The MCPA fined Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, based Alliance Building Corporation $11,000 for failing to contain sediment, prevent erosion and stabilize the soil at the Cardinal Pines II construction site near Staples.
A new report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency credits years of investments in water protection practices for improved water quality in the Sauk River Chain of Lakes, but the report also calls for more action.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert this morning for Central Minnesota. The areas in the most danger include St. Cloud and parts of the Twin Cities metro. According to the agency, the warning is in effect until 8 p.m. this evening due to today's high temperatures reaching near 90 degrees mixed with wildfire smoke and lots of sunshine.