Nonferrous mining prohibited if sulfate levels increase in waters within the Rainy River headwaters, and penalties established.
Introduction and first reading, referred to; Authors added
Summary
The bill would bar any state‑owned or administered land in the Rainy River headwaters from being used for non‑ferrous metal mining unless the mine can guarantee that sulfate in surface water or groundwater will not increase. It requires continuous third‑party water‑quality monitoring, makes monitoring data publicly available, and sets a $500 million civil penalty for violations. The measure also bans peat harvesting in the same wilderness area and failed to pass beyond its first reading.
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