DNR sued over lake level

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Nov 27, 2012 at 3:24 pm

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. (KNSI) A group of White Bear Lake residents and business owners are suing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources claiming the agency's practices have contributed to falling levels at the lake north of St. Paul.

The group filed suit Tuesday in Ramsey County District Court under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act, which lets citizens sue to protect natural resources. A study earlier this year by the federal government found municipal groundwater pumping by the DNR is a contributing factor to declining lake levels since the early 2000's.

DNR spokesman Chris Niskanen says the agency has no comment.

Attorney Jan Conlin says the plaintiffs don't necessarily think the DNR can fix the lake on its own but that the lawsuit is intended to begin addressing the problem.

Posted By Mike Tanner

News Director

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