At Session Daily, Erin Martin reports in House panel learns of current challenges to state’s waters:
Minnesota’s waters face mounting challenges. Pollution lingering from the past is being joined by new pollutants, creating an evolving balance between the growth of society and preservation of an irreplaceable natural resource.
“One of the things grey hair brings to you is that we are doing things a whole lot better than we did when I started in 1974. We have made progress; we have a long way to go,” Calvin Alexander Jr. , professor emeritus of earth science with the University of Minnesota, told the House Water Division Monday. . . .
Water moves through different geologic landscapes in markedly different ways, said Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska), making it necessary that approaches to water management be suited to the region.
Alexander agreed, noting that while pollutants rapidly enter and spread in southeast Minnesota’s karst geology, for western Minnesota issues of aridity and a different geologic filtration system alter that equation.
Here's the powerpoint that accompanied Dr. Alexander's presentation on contamination in karst lands (his remarks to the committee start on the audio for the hearing just after the 59 minute mark as the audio is currently posted):
Calvin Alexander on water contamination issues in SE MN Karst Lands uploaded by Sally Jo Sorensen on Scribd
Martin continues:
Each of the state’s groundwater regions face different sets of stressors and responses affecting quality and quantity.
While central Minnesota has plenty of water, nitrate contamination is found in over 40 percent of shallow wells and the region’s sand aquifers are highly susceptible to contamination from land use.
The metro region’s high demand challenges the areas aquifers, as does contamination from chlorides, nitrates and other urban pollutants.
The southeast portion of the state is also blessed with a bounty of water, but its karst aquifers have potential for rapid contamination due to land use, including siting of industrial, municipal, and agricultural facilities.
In western Minnesota, where water resources are more limited, 20 percent of shallow wells show nitrate contamination. Deep aquifers face quality issues, while channel aquifers are highly susceptible to contaminants, including nitrate from feedlots, agriculture, and human wastewater.
Also of interest: a presentation by the U's William Arnold:
Current and Emerging Water Issues uploaded by Sally Jo Sorensne on Scribd:
More presentations from Monday's hearings can be viewed on the Water Division's website. Listen to the hearing here.
Image: Perceptions/concerns about water in their regions that Minnesotans shared during Citizens Forums the Dayton administration conducted early in the former governor's first term. From Dr. Arnold's presentation.
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