Xcel Energy fined $14K for excess storage of radioactive water at Monticello plant without permit
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) fined Xcel Energy for exceeding storage tank capacity without a permit while cleaning up radioactive water that leaked at the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant last year.
EPA begins formal review of chemicals burned in Ohio train derailment
The Biden administration is initiating a formal evaluation of risks posed by vinyl chloride, the cancer-causing chemical that burned following a train derailment earlier this year.
Holiday, Circle K locations fined for storage tank violations: MPCA
The violations would not have any adverse effects on consumer vehicles, but rather create potential for harm to the environment.
U of M study examines how to break down 'forever chemicals'
Researchers believe it's possible to break down PFAS, the substances known as "forever chemicals." A new University of Minnesota study looked at how to do that.
China and India lead the world's increase in carbon dioxide emissions this year
A team of scientists reported that the world this year pumped 1.1% more heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the air than last year because of increased pollution from China and India.
Minnesota DNR, partners haul in a record number of invasive carp
The DNR, working with commercial fishers, captured 323 invasive carp on the Mississippi River.
Freezing consequences for Mississippi River as nuclear units down
For the first time in 25 years, both units at the Prairie Island Nuclear Energy Plant are down for repairs.
Most US cities would need new lead water pipes within 10 years under newly-proposed EPA rules
In the U.S., there are more than 9 million lead pipes still in the ground, which are typically the biggest source of lead in drinking water. Lead is particularly dangerous to young children.
Proposed NewRange copper-nickel mine in Minnesota suffers fresh setback on top of years of delays
The proposed NewRange Copper Nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota suffered a fresh setback this week when an administrative law judge recommended that state regulators should not reissue a crucial permit for the long-delayed project.
Virgin Atlantic achieves 1st trans-Atlantic flight on sustainable 'jet-zero' fuel
The first commercial airliner to cross the Atlantic on a purely high-fat, low-emissions fuel flew Tuesday from London to New York in a step toward achieving what supporters called “jet zero."
Residents sound off at community meeting about Smith Foundry
During a surprise inspection in May, the EPA determined that Smith Foundry had violated the Clean Air Act. However, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has said it is not seeing any violations of state or federal air quality standards from the facility.
Sea turtle nests set records on beaches in US, but global warming endangers their survival
This year alone, one stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast where 75 turtle nests had been counted, were wiped out by the surge from Hurricane Idalia in August.
Rosemount oil refinery turns on largest solar installation of its kind
Flint Hills Resources recently completed a $75 million solar panel installation at its Pine Bend oil refinery, which is believed to be a first-of-its-kind project nationwide.
USDA reveals new version of Plant Hardiness Zone map
The map is updated for the first time in over 10 years and helps growers and gardeners determine which plants can thrive in certain weather conditions at locations in the U.S.
Here’s why it smells in the Twin Cities on Thursday
There’s a stink across the Twin Cities metro Thursday afternoon. So what is it?
Blood, organs among infectious waste wrongly sent to Minnesota trash facility
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is investigating how a large amount of infectious human waste ended up in the trash facility for Ramsey and Washington Counties.
Birch Lake near BWCA added to impaired waters list due to sulfate pollution
Birch Lake near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been added to the impaired waters list after a study found elevated levels of sulfate in the water.