Greta Jimenez
Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, has faced numerous environmental challenges over the years. Despite its immense size, the lake is surprisingly vulnerable to pollution due to its year-round cold temperatures and limited nutrient sources. In the past, Reserve Mining discharged nearly 67,000 tons of asbestos-containing waste into the lake daily, and even today, pollutants continue to enter the lake through atmospheric deposition and industrial activity. While efforts to restore and protect the lake are ongoing, it continues to be threatened by invasive species, habitat loss, and toxic contaminants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Contaminants | Toxaphene, Dieldrin, Mercury, PCBs, Arsenic, Lead, Phosphorus, Nitrate, Hexavalent Chromium, Lindane, Algae blooms, Contaminated Sediment, Toxic Contaminants, Asbestos Fibers |
| Sources of Pollution | Industrial Effluents, Waste, Wetland Dredging and Filling, Mining, Shoreline Development, Land Use Practices, Pulp Mill, Rock Waste, Agricultural Runoff |
| Environmental Challenges | Invasive Species (Zebra Mussels, Quagga Mussels), Habitat Loss, Endangered Species |
| Initiatives to Combat Pollution | Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Lake Superior Binational Program, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Louis River Area of Concern, Rehabilitation of Aquatic Habitats |
| Areas of Concern | Duluth-Superior Harbor, Eight Areas of Concern Designated by Canada and the U.S. in 1987 |
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Mining waste
Lake Superior, which straddles the Canada-US border, is the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area and holds 10% of the world's readily available freshwater. Despite its immense size, Lake Superior is vulnerable to pollution. The lake's year-round cold temperatures and limited nutrients mean that it has a simple and fragile food chain. Changes in the surrounding landscape, such as agricultural practices and mining, can have a significant impact on the lake's ecosystem.
The tailings basin created by Reserve Mining is located just three miles uphill from Lake Superior. In recent years, the new owner of the site, Northshore Mining, has proposed a massive expansion of the tailings basin. Environmental advocates have raised concerns about the potential impact on the lake and the nearby communities of Beaver Bay and Silver Bay.
Another significant issue related to mining waste in Lake Superior is the presence of stamp sands, which are slowly smothering an important fish spawning reef, Buffalo Reef, along the Keweenaw Peninsula coastline. The sands contain copper residue, which is toxic to aquatic life, and are estimated to have already covered about a third of the 2,200-acre reef. Removing these sands and depositing them in a new landfill is expected to cost more than $2.1 billion.
The Great Lakes region, which includes Lake Superior, contains nearly 85% of North America's surface freshwater. Mining proposals in the region have raised concerns due to the potential for massive amounts of waste rock containing sulfides to be generated. When exposed to air and moisture, these sulfides can produce sulfuric acid that can leach into surrounding waterways, causing acid mine drainage and resulting in massive water pollution. Environmental organisations are working to ensure that the Lake Superior watershed remains clean and safe for future generations.
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Invasive species
Lake Superior, like the other Great Lakes, faces the issue of invasive species. More than 180 aquatic species have been introduced into the Great Lakes, with a small fraction of these non-native species becoming invasive. Invasive species have established abundant populations that negatively impact the existing ecosystem and native fish populations. Sea lampreys, alewives, dreissenid mussels, round gobies, spiny water fleas, and zebra mussels are examples of invasive species in the Great Lakes. Along with overfishing and pollution, invasive species have caused the loss of 18 fish species in at least one of the Great Lakes.
Invasive carp species, such as bighead carp, silver carp, black carp, and grass carp, are of particular concern for fishery managers in the Great Lakes region. These invasive carp species have the potential to cause significant harm to the Great Lakes fisheries and ecosystems. The commission is committed to preventing their establishment and facilitating cooperative action among fishery managers.
In addition to invasive fish species, Lake Superior also faces the challenge of invasive mussels, such as zebra mussels and quagga mussels. These invasive mussels can disrupt the lake's ecosystem and native species. The introduction and spread of invasive species in Lake Superior and the Great Lakes highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent, manage, and control their establishment to mitigate their negative impacts on the fragile ecosystems of these lakes.
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Algal blooms
Lake Superior, the largest and coldest of the Great Lakes, is known for its pristine waters. However, in recent years, climate change, increasing human activity, and warming temperatures have contributed to the occurrence of algal blooms in the lake. These algal blooms, specifically cyanobacteria, thrive in freshwater systems with warmer temperatures and elevated nutrient inputs.
The presence of algal blooms in Lake Superior is of concern due to their potential to produce toxins harmful to both humans and the environment. These toxins can cause gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, and even prove fatal to pets and livestock. Additionally, they can interfere with water treatment processes and create unpleasant tastes and odours in the water. While Lake Superior was once believed to be immune to algal blooms due to its cold temperatures and lack of nutrient runoff, the combination of climate change and human activities has made it more susceptible.
One of the primary contributors to algal blooms in Lake Superior is nutrient additions from human activities such as farming and development. Agricultural runoff containing phosphorous and other nutrients can fuel the growth of algae. Additionally, urban development and stormwater runoff can introduce excess nutrients into the lake, promoting algal growth. Climate change also plays a significant role by increasing water temperatures, creating favourable conditions for cyanobacteria to thrive.
To address the issue of algal blooms in Lake Superior, several strategies have been proposed. These include reducing the use of fertilizers, changing the timing of fertilizer application, promoting urban infrastructure to minimize stormwater runoff, and conserving wetlands and riparian vegetation. Local governments around the lake have implemented some of these measures, but their effectiveness remains to be seen. Additionally, community members are encouraged to report sightings of algal blooms to local provincial environment offices to further understanding and monitoring efforts.
The occurrence of algal blooms in Lake Superior highlights the delicate balance between human activities and the health of aquatic ecosystems. While the lake was once considered pristine, the increasing frequency of algal blooms underscores the need for proactive measures to protect and preserve its water quality. By addressing the root causes of algal blooms and implementing effective management strategies, it may be possible to mitigate their impact and restore the pristine condition of Lake Superior.
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Toxic chemicals
Lake Superior, which spans across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario, is the largest freshwater lake by volume on Earth. Despite its immense size, Lake Superior is surprisingly vulnerable to pollution.
In the 1960s, Reserve Mining was operating a taconite mine on the North Shore, which involved dumping nearly 67,000 tons of asbestos-containing waste directly into Lake Superior daily. This waste, known as "tailings," was believed to contain microscopic asbestos fibers that could cause cancer and other health issues if ingested. The Minnesota Attorney General's office sued Reserve Mining to stop this practice, and the state prevailed. This incident brought attention to the issue of mining pollution in Lake Superior and the potential risks it poses to the environment and human health.
Another source of pollution in Lake Superior is the pulp mill, AV Terrace Bay, which continues to release polluting chemicals into the lake. According to Canada's National Pollutant Release Inventory, the data for 2019 reports arsenic, lead, phosphorus, nitrate, hexavalent chromium, and several other pollutants. These toxic chemicals have been found in the lake's food chain, posing risks to both wildlife and humans who depend on the lake for food and water.
In addition to these point sources of pollution, Lake Superior also faces threats from habitat loss in tributaries and embayments due to agriculture, mining, hydroelectric dams, industrial effluents, waste, and land use practices that increase surface runoff and erosion. These activities can lead to increased pollution levels in the lake and disrupt the fragile food chain. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to protect and restore the lake's water quality. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is working to tackle the restoration and protection of Lake Superior through initiatives such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative and the Lake Superior Binational Program, which aim to reduce toxic chemicals and achieve zero discharge and emission goals.
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Shoreline development
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third-largest by volume. Located in central North America along the Canada–United States border, it is the least populated and cleanest of the Great Lakes.
Despite its immense size, Lake Superior is vulnerable to pollution. The year-round cold temperatures and small amount of nutrients entering the lake result in a simple and fragile food chain. Changes on the land become changes in the lake. For example, algae blooms in Lake Superior bays decrease the clarity of the western arm of the lake, and contaminated sediment has been found in the Duluth-Superior harbour. Toxic contaminants are building up in the food chain.
One of the most pressing issues facing Lake Superior is shoreline development, including the construction of recreational homes. In the past, mining companies dumped large amounts of waste directly into the lake. For example, in the 1960s, Reserve Mining operated a massive taconite mine on the North Shore, dumping nearly 67,000 tons of tailings, or rock waste, into Lake Superior daily. The waste contained asbestos fibres that were found in Lake Superior drinking water. After the state of Minnesota sued Reserve Mining, the company was forced to stop the practice. However, the question remained of where the company would dump its waste instead. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is now tackling the restoration and protection of Lake Superior through various approaches, including the Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative and the Lake Superior Binational Program.
The Wisconsin segment of the Lake Superior Water Trail covers more than 400 miles of diverse shoreline from the City of Superior to the Montreal River at the Michigan border. The trail aims to connect the 3,000 miles of shoreline that border Lake Superior along Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. It is designed to link communities and encourage travellers to explore new regions of Lake Superior while protecting local natural and cultural resources. The development of the trail has involved the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service, as well as the Inland Sea Society.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to provide an exact figure for the amount of pollution in Lake Superior as it is constantly changing. However, sources suggest that Lake Superior has been subject to significant pollution over the years. In the 1960s, for example, Reserve Mining was dumping nearly 67,000 tons of asbestos-containing waste into the lake every day.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is working to restore and protect Lake Superior through initiatives such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative and the Lake Superior Binational Program, which aims for zero discharge and emission of toxic chemicals. The IJC, a joint organisation between Canada and the US, also works to resolve disputes relating to the waters along their shared border.
Lake Superior receives most of its contaminants via atmospheric deposition due to its remote location and limited industrial activity. Sources of pollution include mining, hydroelectric dams, industrial effluents, waste, and agricultural and land use practices.
