Complete Cleanup of the St. Louis River and Protect It
One way to reduce our carbon emissions is to protect our ecosystems. When land and ecosystems are deliberately protected, activities that release carbon from vegetation and soil are stopped before they start.
Duluth-area streams are divided by two major watersheds: Lake Superior South and the St. Louis River, which is one of the top 10 most at risk rivers in the US due to the historical degradation from legacy contaminants from mining and construction. Twenty-four streams flow into the St. Louis River through Duluth and there are 16 major trout streams in Duluth, providing a vital water resource and habitat.
We need to complete the cleanup and impairments of the St. Louis River from the St. Louis River Area of Concern 2023 Remedial Action Plan and ensure future development and activities do not make us take a step backwards.
Learn more from these resources:
- St. Louis River Area of Concern 2023 Remedial Action Plan
- St. Louis River Alliance: St. Louis River Area of Concern
- EPA: St. Louis River Area of Concern
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: St. Louis River Area of Concern
- St. Louis River The Stories and The Science
Contact City Leaders About this Issue
Use the sample letter below to send a letter to your city councilor about this issue. You can find their contact info on the City of Duluth website.
Dear City Councilor,
As someone concerned about climate change, I know we need to protect our ecosystems. When land and ecosystems are deliberately protected, activities that release carbon from vegetation and soil are stopped before they start.
As you are likely aware, the St. Louis River is one of the top 10 most at risk rivers in the US due to the historical degradation from legacy contaminants from mining and construction. Twenty-four streams flow into the St. Louis River through Duluth and there are 16 major trout streams in Duluth, providing a vital water resource and habitat.
I encourage you to support the continued cleanup of the St. Louis river, and then take the four actions listed in the St. Louis River Area of Concern 2023 plan to protect it including:
Identifying of beneficial use impairments and causes of the river’s degradation.
Establishing criteria for the restoration of beneficial uses that consider local conditions and established in consultation with the local community.
Continuing the remedial measures taken, including identification of entities responsible for implementing these measures
Continuing to track the effectiveness of remedial measures and confirm restoration of beneficial uses.
Thank you for protecting this vital waterway.
Sincerely,
Your Name
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