Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Awaiting updates on Trempealeau County, river pollution spill

You may remember that a sand mine retention pond was breached on May 21st in Trempealeau County; 10 million gallons of orange-colored water and contaminants were released into waterways and on downstream land.



WPR.ORG
Wisconsin officials have found elevated levels of toxic heavy metals near a frac sand mine spill that sent millions of gallons of sludge into a Trempealeau River tributary.

Spill video, here.

The most-recent news report on the spill I can find is dated Thursday, June 7th; it describes the situation and water tests to that point

The tests show lead concentrations of more than 10 times allowable levels in water sampled near where the spill entered Pocker Creek, which runs into the Trempealeau River. 
Aluminum was measured at more than 1,000 times the limit. 
There also were high levels of beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, magnesium, nickel and other contaminants; however, samples taken from the Trempealeau River show concentrations that meet surface water standards, said DNR spokesman Jim Dick...
Dick said dissolved oxygen levels in both Pocker Coulee and the Trempealeau River were ”above the level needed to sustain aquatic life...,”[on] Monday the DNR said initial tests showed no signs of “immediate toxicity.”
Because Dick also said that more samples would be taken, I have asked if there are any updates  available.

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