Minnesota winter: Salt threatens waterways, alternatives urged

As winter storms approach, Minnesotans are reminded of the environmental impact of using salt for de-icing their sidewalks and driveways.

Oversalting is bad for the environment: What's the right amount for sidewalks and driveways?

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is once again warning homeowners not to overdo it when it comes to salting their driveways and sidewalks during the winter. When it comes to salt, a little goes a long way. Here are their recommendations.

New USDA website centralizes info in fight against New World screwworm parasite threatening U.S. livestock

The U.S  Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new website to centralize federal  agencies as they work together to protect livestock, wildlife, and the public’s health against the New World screwworm parasite.

What to know for America Recycles Day this weekend
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FOX 9's Se Kwon spoke to a Dem-Con facilities manager in Shakopee to discuss what Americans need to know about recycling.

Going for Gold: Geologist finds flecks of treasure in the metro

Lucas Lundgren is a geologist by trade, but in his free time he pans for gold across the Midwest. He calls himself 'Glacial Gold Hunter', and he's created quite a following on YouTube and Instagram.

These US cities face the greatest severe weather threats, data shows

More than one in four U.S. homes—representing $12.7 trillion in real estate value—are now exposed to severe or extreme climate risks, according to a new Realtor.cm report.

These states rank as the most energy-efficient in 2025, data shows

Managing daily energy usage can help the environment and save you money on household utility costs, and a new report shows the states that stand out with their effectiveness using less energy.

Minnesota launches drinking water action plan
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The Minnesota Department of Health announced a new initiative to deal with contaminants in the drinking water such as nitrates and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).

These are the greenest cities in the U.S. in 2025, data shows

A new report highlights cities that perform a lot of environmentally friendly practices to preserve the planet, and here’s where your area ranks.

Electric vehicle tax credit expiring at the end of September
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The federal tax credit for electric vehicles will expire on Sept. 30 after President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" goes into effect in October.

Orono man's app inspiring people to pick up litter
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An Orono man has found a unique way to motivate people to pick up litter while they?re out for a leisurely stroll. FOX 9?s Maury Glover has the story.

Flooding forces wastewater in Waseca lakes
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After heavy rainfall, flooding pushed wastewater into lakes in Waseca, causing beaches to be closed. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has the story.

Wastewater-tainted lakes closed after Waseca flooding

The City of Waseca has temporarily closed access to four lakes, a marsh and a creek after an emergency discharge of wastewater has potentially contaminated water in the city.

E. Coli closes Minnesota beaches
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Environmentalist Leah Larson tells us why Minnesota beaches shut down and the bacteria behind the closures.

Underwater videos reveal impact of wakesurfing on Minnesota lakes

Underwater turbulence from wakesurfing can "adversely" impact Minnesota’s lakes, according to a highly anticipated study by the University of Minnesota.

11 Hennepin County beaches closed due to bacteria, poor water test results

Eleven beaches in Hennepin County have been temporarily closed to swimmers after water testing revealed unsafe levels of bacteria or returned unacceptable test results.

New 'plant destroyer' water mold species found for first time in MN

University of Minnesota researchers have discovered 14 new “plant destroyer" water molds that were previously unreported in Minnesota, that pose a threat to the state's forests.