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Working with partners to restore and protect Minnesota's waters |
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September 2024
 Acres of native species planted along Spirit Lake protect the waterway from sediment runoff.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the completion of a four-year, $186 million sediment cleanup and habitat restoration project at Spirit Lake in Duluth on July 10. The completion of this work allowed for construction of a new two-mile-long waterfront trail, now open to the public. “This vital project and investment moves us one step closer to our ultimate goal of removing one of the Great Lakes’ most important waterways from the Great Lakes Area of Concern List,” said Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester. Read more at epa.gov.
 Members of the Wells Creek Watershed Partnership watch an electro-fishing demonstration by the DNR during the group's annual picnic, which draws about 100 people every year. MPCA staff provided water quality monitoring updates, and SWCD staff provided funding opportunity updates.
The MPCA has opened a public comment period for a draft Mississippi River-Lake Pepin Tributaries Watershed WRAPS update report. This area includes six coldwater streams, five of which are designated trout streams, that flow into Lake Pepin.
Findings include:
- Hay and Gilbert creeks were removed from the Impaired Waters List.
- Wells Creek was added to the Impaired Waters List and will receive federal grant funding to address pollution.
- Concerns about fecal pathogens, poor riparian vegetation cover, streambank erosion, and leaching from fertilizer and manure.
- Landowners are the key to restoration and protection of this watershed through voluntary implementation of best management practices on the landscape.
Kevin Stroom is an environmental specialist with the MPCA whose hands-on work in rivers and streams leads to deeper insights about the health of Minnesota's waters. His recently released report on Straight River explores how excess nutrients can impact the wildlife that lives there.
 We Are Water exhibit moves to Leech Lake Tribal College
The traveling We Are Water exhibit, funded in large part by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment’s Clean Water Fund, examines water issues statewide through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It will be at Leech Lake Tribal College’s Bezhigoogahbow Library in Cass Lake, 6495 Little Wolf Road NW, Aug. 15-Oct. 6. The interactive displays are fun and informative for all ages.
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In the news
Tribal governments get more input on state water quality
Minnesota has long collaborated with tribal governments on water quality issues. But a new federal rule could give tribes a stronger voice in that process. — Minnesota Public Radio
Waseca lakes reopen days after wastewater release
Amid catastrophic flooding estimated to have caused over $50 million in damages in one county alone, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reporting that nearly 100 wastewater treatment facilities across the state were forced to release untreated or partially treated sewage. — Waseca County News
How the private sector can help protect wetlands
The U.S. is losing wetlands, mainly to development and agriculture, at an accelerating rate. Relying on private action is not a substitute for regulation, but it can act as a stopgap while other legislative and regulatory efforts are developed. — Water Online
Floods raise health concerns in northeastern Minnesota
It will take months to clean up Cook and other parts of the state affected by high water. Residents are now in recovery mode and trying to get ahead of possible health effects from soaked structures. — MPR News
EPA awards millions to educational organizations
In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation and Minnesota State Mankato will receive grants for $98,000 and $100,000, respectively, for environmental education projects. They were among 38 organizations to receive more than $3.6 million for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program. — epa.gov
State warned Minnesota Power about spills before 5-million-gallon coal plant leak
State pollution regulators told Minnesota Power it should take action to prevent wastewater spills from its massive coal plant in Cohasset, Minn., roughly three months before 5.5 million gallons of coal ash wastewater poured from a cracked pipe in July. — The Minnesota Star Tribune
Mississippi River sheens mystery solved
State officials say a leak of hydraulic system lubricant from the Coon Rapids Dam created two sheens on the Mississippi River in August. They said the substance can come into contact with food and not cause harm, and that drinking water is still safe. — MPR
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Check out careers at the MPCA
 Visit the Careers page of the MPCA website to view a list of open jobs. Watershed work includes careers in emergency response, fieldwork, laboratory data collection, analysis, data review, quality assurance, and more.
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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is a state agency committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate.
The MPCA Waterfront Bulletin newsletter welcomes news from partners about
watershed projects, people, and upcoming events throughout Minnesota.
Email submissions to [email protected]. |
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