justnorth posted on April 29, 2008 05:41 :: 1338 Views
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) are investigating why about 20 loons and grebes have become sick in and around the Serpent Lake Sanitary District wastewater treatment ponds in Ironton, which is located northeast of Brainerd.
The birds are unable to fly and are having difficulty swimming. Since Monday when the problem was first reported, two grebes have died.
“It’s too early to know what is creating the problem,” explained Pam Perry, DNR nongame wildlife lake specialist. “But we are working closely with MPCA to determine the cause.”
Three loons and three grebes have been taken to an animal rehabilitation center near Garrison to be examined.
Water and sludge samples of the ponds have been taken by MPCA and are at
the lab. Results are expected in about a week.
The agency is also evaluating companies in the nearby communities to determine if there are any industrial discharges that need to be sampled.
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