EVENTS
Monday, May 12th, 2025, 1pm CT
Science of Mining: Dangers of Sulfide Mining and Our Waterways by Tom Anderson, Tamarack Water Alliance
West Duluth Public Library, 5830 Grand Av
This talk will provide greater detail about mining practices that cause sulfide based poluution, examples of how and where this has happened in the area and discus how these toxic scenarios can be avoided.
Tom Anderson is a member of the Tamarack Water Alliance, a grassroots organization that is looking to protect local water systems.
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, 10am CT
Zoom Community Meeting
Saving the BWCA and Voyageurs Park from Pollution by Sue Okerstom
Sue Okerstrom, President of Lichen Labs, and a research partner with NLSAP (Northern Lakes Scientific Advisory Panel) will speak about Saving the BWCA and Voyageurs Park from Pollution. Sulfate pollution from taconite mines, specifically Minntac and Arcelor Mittal in Virginia flows to Voyageurs National Park. Methyl-mercury contamination of walleye in Voyageurs National Park is very high. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin for people consuming game fish. Mine waste from Northshore mine in Babbitt is the source of sulfate pollution in the BWCA lakes. Minnesotans need to work together before ecological damage in the BWCA and Voyageurs National Park worsens.
Sue Okerstom is the President and Lead Researcher at Lichen Labs with an MS in Biomimicry, and MS in Materials Science and Engineering, and a citizen scientist with Northern Lakes Scientific Advisory Panel. As a charter member of NLSAP Sue works with other scientists concerned about iron mining’s impact on water quality. Their self funded group collects and analyzes water samples across the region and shares the data with the MPCA. Their data played a key role in the MPCA's impairment designation for key waterways such as Birch Lake. Sue grew up in Virginia and formerly worked for US Steel as a technician.
Register for the meeting to receive the Zoom link at https://tamarackwateralliance.org/php/eventreg.php?eid=16 or Contact Us.