Reader's View: Irresponsible to let industries pollute water

I read the Feb. 25 story, “Iron Range lawmaker says water rules threaten Minnesota’s mines.” I think that allowing big industries to pollute the lakes and rivers during the two-year period it takes to implement new sulfate rules is irresponsible and would be detrimental to aquatic ecosystem health.
Not only is wild rice a part of Minnesota culture, it serves as habitat for many aquatic species, and as a food source for animals and humans alike. If we remove this habitat and food source, we may cause the aquatic ecosystems irreversible damage.
Current researchers of the sulfate rule have indicated that wild rice is very sensitive to sulfates and that any concentration can lower their growth rate. A declining growth rate can affect future rice plants’ ability to prosper, even when the concentration of sulfates are considerably lower.
Wild rice growing areas already have been diminished by sulfate in the water; we need to preserve what we currently have if we hope to keep these ecosystems intact for future generations.
Kat Klammer Wayzata, Minn.