A new report just out indicates the Mississippi River is cleaner and healthier than it's been in a generation.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that after four decades of declining pollution following the implementation of the federal Clean Water Act and other federal laws, the section of the river flowing through the Twin Cities,is even clean enough for swimming....

The review, however, also found some new and looming environmental concerns along the 72-mile stretch running between Dayton and Hastings -- the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area that is part of the National Park Service.

The paper said rising levels of a contaminant called triclosan have turned up in sediment studies in Lake Pepin. The compound starts as a antibacterial ingredient used in soap, toothpaste and many other consumer products. When exposed to chlorine in water treatment facilities and sunlight in the water, it becomes a dioxin, one in a class of toxins harmful to people and wildlife..