Mississippi River Sheen Traced to Lubricant Spill

A sheen observed on the Mississippi River earlier this week in Coon Rapids has been traced back to a lubricant spill from the Coon Rapids Dam hydraulic system. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency confirmed that approximately 30 gallons of a food-safe lubricant were released due to a valve malfunction during a dam gate adjustment. State agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Health, have tested water samples and found no hazards, ensuring the safety of drinking water for Minneapolis and St. Paul. Booms were deployed to divert the sheen from water intakes, and no additional sheens have been reported since Wednesday. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and process additional water samples to ensure ongoing water safety.