The Boundary Waters (BWCAW), Minnesota’s pristine wilderness area, is a national treasure. Every year, more than 250,000 people escape to its remote lakes and forests to canoe, hike, camp, and fish. In 1978 the Boundary Waters area was established as a protected wilderness, but it is not safe from new threats.
A new and dangerous type of mining that has never been done in Minnesota is being proposed near the Boundary Waters. Sulfide (also called "hard-rock" or "non-ferrous") mining often creates acid mine drainage, and can leak sulfuric acid and heavy metal contaminants into nearby waters.
Many of the proposed mines are right on the edge of the Boundary Waters, and alongside precious waters like the South Kiwishiwi and Bald Eagle Lake in the wilderness. If built, they would not only threaten these waters, but the Boundary waters as well. One company is already undertaking exploratory drilling under Birch Lake, whose water runs right back into the wilderness.
We need to make sure the Boundary Waters are protected as a pristine area for generations to come. We’re asking the EPA to block any new mines that could pollute the Boundary Waters, degrade water quality, or exceed water quality standards.
Find out what you can do about it over the fold...
First, you can visit Environment Minnesota (from whom I've quoted above) and join the campaign.
This type of mining has been done in Idaho and Colorado and resulted in sulfuric acid in rivers - a cleanup that can sometimes be impossible and almost always is paid for by the taxpayers.
The mining companies, as always, say that they can contain the pollution, but in a peer-reviewed study of what these companies say they can do and what they actually do found that they polluted 3 out of 4 times.
The good news is that on Wednesday August 4th, the EPA and Dept of Interior will be in Minneapolis to hear from people that actually use the BWCAW and want to see them preserved for future generations.
It's our chance to literally "stand up" for the Boundary Waters and be heard. This public listening session and discussion is an opportunity for leaders of the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to hear your support for protecting the pristine wilderness, so future generations of Minnesotans have the chance to canoe and camp with their families and friends just as we have.
Listening Session and Discussion Information:
When: Wednesday, August 4, 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What: Public Listening Session on America's Great Outdoors Initiative
Where: Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Who: Representatives from the Department of the Interior, USDA, EPA, and the Council on Environmental Quality will be present to hear your thoughts and to participate in a conversation with you about land conservation, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the great outdoors.
This event is free and open to the public.