstate two mineral leases near the BWCAW and other critical watersheds. The company appealed to a panel of judges, aiming to reinstate two preferential rights applications that would allow the company to build a mine south of Ely.
The MN DNR recently announced it will suspend its review of the PolyMet copper-nickel sulfide permit until late next year. “This decision recognizes that PolyMet owes Minnesotans transparency and honesty instead of continuing to waste scarce resources and everyone’s time.” said JT Haines from MCEA.
Advocates for clean water warn that a mining project near Lake Superior could harm human health and the environment in the long term.
Since 2021, the USFS Northern Research Station’s Mercury Sulfur Initiative Working Group has been studying mercury and sulfur pollution in the Upper Great Lakes region. They will be hosting a webinar series on reducing these harmful chemicals in water and soil. Innovative research includes using trees, plants and microbes to remediate pollution.
Last week, Representative Pete Stauber attached five amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. These aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While four of those amendments were defeated, one remains under review.
PFAS or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances are raining down on Lake Superior, contaminating its waters. A recent study reveals that rain has played a large role in spreading PFAS into all five Great Lakes. Actions are being taken at the federal and state levels to remove these toxins.
New legislation has been announced at the Minnesota state capitol, seeking to strengthen protections of the Boundary Waters from mining pollution. Chief authors Sen. Kelly Morrison and Rep. Sandra Feist seek to put legal restrictions on four specific mining practices they say represent unacceptable risk upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Extensive citizen science provides data showing existing mines are dumping sulfate into sensitive waters.
New research reveals widespread presence of pollutants being studied for the first time.
Justices find that state and federal agencies concealed concerns about water pollution potential.
Which lakes in the BWCAW are the most crystal clear? Satellite data analyzed by the University of Minnesota yields insights. #10 – Lac la Croix…
Professor of geology studied several mines that supposedly have not polluted, and found they don’t meet proposed Minnesota standards.