A citizens group is testing wells as North Star Manganese tries to develop a mine. More than half the sites tested high enough that the water cannot be used in infant formula.
![Rising above the treeline (Top of this photo), on the shore of Birch Lake, the Twin Metals Copper Nickel Mine Plant site and Tailings Management site is part of the proposed plan. ] In theory, the copper-nickel mine Twin Metals wants to build in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a zero-discharge mine — a closed loop that will endlessly recycle millions of gallons of water, including rainwater and the polluted process water it uses to extract ore and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/AWHWWVUU5HGVMX6RUZ4PCKXP6A.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
More from Environment
‘Fascinating’ freshwater jellyfish surface in Twin Cities suburban lake
The quarter-sized creatures briefly surfaced during a water-quality survey, offering a fleeting glimpse of a species that rarely shows itself in Minnesota lakes.
December 1, 2025
Editor's Pick
In farm country, a plan for a $4B data center takes root with vast wind, solar and battery projects
The plan reflects breathtaking change in the energy sector, but it’s a long way from fruition.
November 26, 2025
Minnesota nears deal to sell 80,000 acres of Boundary Waters land to Forest Service
The state has held on to the BWCA land for decades, hoping to trade with the Feds for timberland.
November 23, 2025
Tiny fee on Minneapolis carbon pollution won’t do much for the climate
State law limits the rate charged to the city’s 65 largest polluters to the cost of administering the program.
November 21, 2025
Recent wolf sightings in Ely rekindle debate over the Endangered Species Act
Residents worried about safety say it’s time to drop the wolf’s protected status after several close encounters this month alone.
November 16, 2025
As huge data centers spread across country, developers are halting projects in Minnesota
An Excelsior company just froze two data center proposals in Hampton and North Mankato. Amazon abandoned its plans for a Becker data center. Those pushing the projects cite the state’s lengthy permitting process.
November 15, 2025
Six ways Minnesotans are feeling the state’s changing climate
Minnesota is among the fastest-warming states in the country. The state is making some progress cutting emissions.
November 13, 2025
New apartment building overlooking St. Croix River tests limits of scenic protections
The 99-unit complex in Osceola, Wis., is underway after years of legal challenges from residents concerned that it is too tall for the protected river corridor.
November 13, 2025
Invasive tree pathogen that causes red oaks to ‘bleed’ found for first time in Minnesota
Researchers at the University of Minnesota found the “sudden oak death” pathogen at a Hennepin County nursery.
November 12, 2025
Editor's Pick
A lawsuit blooms in Plymouth as homeowner battles HOA over her naturally planted yard
Bonnie Scott’s fight with the Churchill Farms Homeowners Association could test the limit of Minnesota’s law protecting natural landscapes.
November 9, 2025
McKnight Foundation headquarters decarbonizes historic building, showcasing a way to fight climate change
The Minneapolis-based philanthropic organization funds environmental work across the Midwest. Its new headquarters turned an old downtown building green.
November 8, 2025
Review: A Minneapolis man and his ‘life-changing’ tiger encounters
Nonfiction: Jonathan C. Slaght’s “Tigers Between Empires” shines spotlight on endangered cats.
AuthoredMichiela Thuman
AuthoredMichiela ThumanOctober 30, 2025
