Pollution Archives

EPA Will Study Source of Air Pollution in Region’s National Parks and Wilderness

September 15, 2019June 30, 2014 by Greg Seitz

Agency pledges to investigate emissions from coal-burning power plant in central Minnesota. Reduced visibility in federally-protected areas in northern Minnesota and Lake Superior was the subject of a legal settlement reached last week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups.

Study Will Examine Water Quality in Rainy River Watershed

December 18, 2014June 25, 2014 by Greg Seitz

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has commenced a major study of water in the region.

Mercury Levels Drop in Wild Northern Minnesota Lakes

December 18, 2014June 11, 2014 by Greg Seitz

Research attributes reductions of the toxic metal in water and fish samples to restrictions on emissions.

Wild Rice Study Sidelined at Last Minute

December 12, 2014February 27, 2014 by Greg Seitz

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency changes plan to announce recommendations for regulating discharges from mines and other facilities.

Poll Shows Support for PolyMet Amidst Many Undecided Minnesotans

December 12, 2014February 21, 2014 by Greg Seitz

Results of a Star Tribune poll include supporters outnumbering opponents two-to-one, and a lot of people who haven’t made up their minds.

Study of Mine Waste Impacts on Wild Rice Released

December 12, 2014January 10, 2014 by Greg Seitz

Research on how sulfates affect the official state grain of Minnesota will be used to determine if a key water quality standard should be changed.

Recent Developments in the PolyMet Environmental Review

December 12, 2014December 23, 2013 by Greg Seitz

The statewide conversation continues with high-stakes advocacy and calls for caution.

Key Coverage of the PolyMet Environmental Review Release

December 3, 2018December 9, 2013 by Greg Seitz

Media around the state published information about the sulfide mining milestone.

Polls Show Declining Public Support for New Mine Proposals

December 12, 2014September 27, 2013 by Greg Seitz

Survey conducted by Mining Truth coalition shows as residents learn details about mine proposals, opposition increases.

Mining Truth Coalition Launches Summer Campaign

October 8, 2014July 9, 2013 by Greg Seitz

The environmental coalition Mining Truth, comprised of the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Conservation Minnesota, and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, has announced a new campaign. The “4 Simple …

Re-engineering Campcraft

October 8, 2014June 2, 2013 by robk

With the ice off the border lakes and the summer paddling season underway, it is a great time to refine some camping strategies. One of the rules commonly broken in the …

New Version of PolyMet Environmental Review Released to Cooperating Agencies

December 12, 2014May 14, 2013 by Greg Seitz

A revised draft of the environmental review for the first-ever copper mining project proposed in Minnesota has been completed. PolyMet Mining Corp.’s new document has been distributed to the Minnesota Department of …

Anti-mining Activists to Open Office in Ely

December 12, 2014April 24, 2013 by Greg Seitz

New mine proposals in northeastern Minnesota have prompted a group of local citizens and businesses to plan an anti-mining “action center” on Ely’s Sheridan Street. The office will provide information to …

2013 Poll Indicates Public Opposition to Sulfide Mining Exceeds Support

October 8, 2014March 21, 2013 by robk

48% of Minnesotans polled oppose sulfide mining in northeast Minnesota while 39% favor it. Results of the January, 2013 poll, sponsored by Minnesota Environmental Partnership, were the first to demonstrate that …

EPA Issued Rule to Cut Haze over BWCAW

October 8, 2014February 11, 2013 by Alissa Johnson

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park will both get added protection from haze under a new ruling from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to the EPA, …

Get the Lead Out

October 8, 2014January 31, 2013 by robk

Despite a howling northwest wind and sub-zero temperatures across the Quetico Superior wilderness, many people are dreaming of warmer days and are making their summertime recreational plans. Fishing in the clear …

Mining Companies Ramping Up Efforts in Anticipation of Mining

October 8, 2014October 11, 2012 by Alissa Johnson

New mining near Ely, MN and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is still years down the road. But mining companies are drilling core samples and testing new forms of pollution control technology in anticipation of its beginning.

Pollution Control Agency Ramping up Water Monitoring

October 8, 2014October 8, 2012 by Alissa Johnson

State and local organizations, and even citizens, will begin monitoring lakes, rivers and streams in Minnesota’s Lake Superior North Watershed. It’s part of a new monitoring approach by the Minnesota Pollution …

EPA Might Step in on Haze Control

September 15, 2019August 30, 2012 by Alissa Johnson

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may step in and require stricter regulations for reducing taconite plant plant emissions than plans proposed by Minnesota and Michigan.

Mining in Minnesota: Ely’s Steve Piragis Offers His Take on Keeping Wilderness Pristine

October 8, 2014August 23, 2012 by Alissa Johnson

As northwoods mining takes center stage on the economic and environmental stages, a long time land use debate is resurfacing among neighbors who make Ely, MN their home. Steve Piragis, owner of Piragis Northwoods Company, is no stranger to that debate. He and his wife have run their shop and guide service since 1979.