Latest news with #MinnesotaDepartmentofNaturalResources
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Oakdale PFAS project would divert water around former 3M dump
State officials are accepting comments on the environmental impacts of a project proposed by 3M Corp. to collect surface water upstream of a dump in Oakdale in order to reduce polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in stormwater discharge from the site. The Abresch Disposal Site is the largest of three former disposal locations that comprise the Oakdale Disposal Site, a state and federal Superfund site. 3M is working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to remediate soil and groundwater at the site. The project is proposed to further reduce PFAS impacts to stormwater discharge from the site, according to an environmental review of the project. The proposed project would collect surface water upstream of the site and divert it to a three-acre flood-retention basin, where water would then be reintroduced into the natural flow of the watershed, according to the environmental assessment worksheet. A three-quarter-mile conveyance pipe would bypass the Abresch Disposal Site, thus bypassing PFAS detected within the site, according to the EAW. 'This would reduce the discharge of PFAS in surface water and improve downstream surface water quality in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area,' the EAW states. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments until 4:30 p.m. June 26 on the EAW. A copy of the EAW is available on the project page of the DNR website; a print copy may be requested by calling 651-259-5522. The EAW is also available for public review at the Oakdale Library, the DNR Library and the Minneapolis Central Library. 'An absolute privilege': Darts President Ann Bailey offers advice, reflects on 10 years in Dakota County aging services Mahtomedi school board adds second referendum question to fall ballot Forest Lake detours begin as MnDOT undertakes $17M Highway 97 reconstruction project Forest Lake School Board hears input on possible contentious policy changes artOPENer Studio Tour hits 19 St. Croix Valley stops Comments on the EAW must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. June 26. Email comments should be sent to with '3M surface water diversion' in the subject line. Comments can be mailed to Becky Horton, EAW Project Manager, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025. Anyone providing a mailing address or submitting comments via email will receive a copy of the subsequent decision document, which will include responses to comments, according to the DNR. Because all comments and related information are part of the public record for the environmental review, commenters' names and email or postal addresses will be published and publicly available as they appear in the materials commenters submit.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Wildfire-stricken Minnesota communities rally as blazes sustain 1 week on
Cool weather has provided a boost to crews fighting the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota. But after more than a week since the fires began, the fight is far from over. The two largest wildfires — the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires — are still blazing, and St. Louis County is now in a state of emergency and disaster. St. Louis County is also among several northeastern counties under a red flag warning until Tuesday night due to "strong winds and low humidity levels," according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires finally have some containment — 6% and 40%, respectively — while the Munger Shaw Fire is almost fully contained, according to the Eastern Area Incident Management Team. Overall, more than 30,000 acres have been scorched in the northland, and more than 150 buildings have been destroyed. As the two largest fires rage on near Brimson, the community gathered on Monday evening at Aurora-Hoyt Senior High School. With so much uncertainty, it was an opportunity for displaced people and those in evacuation zones to get some clarity. "On the map they kind of showed us where they're at and how they do things and the progress they've made and the factors that play into that, because to be honest, I had no idea about fires or how you fight them or anything," said Brad Engstrom, of Hoyt Lakes. Some homeowners evacuated from the Camp House Fire were allowed to return to their properties, but with a warning they may have to leave again. "Get people to stand in front of the maps, show us where your property's at, talk about what's going on and answer questions directly and try to get them the help that they need," said Micah Bell, of the Eastern Area Incident Management Team. Meanwhile, businesses up north are banding together to support the hundreds of firefighters putting in long hours. Competitors are even joining forces to help feed crews on the front lines and behind the scenes. Businesses are joining forces to help feed crews on the front lines and behind the scenes. One market has delivered more than 750 box lunches, while a barbecue restaurant has served 300 firefighters. "They were looking for caterers to do it. Of course we said yes. I'll be honest, I like started tearing up, it was awesome," said Paul Sapyta, owner of Room at the Table Catering. "They were like, 'No one has ever done this.' And it was really, really cool to hear that and get closer to my competitors." How you can help Donations to support relief for Lake County community members can be made online through the Head of the Lakes United Way. Donations can also be mailed to Head of the Lakes United Way (please note it's for wildfire relief): 314 W. Superior St. #750, Duluth, MN 55802. Donations to support relief for St. Louis County community members can be made online through the United Way Northeastern Minnesota.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Minnesota National Guard "honored" to aid in wildfire battle
The grim fight against the northeastern Minnesota wildfires continue on Thursday, with hundreds of evacuations and thousands of acres destroyed. On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz activated a team of 20 Minnesota National Guard members to support the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in its battle against the flames. They are now stationed in Two Harbors. Cpt. Sydney Boe says morale is high as she and her fellow guard members work to contain two of the largest fires from the sky: the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires, collectively called the "Brimson Complex." "It's been long days," Boe said. "It's very mentally and physically taxing just controlling the aircraft with all the winds and trying to get it in the right spot for the drops that the DNR wants, as well as just looking out for other aircraft, having that positive crew communication the entire time. So it is taxing, but like I said, we're honored to be here." The guard is working with a total of four helicopters, each with the capability of picking up and dumping 600 gallons of water at a time. "It's what most of us signed up for is to be able to help, and especially help out in our community is really important," Boe said. As of Thursday morning, the three fires in St. Louis County have burned a combined 37,000 acres, and there is zero containment. "It's taken off and it's hard to see, hard to watch," said Nate Skelton, division commander of the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office. "But the fact of the matter is yeah, the conditions are right. And I haven't seen one take off and move as quickly as this one." Rain is in the forecast on Thursday, hopefully providing some relief for firefighting efforts. Interactive maps show how far the fires have spread since the weekend. How you can help Donations to support relief for Lake County community members can be made online through the Head of the Lakes United Way. Donations can also be mailed to Head of the Lakes United Way (please note it's for wildfire relief): 314 W. Superior St. #750, Duluth, MN 55802. Donations to support relief for St. Louis County community members can be made online through the United Way Northeastern Minnesota.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Aviation is playing a crucial part in battling wildfires in Northern Minnesota
Crews continue to battle several large wildfires across northern Minnesota from the ground and above, and aviation is proving to be a critical part of the fight — before and after a blaze starts. "It's crucial. Right now, with this year's fire season and the fire behavior we're seeing, we couldn't do without the aircraft," said Matt Woodwick, the Assistant Wildfire Aviation Supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It's all hands on deck in the Northland as at least three large wildfires continue to grow. Those extra eyes from above have been scanning for smoke for days — as long as the threat is high. "Early detection is key. It's hard to fight those fires when they grow you you want to keep them as small as possible, so on these windy days, they're not growing into, you know, 100, 200 acre fires," said Tracie Walter, CEO & President of Bemidji Aviation Services, one of the contracted DNR partners. With more than 33,000 acres already burning, the job is even more draining. The DNR teams up with pilots across the state acting as detection teams. They're split up across 15 zones — flying set routes for hours at a time. "A single engine airplane that flies a pattern like a GPS point to a GPS point. When they get to the point, they do a 360 degree turn, look around the area, and then move on. It's hot, it's bumpy. They're flying a smaller aircraft that would only hold four people, and on these hot, windy days, it's exhausting," said Walter, who is also a pilot. If a fire is spotted from their Cessna C172, they call it in and the fight is on -- with dozens of aircraft above and hundreds more personnel on the ground— a fight that officials say is happening more and more. "We used to have a rule of thumb every 2 out of 10 years we would have a fire season kind of like what we're seeing now. I do feel like those years are more frequent," said Woodwick. Woodwick added the fight would be impossible without the teamwork with other federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. But even more important, is the help from the public — listening to burn bans and making sure all campfires are fully extinguished.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Northern Minnesota wildfires burn more than 37K acres; investigations ongoing
Nearly 37,000 acres have burned since Sunday as three wildfires continue to rage in northern Minnesota, none of which have been contained. The Jenkins Creek Fire northwest of Duluth grew from 6,800 acres on Tuesday to roughly 20,600 acres Wednesday morning, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System. The fire is centered near Hoyt Lakes, and is burning in mixed boreal forest and grassy ground cover. The Camp House Fire — the first fire to be reported on Sunday afternoon — grew to nearly 15,000 acres. The fire has since destroyed dozens of structures. Forest service officials say firefighters are engaged in full sppression tactics and are providing protection to threatened structures. "Lake turbulance" winds have been challenging operations, officials say, but the fire hasn't seen as much growth as the Jenkins Creek Fire. The Three Lakes/Munger Shaw Fire, the smallest of the trio, had spread to 1,700 acres, according to officials. According to KBJR, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is investigating suspects accused of starting the Camp House Fire. A group of campers had left a fire unattended, and when they returned the fire had spread beyond their control, the DNR learned. Officials say investigations for all three fires are ongoing. Weather conditions in the Arrowhead region have improved slightly, as a wave of humidity moves in and storms are expected to develop on Thursday. NEXT Weather Meteorologists say the area could see about an inch of rain, which would ease the dry conditions firefighters are facing. Gov. Tim Walz on Monday activated the Minnesota National Guard and its helicopters to aid the fire fight. Officials are reminding people, including drone pilots, to keep away from all the areas impacted by the wildfires so firefighters can effectively do their jobs. Walz pleaded for those asked to evacuate to do so. "I know these are difficult decisions to make," he said at a news conference on Tuesday. "I would make the case again the plea for your own safety." The governor says his office has already made contact with FEMA should federal assistance be needed. Due to the fires, a portion of the Laurentian Ranger District is closed in the Superior National Forest, prohibiting visitor entry at campsites, trails and recreation sites. WCCO How you can help If you want to help the crews fighting the wildfires and the people being evacuated, you can send donations to the Wildland Fire Foundation.
