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.
Pollution
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.
Reports say Rainy River Watersheds healthy, public comments invited
Rainy River drainages are in good shape, and officials want to keep it that way.
Report: Minnesota’s water under threat, new policies need to protect lakes and rivers
The Minnesota Water Report looks at six major challenges to clean water in the state, including proposed copper-nickel mines, agricultural runoff, discharges from wastewater treatment facilities, water availability, wildlife habitat, and inadequate environmental rules and laws.
Federal officials revoke key Twin Metals mining leases near Boundary Waters
Biden administration revokes Twin Metals mineral rights for proposed copper-nickel mine. Secretary Deb Haaland stated: “After a careful legal review, we found the leases were improperly renewed in violation of applicable statutes and regulations, and we are taking action to cancel them.”
Mining ban near the Boundary Waters? The public is asked to weigh in.
Discussions will cover proposed plan to prohibit new mining activities in locations that threaten BWCAW, if successful, the prohibition would effectively block the proposed Twin Metals mine.
Harmful algae blooms in Voyageurs, Isle Royale focus of new study
Federal agencies conducting research to understand threat of toxins produced by cyanobacteria
Minnesota DNR required to review mining issues
State agency will debate PolyMet tailings permit and evaluate overall regulations.
Report: water quality “pristine” in Boundary Waters watersheds needs protection
New reports detail pristine waters of northeastern Minnesota, threats to the health, and strategies to protect them.
EPA recognizes PolyMet mine could pollute tribal waters
In significant decision, federal agency says pollution from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine “may affect” downstream lakes and rivers under the jurisdiction of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
EPA identifies Minnesota wild rice waters affected by mine waste, sets up legal battle
Federal agency overrules state’s efforts to ignore sulfate pollution.