Minnesota agencies investigating "sheen" appearing on Mississippi River
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Health say they are investigating "sheens" that are appearing along the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis.
Martha Amundsen sent a video to WCCO of the shimmering substance on Thursday afternoon. In her video, the material was flowing along the river near the Hennepin Avenue Bridge.
State officials say they have hired a contractor to deploy a boom and "contain the sheen." They are also working with the city to identify a possible source.
"At this time, we have no reason to believe there is a risk to human health," the MPCA and MDH said in a joint statement, adding that samples have been sent to a laboratory for testing.
Despite the incident, scientists say the river's health is doing well.
"It's much better today than it was 100 years ago. There was a study done back in 1926 that functionally called the Mississippi River dead," said Ellen Reed, the executive director of the Mississippi Park Connection. "I we are not constantly monitoring it and taking care of it, we know that it will get out of control again."
One of the many measuring points of the water's quality is the wildlife living nearby, be it mussels in the water or the cranes on the shores that the Mississippi Park Connection is welcoming back this weekend.
"So when we look out and we see beaver, we see herons, we see fish in the water, they are there because it is healthy," said Reed. "It's just a really great celebration of community. You'll have people from the NPS there, we'll have birders pointing things out."
With more warmer weather around the corner, Reed says Minnesotans all play a part in keeping the river clean while enjoying the outdoors.
"So I do recommend though when you're at home gardening, watch those fertilizer levels," Reed said. "When you're out here by the river, pick up after yourself. Maybe help pick up after others."