National river conservation group issues BWCAW warning

The non-profit American Rivers organization today called upon President Obama, Congress and Gov. Dayton to block a proposed copper nickel mine near the South Kawishiwi River by Ely.

In its statement, American Rivers contends the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is threatened by a proposed copper nickel mine near a popular entry point to the wilderness. Further, they said the mine would threaten a source of drinking water for area residents and visitors.

The proposed mine lies within the Superior National Forest just outside the BWCAW. American Rivers spokesperson Jessie Thomas-Blate said the mine would produce large quantities of waste rock, sulfuric acid and a variety of toxic metals. Thomas-Blate said “Polluted runoff from the mine poses a public health concern because of fish and drinking water contamination and threatens the Boundary Waters ecosystem.”

American Rivers since 1973 has issued an annual report on what it considers the country’s most endangered rivers.

Buck Benson and Bob Carter will speak with Amy Kober of American Rivers in depth about the report and its implications, this Friday on The Roadhouse.