MN's St. Louis River listed among nation's most endangered

The St. Louis River in northern Minnesota has landed on a national list of the 10 "most endangered" rivers.

American Rivers says the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine threatens the river's water quality. The group is concerned about the risk of pollution but also a loss of wetlands in the watershed.

It named the South Kawishiwi River, which flows through the Boundary Waters, to the endangered list in 2013 because of a possible copper-nickel mine near there. The St. Louis River was a logical choice, said Jessie Thomas-Blate, associate director of river protection and restoration conservation for America Rivers.

"For some rivers this is really their last chance to really deal with these harmful projects before they become a reality," she said. "We really need the public's help in reaching out to decision makers and asking them to do the right thing on behalf of these rivers."

The group solicits nominations each year for the list, searching for rivers that are facing an imminent decision that could affect their future for years to come.

Decisions on whether to grant PolyMet the necessary permits could come within the next year. The company has said it can meet all of the state's water quality standards.

American Rivers' most endangered rivers of 2015

See the list and related environmental reports at americanrivers.org

1) Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, Arizona
2) Columbia River, Washington and Oregon
3) Holston River, Tennessee
4) Smith River, Montana
5) Edisto River, South Carolina
6) Chuitna River, Alaska
7) Rogue-Smith Watersheds, Oregon and California
8) St. Louis River, Minnesota
9) Harpeth River, Tennessee
10) Pearl River, Louisiana and Mississippi