MPCA: Little improvement in Minnesota River basin
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
A new study says there's been a lack of significant improvement over the past two decades in the health of aquatic life in the Minnesota River basin.
It finds slight improvements in fish communities, including the return of smallmouth bass, walleyes and some pollution-sensitive species. The study says that's encouraging. But it also finds slight decreases in invertebrates such as aquatic insects, snails and mussels.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released the study Monday. It covers the Minnesota River and its many tributaries, which drain nearly 17,000 square miles. It compares survey results from the early 1990s with data from 2009-10.
The report says there's little evidence that cleanup measures have helped much. It concludes more and better-targeted conservation efforts and water management practices are needed.
---
Online: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: http://www.pca.state.mn.us
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.