This week, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) added 305 bodies of water to the impaired waters list for a total of 2,904 bodies with 6,168 existing impairments across the state of Minnesota. This list included PFAS contamination found in bodies of water in Greater Minnesota.
In response, Senators Patricia Torres Ray (DFL-Minneapolis), Jen McEwen (DFL-Duluth), Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis), Melissa Wiklund (DFL-Bloomington), John Marty (DFL-Roseville), Greg Clausen (DFL-Apple Valley), Karla Bigham (DFL-Cottage Grove), Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton), Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis), Foung Hawj (DFL-Saint Paul), Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville), Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood), and Jason Isaacson (DFL-Shoreview) released the following statement:
“The data released from the MPCA is alarming. It has become increasingly evident that Minnesota’s waters are in critical condition and their protection and rehabilitation must be a legislative priority in the coming session.”
Earlier this year, PFAS, a harmful chemical contaminant that has been linked to cancer, reproductive complications, liver disease, and much more, was found in landfills in Minnesota. According to the recent report released by MPCA, PFAS has now been found in our water and fish supply.
“The speed in which PFAS contamination is spreading across Minnesota is a critical issue the legislature must take immediate action on. The Senate DFL, in partnership with the House Majority, is aware of the gravity of the situation and is prepared to take serious action to combat the contamination of Minnesota’s water.
Minnesota has long boasted the title of being the land of 10,000 lakes. Our lakes, rivers, and ponds provide us drinking water, are home to many of Minnesota’s native ecosystems, are the core of many of our cultural practices and celebratory events, key resources to our economy, and are sacred to Minnesota’s indigenous populations. When we protect our water, we protect our life source.
We urge Minnesotans to engage in protecting bodies of water in their local communities by contacting their legislators, attending local meetings, and by letting their voices be heard.”
The following local meetings will be hosted by the MPCA across Minnesota to inform the community about levels of water impairment in their area and to solicit feedback:
Statewide assessments:
Discussion of PFOS in fish tissue and sulfate in wild rice production waters
When: Thursday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m.
Where: Meeting link
Meeting number (access code): 2486 889 4793
Meeting password: RjVaYfgu847
Northeast Minnesota regional meeting:
Includes Little Fork and St. Louis river watersheds
When: Friday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.
Where: Meeting link
Meeting number (access code): 2494 270 6013
Meeting password: uxEStJhW448
Southeast Minnesota regional meeting:
Includes Cedar River Basin, Root River, Le Sueur River, and Mississippi River – Lake Pepin watersheds
When: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.
Where: Meeting link
Meeting number (access code): 2487 766 0492
Meeting password: B95Eqw3QVPf
Western Minnesota regional meeting:
Includes Buffalo, Upper Red, and Chippewa river watersheds
When: Thursday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m.
Where: Meeting link
Meeting number (access code): 2494 423 7184
Meeting password: e8nT3SJe3rJ
Central Minnesota regional meeting:
Includes Sauk, Mississippi River – St. Cloud, and Lower St. Croix river watersheds
When: Thursday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m.
Where: Meeting link
Meeting number (access code): 2489 358 6002
Meeting password: PpetMP4ex39