Cook County News Herald

Effects of mine drainage explored at Aug. 12 Guest Lecture




The next installment in Cook County Higher Education’s Guest Lecture Series is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 12, when Kurt Anderson will present Scientific Review of Wild Rice/Sulfate Research.

As the Polymet copper-nickel mining project advances through Minnesota’s regulatory machinery, questions about potential effects of acid mine drainage on area water quality in general, and wild rice in particular, remain a critical point in how a mining permit may be structured. This presentation will focus on the impact of sulfide mining on wild rice, and also address the overall impact of tighter environmental controls on other businesses and industries.

Kurt Anderson is the manager of environmental and land management at Minnesota Power. He formerly worked as a toxicologist, and performed toxicity studies on wild rice for the MPCA He is an avid outdoorsman and collects wild rice each fall with his family near Brookston.

The guest lecture series of Cook County Higher Education is offered to the community free, although donations are appreciated. The series is sponsored by the Grand Marais State Bank, the Lake Superior Trading Post, Drury Lane Books, George F. Maruska Ltd., Mike’s Holiday, White Pine North, Como Oil & Propane, Sawbill Outfitters, Beth’s Fudge and Gifts, and Johnson’s Foods.

The lectures are held at Cook County Higher Education’s North Shore campus at 300 W. 3rd St. in Grand Marais.

For more information contact Cook County Higher Education at 387-3411.



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