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Frequently Asked Questions

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) receives many questions about Minnesota's environment, ranging from citizen inquiries about recycling to industry questions about permits. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Attention Students: You can find tips on how to find environmental information on this Web site for your homework, paper or presentation at our special Students page. Please check this page first before contacting the MPCA.

General Questions

Q:  I need to talk to a MPCA staff member.  How do I find his/her phone number or e-mail address?

A:  Search the MPCA online staff directory or view the staff directory file (updated monthly) for staff phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If you want to know a staff member’s availability, you’ll have to call them directly.  If their voicemail message is generic, you may press zero to ask support staff their availability. If you're not sure who to talk to, see the MPCA's list of staff contacts by topic.

Q:  Where can I go on the MPCA Web site to get environmental data?

A:  Our list of online databases is growing.  Visit the MPCA environmental data page.

Complaints

Q:  I have an environmental complaint I’d like to register.  How do I do that?

A:  Send us your complaint through our online citizen complaint form.

Air

Q:  What is today’s Air Quality?

A:  See the most current air quality readings for Minnesota on the Air Quality Index page The index is updated hourly. 

Water

Q: How do I find out about the water quality of the lake by my house or cabin?

A: See the MPCA's Lake Monitoring Program FAQ page for information about your lake and what you can do to protect and monitor your lake's water quality.

Wastewater

Q:  I have a question about the status of my Sanitary Sewer Permit.  Who could I talk to?

A:  Call 651-757-2086 or send an e-mail to: jan.hjellming@pca.state.mn.us

Q:  Who do I talk to about being a registered septic hauler/pumper or to check the status of my registration/license?

A: Visit the SSTS Registration Web page, or call Jane Seaver at 651-757-2711 or by e-mail: jane.seaver@pca.state.mn.us

Q:  I’m a homeowner with a septic tank question.  Who can I talk to?

A:  There are fact sheets for homeowners on how to maintain their septic system through the University of Minnesota Extension Web site or by contacting your county, township or city.

Stormwater

Q: I need to apply for a construction stormwater permit.  What do I need to do and when can I get the permit?

A:  You can apply either online or through the mail. Visit the Construction Stormwater page for links to forms and the online application.  If you submit your application online, you're allowed to start constructing 48 hours after submitting. If you mail in your application, you may start construction 7 days after the postmark date for most projects (please see the application for exceptions).

Q:  What is the fee for the Construction Stormwater Permit? 

A: $400.

Q:  How can I check the status of my Construction Stormwater Permit?

A:  Call 651-757-2088.

Q:  What is the status of the draft Industrial Stormwater Permit?  When will it be issued?

A: As of February 2009, the MPCA is nearly finished drafting the current Industrial Stormwater Permit (sometimes known as the Multi-Sector General Permit).  It should be on public notice summer 2009 and may be issued by the end of the year.  To learn more about the permit and to receive email updates from the program, visit the Industrial Stormwater page.

Waste

Household Hazardous Waste

Q: I have household hazardous waste, such as paint, pesticides, used oil or electronics. How do I dispose of it?

A: Most counties have household hazardous waste (HHW) collection programs.  The wastes accepted and hours of operation vary by county, so the best way to find out what you can do with your HHW is to contact your county’s household hazardous waste program. Residents from Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties can also visit the Green Guardian Web site for information about disposal options.  Earth's 911 is another resource that provides disposal information for many Minnesota counties, visit: www.earth911.org, then type in the waste you want to get rid of and your zip code to find a list of the closest disposal locations.

Q:  I have a fluorescent bulb to dispose of.  How can I safely dispose of it?

A:  A fluorescent bulb is considered household hazardous waste.  Listed below is information about how to handle and clean up your waste bulbs and where to find your local household hazardous waste disposal locations.

• Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Use Them, Recycle Them.
• Disposal locations:
  • contact your county’s household hazardous waste program for disposal information
  • visit the Green Guardian Web site for information about disposal options
  • visit: www.earth911.org, then type in the waste you want to get rid of and your zip code to find a list of the closest disposal locations.

Q:  What’s the latest regarding the electronics recycling law?

A: Information can be found on the Electronics Recycling Law page.

Industrial Hazardous Waste

Q:  I'd like to know if my Hazardous Waste/EPA ID number is active.  How do I find the status of my EPA ID number?

A:  Visit the MPCA's EPA ID Number searchable database, or call 651-757-2123, or send an e-mail to: beckie.olson@pca.state.mn.us

Referrals to Other Agencies

Q: I’m having problems with mold, radon, or asbestos tiles or lead in my house or apartment.  Who do I call?

A:  Please contact Minnesota Department of Health’s Indoor Air Quality Program

Q:  I have a problem with my neighbor burning debris.  Who do I talk to?

A:  For non-trash related outdoor burning, contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for trash-related burning questions, contact your fire marshal or sheriff’s office. 

Q:  What if I don’t know which state agency would address my environmental question or concern?

A: Visit Minnesota's Gateway to Environmental Information and type in the search box the phrase or program that you’re looking for.

Q:  I am a business or local government with an environmental/regulatory question.  Who can I talk to?

A:  You can call: 651-282-6143 or 800-657-3938.

Q:  I still have a question that’s not answered on this page.

A:  Feel free to fill out the question form below and your question will be routed to the appropriate staff.  Please expect up to a two-week wait to receive a reply from the MPCA.

Quick Links

Business/Industry

• Industry Information
• Rules/Regulations
• Permits
• Small Business
• Staff Directory
• Hotlines/Helplines

Citizens

• Your Backyard
• What's in My Neighborhood - an online tool to search for places that may be contaminated.
• Hotlines/Helplines

Students

• Student Guide to Environmental Information on MPCA's Web Site
• Kid's Page

Ask MPCA Online Form

The "Ask MPCA" online form is your electronic communications link to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). If you would like to ask MPCA staff a question, you can submit your question electronically through the form on this page. Please include a return U.S. mail or e-mail address so we can respond to your question. To help us answer your question, please be as detailed as possible and include a Web address (URL) if you are referencing a particular Web page or document.

Please expect up to a two-week wait to receive a reply to your question from the MPCA. So, please review the FAQs and links provided above for resources and answers to your questions before you submit a question.

Before you use the form below, please note the following:

• If you have suggestions for improving the MPCA's Web site, or comments or questions about the content or functionality of the site, please complete our Web Feedback Form.
• If you want to report a citizen complaint or environmental incident, please complete our Citizen Complaint Form.
• If you're a student and need help finding environmental information, check out our Environmental Guide for Students.
• You must be 13 years of age or older to use this form. If you are younger than 13, please ask a parent to fill out this form for you. MPCA Privacy Policy.

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For all other programs, please refer to the main MPCA Programs page. Program contact information is generally available at the bottom of each specific program Web page.