Mining project could have long-term impacts for the North Shore
Advocates for clean water warn that a mining project near Lake Superior could harm human health and the environment in the long term.
Pollution
Remediating mercury and sulfur pollution in Upper Great Lakes
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.
Proposed amendments aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban
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 are raining down on Lake Superior
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.
Legislators seek to ban risky mining practices in BWCA wilderness watershed
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.
Birch Lake near BWCAW polluted by sulfate, advocates blame taconite mines
Extensive citizen science provides data showing existing mines are dumping sulfate into sensitive waters.
Biologists find northern MN fish contaminated with chemicals
New research reveals widespread presence of pollutants being studied for the first time.
Minnesota Supreme Court revokes PolyMet permit, criticizes secrecy
Justices find that state and federal agencies concealed concerns about water pollution potential.
The top 10 clearest lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Which lakes in the BWCAW are the most crystal clear? Satellite data analyzed by the University of Minnesota yields insights. #10 – Lac la Croix…
Report documents how “model mines” actually contaminate environment
Professor of geology studied several mines that supposedly have not polluted, and found they don’t meet proposed Minnesota standards.
New film explores the dark skies of Minnesota-Ontario
‘Northern Nights, Starry Skies’ features inspiring images, cultural knowledge, and light pollution threats.
Court to consider challenges to PolyMet mine proposal this week
The merits of PolyMet Mining Corp.’s plan to seal its waste in clay to prevent pollution are being closely debated in a St. Paul courtroom this week.
Boundary Waters receives ‘International Quiet Park’ designation
The BWCAW’s lack of human noise is recognized as increasingly important. This award honors the quietest places in the world.
Beyond the Boundary Waters Mining Ban: What’s Next for Minnesota Wilderness
After last month’s announcement that protects the BWCAW for 20 years, more threats and protection work remains.
Biden administration bans mining in Boundary Waters watershed for 20 years
Agency order protects wilderness from mining pollution for maximum time allowed by law.
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in the Boundary Waters: Part II
“Soon enough we were afloat again on the other end of the portage — and then we were paddling through green slime. The cyanobacteria in a shallow bay on the west side of the lake was ten times thicker than on Sawbill…”
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in Boundary Waters: Part I
Intense study of several northern Minnesota lakes seeks answers about past and future of region’s famous waters.
Rep. Stauber bill would shorten environmental review for mine proposals
Northern Minnesota member of Congress seeks to speed up approval of mine proposals like Twin Metals.
New methods to remove sulfate pollution from mining may help protect wild rice
New technology being tested by the U of M could remove sulfate pollution from wastewater and mining discharge, but will it be soon enough for wild rice?
New lawsuit alleges changes to Minnesota’s water quality rules put wild rice at risk
Fond du Lac and Grand Portage Bands file lawsuit over approval of revised state rules.