DNR OKs Lutsen plan to draw Lake Superior water

Poplar River
The Poplar River runs past a pumping station and through the Lutsen Mountain Ski Resort in Lutsen, Minn. The resort draws water from the river, but wants to take it from Lake Superior instead.
Derek Montgomery for MPR, file

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a planned water system to deliver water from Lake Superior to the Lutsen Mountains ski area and nearby businesses will not have significant environmental effects.

The decision allows the nearly $5 million project to apply for permits and begin construction in the spring. The project still needs state and county permits.

The ski resort was using water from the Poplar River to make snow, but low water levels and heavy sedimentation were a concern for the designated trout stream. The Legislature authorized locals to set up a water district and offered money to build a pipe to collect water from Lake Superior.

Lutsen Mountain spokeswoman Judy Erickson said the system should not cause any additional sedimentation.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

"We're simply changing the source of water for snowmaking, we're not increasing the amount of water for snowmaking over existing permits," Erickson said.

Erickson said the water supply will benefit the entire community.

"The public golf course is undergoing a major expansion, and this will add to their irrigation capabilities there," Erickson said. "It will add a secure drinking water supply for the community that they currently don't have. In addition, it will be great source of water for firefighting in the area."

Critics worry the project will lead to further development along the North Shore, but the DNR said the area is subject to a land use plan administered by Cook County.

• Follow Stephanie Hemphill on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mpr_hemphill