5.5 million gallons of wastewater spilled from a northern Minnesota energy plant
COHASSET, Minn. — Multiple state and federal agencies are working together following a massive spill of coal ash wastewater from a northern Minnesota energy plant.
Minnesota Power said the leak was detected around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday. Minnesota Power reported the spill within 15 minutes of discovery, which included an initial estimate of the spill volume of 1 million gallons. After additional analysis, Minnesota Power now estimates that up to 5.5 million gallons were released.
In a statement from Minnesota Power says, "the spill originated from a pipeline carrying wastewater from an onsite storage pond to the facility, first entered upland soils with a portion subsequently flowing overland to Blackwater Creek." This waterway connects to the Mississippi River.
Minnesota Power says the updated spill volume does not change the spill mitigation and response activities underway at the site.
Analysis results from Minnesota Power indicate increased levels of sulfate and boron in the immediate area where the wastewater entered Blackwater Creek. Sulfate levels are below the federal drinking water standard, but above Minnesota's wild rice-based standard.
Mercury, arsenic, or selenium were not detected in Blackwater Creek in Minnesota Power's initial analysis. Additionally, the organization reports that no immediate impacts on fish or aquatic plants have been observed as of yet. Monitoring and sampling will continue in this area and throughout the waterbodies adjacent to the spill.
The power company is working closely with state and federal agencies and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to assess the impacts and mitigate the leak.