Clean Water Action Alliance of Minnesota
Big Stone II: Reconvene the Boundary Waters Commission
Background
We need to look closely at the impact of the proposed Big Stone II coal plant on Big Stone Lake. In order to fully understand what is at stake, we need our Governors to step up and convene the South Dakota—Minnesota Boundary Waters Commission. We need to protect our shared water resource!
Plans for the proposed Big Stone II coal plant near Milbank, South Dakota call for using vast amounts of water. In addition to the 3.2 billion gallon surface draw approved last year, co-owners now want another 3.2 billion gallons from groundwater.
Our water supply is precious and limited. Most scientists say that global warming will hit our Midwest water resources hard. Water experts point out that increasing water demand is reducing the ability for our underground aquifers to filling up. Both scientists and water experts expect the strain on water resources to increase with more conflicts over water use coming.
We need to think carefully, look at all the evidence and make sound decisions about how we manage our shared water resources.
Who is the Boundary Waters Commission and what do they do?
The South Dakota-Minnesota Boundary Waters Commission, consists of the secretaries of the Departments of Water and Natural Resources and Game, Fish and Parks of South Dakota and the commissioner of natural resources and the director of the pollution control agency of Minnesota, and an engineer appointed by the mutual consent of the Governors of South Dakota and Minnesota. The Boundary Waters Commission may plan, coordinate, hold public hearings on and propose lake protection and rehabilitation projects for boundary water lakes. The South Dakota-Minnesota Boundary Waters Commission may prescribe procedure for the conduct of its investigations, surveys and hearings. The Commission shall have power and authority to investigate and determine the most desirable and beneficial levels of boundary waters artificially controlled and to prescribe a plan for controlling and regulating said levels.
Take Action
Stand up for clean energy and protect Big Stone Lake from dirty coal! Send a message to the Governor now.
