Buried in deep In northwest Minnesota, farmers and environmentalists clash over possible contamination, other issues, a Forum News Service report by Barry Amundson:
Unsafe nitrate levels
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has been collecting data from a voluntary private well check in the area, as well as statewide, to see if nitrate levels are climbing above the safe level.
State agriculture department hydrologist Kim Kaiser, who visited with Park Rapids area residents at a meeting in late October, said in an interview that up to 13% of private wells tested in some townships in Becker, Wadena and Hubbard counties during the past four years have nitrate levels above the health safety standard.
Kaiser said they will be working with farmers and companies on a special nitrogen and fertilizer management program in the areas of Minnesota, including the Pineland Sands, where there are elevated problems and where it seems there is community involvement in "wanting us there."
She also said a new groundwater protection rule will take effect next fall that will ban fall fertilizer applications in some areas of the state. . . .
The local environmental organizing isn't just about the landscape issues mentioned in the lede of the article.
Earlier Bluestem Prairie articles on well water quality:
- MNWOO Director: Garvin Creek water that kills fish not good for human drinking water supplies
- Growing chemical threat: MN Dept of Health annual drinking water report warns about nitrates
- Going with the flow: fertilizer elevated nitrate levels in Fairmont's drinking water supply
- Paging Rep. Torkelson: City of Fairmont issues water advisory, nitrate levels unsafe for infants
Photo: Blue baby dolls. Activists from Kewaunee County, WI, created this image for their struggle over water quality issues. As their website notes:
In young infants, ingestion of nitrate can reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. In severe cases it can cause a condition that doctors call methemoglobinemia. The condition is also called “blue baby syndrome” because the infant’s skin appears blue-gray or lavender in color. This skin color change is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. All infants less than 6 months of age are at risk of nitrate toxicity, but premature babies and babies with other health problems are more sensitive than healthy infants. An infant suffering from “blue baby syndrome” needs immediate medical care because the condition can lead to coma and death if it is not treated promptly.
It's a very serious issue.
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