305 Streams and Lakes Added to Minnesota’s List of Polluted Waterways

ST. PAUL (KDLM) – Minnesota regulators have added 305 streams and lakes to the state’s list of polluted waterways.

For the first time, the MPCA listed waters in Greater Minnesota with PFAS contamination.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” are used in numerous industrial processes and found in many consumer products. PFAS can accumulate to levels of concern in fish and is then transferred to humans when consumed, potentially causing adverse health effects.

The proposed listings include the St. Croix River in eastern Minnesota, from Taylors Falls Dam through Lake St Croix; Winona Lake in Alexandria in central Minnesota; and Wild Rice Lake and Fish Lake Flowage (main and west bays) in St. Louis County in northeast Minnesota.