Minnesota

67 Minnesota waterways now 'impaired' due to chloride

Published

2 years ago

January 13, 2024

67 Minnesota waterways now 'impaired' due to chloride

After the state’s first major snowfall this winter, pollution experts say people clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways should avoid using too much road salt – a major pollutant in the state’s waterways.

Every year, Minnesotans use an estimated 445,000 tons of salt to clear roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. When the ice melts, chloride in that salt runs into storm drains and nearby lakes, rivers and streams, where it’s toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

The results are grim: The state’s draft 2024 impaired waters list includes 67 water bodies with excess chloride levels, up from 54 waterways listed two years ago.

“Chloride is actually toxic to our freshwater fish and insects that are living in our lakes or streams, our wetlands and our rivers,” said Brooke Asleson, who coordinates the chloride reduction program at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. “And it really does not take a lot of chloride before it starts to create problems for our freshwater communities.”

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Road salt is the biggest source of chloride pollution in lakes, streams and groundwater. It only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water.

Asleson said Minnesotans can help by reducing their use of salt – and relying on their shovel first.

“The first practice that we really want folks to embrace is to get out there and physically remove that snow and ice,” she said. “If we can get out there early and often and prevent that snow and ice from getting compacted, we can save ourselves a lot of work overall.”

Salt doesn’t melt ice effectively when it’s below 15 degrees. Asleson recommends using a small amount of sand or chicken grit for traction if needed on slippery spots, and sweeping it up later.

If a de-icer is needed, use only a small amount, Asleson said. One coffee cup of de-icer is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway.

Chloride pollution isn’t just an urban problem. Most of the chloride-impaired waterways are in the Twin Cities metro area, but there are also several in greater Minnesota, including Duluth and Alexandria.

“As we continue to monitor more closely for chloride, we’re starting to see or find more streams, more lakes and wetlands that are too high,” Asleson said.

In an effort to encourage “smart salting” practices, the MPCA has been offering training for snowplow drivers and property maintenance supervisors for several years. It’s now offering a virtual workshop for community leaders, including local government officials or people who sit on environmental or housing boards.

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Minnesota

U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

Published

57 minutes ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

Iranians in Minnesota react to Khamenei death

Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East following the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. While many Iranian-Americans expressed hope for regime change, anti-war protesters also took to the streets to condemn the military strikes, with some members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation calling the operation “unlawful” and “illegal.”

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East. Anti-war protesters also took the streets of Minneapolis Saturday.

Plus, Jewish communities say they are on high alert over concerns of potential retaliatory acts in major cities across the U.S.

‘Massive moment’

What we know:

Following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation in Iran, Khamenei was killed in an attack, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.

What they’re saying:

Iranian community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street on Sunday to express hope for regime change.

Dozens of Iranian-Americans said they are celebrating the news.

“We are here to support Iranian people. Today, everybody is happy, very happy,” said Beheshteh Zargaran, an Iranian-American.

“Killed Khamenei, which was the supreme leader, and hopefully they will continue this action and help Iranians finally topple the Islamic regime,” said Faraz Samavat, an Iranian-American.

“That means a lot. We are fighting for almost half a century to destroy this cruel regime against people of Iran,” said Ali Mohammad, an Iranian-American.

Iranians in MN celebrate strikes by Pres. Trump

Iranians in the Twin Cities are gathering in downtown Minneapolis to celebrate major developments in the Middle East following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation. Community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street to express hope for regime change after news that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in Saturday’s airstrikes.

The other side:

Protesters also took to the streets in the Twin Cities over the weekend condemning the strikes.

Some people are criticizing the military operation including members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation. Congresswoman Betty McCollum called the strikes “unlawful” and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called the war “illegal and unjustified.”

Heightened security:

Jewish communities in Minnesota say they are also on high alert following security guidance across the country to prevent potential retaliatory violence.

“A heightened sense of vigilance making sure that everybody is aware of their surroundings and that all of the protective measures are in place,” said Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

There are currently no known specific threats against local Jewish communities.

WorldDonald J. TrumpPoliticsMinneapolisReligion

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Minnesota

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

Published

13 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

article

Storm reports in from Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 28.

LANESBORO, Minn. (FOX 9) – Impressive snow totals were reported in parts of Minnesota after a narrow band of heavy snowfall worked its way across the state.

Minnesota snow totals for the last day of February 2026

Snow totals for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (FOX 9)

By the numbers:

Many areas saw more snow than was expected before temperatures warm up in the coming days.

The following snow totals were reported across Minnesota:

Lanesboro: 10 inches
Preston: 10 inches
St. Peter: 7 inches
Stewartville: 7 inches
Caledonia: 6 inches
Nicollet: 6 inches
New Ulm: 5.5 inches
Rochester: 4.9 inches
Mankato: 4.5 inches

The Source: This story uses information from the FOX 9 weather forecast and the National Weather Service.

WeatherWinter Weather

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Minnesota

East Range Police Department officer passes away

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

East Range Police Department officer passes away

A police officer in northern Minnesota unexpectedly passed away earlier this week.

The East Range Police Department said that Sgt. Cody Siebert passed away on Friday, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.

The department said that Siebert was known for his happy-go-lucky personality and that “if you couldn’t get along with Cody, it was your fault.”

Siebert started at the K9 program in Babbitt with K9 Taconite (Tac) before going to the East Range Police Department.

“The hole left by Sgt. Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill,” East Range police said. “We at ERPD love you and will miss you always. We have it from here.”

Mesabi East Schools also stated that the district was “truly blessed to have him walking our halls, greeting students, encouraging staff, and building relationships that went far beyond the badge.”

Click here for a GoFundMe to support Siebert’s family.

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