Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Spring marks the start of ozone (smog) season, but a state vapor-control law that went into effect Jan. 2 should help reduce odors near gas stations and ozone levels in the Twin Cities this year, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, with assistance from an advisory committee, has developed a plan to help improve water quality in the lower Minnesota River by increasing dissolved oxygen during low-flow periods. The plan targets phosphorus as the main cause of low dissolved oxygen, which can kill aquatic life.

What do worm composting and the Air Quality Index have in common? You can learn about both of these and more at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's booth at the fifth annual Living Green Expo, May 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Grandstand Building at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights.

A new report issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) shows that most key environmental indicators are holding steady or improving despite increasing pressure from population growth during the past two decades.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for proposed construction of a new lift station in Victoria. The draft EAW is open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. on May 24, 2006.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) concluded 29 enforcement cases totaling $216,393 in penalties during the first quarter of 2006. The cases occurred at facilities in 17 counties throughout Minnesota.

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Live on or near a river or stream? If so, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Citizen Stream-Monitoring Program (CSMP) is looking for you.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared for the proposed Minnesota River Valley Public Utilities Commission Wastewater Treatment Facility in Le Sueur, Minn. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the EAW from April 24 through May 24, 2006.

Fleet Fueling Services of Minnesota has agreed to pay a $15,000 penalty for alleged emergency response violations. The violations occurred in Eagan, St. Paul, and at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Under an agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the owners and operators of Corn Plus have paid a $12,600 penalty and will take several actions to correct alleged environmental violations at their ethanol plant in Winnebago, Faribault County.

Spring rain brings a refreshing change to lawns and gardens, but not to urban lakes and rivers. The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local water body. The water may look clean, but that's not always the case.

The public is invited to an open house from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, April 27, at the new location of the Willmar office of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Staff members will be present to describe various programs, and refreshments will be served.

MetroPlains Development LLC, Key Construction Inc., and Bradburn Wrecking Company, Inc. have paid a total of $29,000 in penalties for improper management of asbestos-containing waste during renovation and demolition of parts of the old Winona Middle School. MetroPlains Development is located in St. Paul, Minn., while Key Construction and Bradburn Wrecking are located in Wichita, Kan.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) seeks comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared for proposed sewer and street improvements in St. Michael, Minn. The draft EAW will be open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. on May 10, 2006.

Lunda Construction Company has agreed to pay a $15,200 penalty for the improper management and disposal of waste paint chips from the Blakely Bridge demolition project on Scott County Rd. 1. Lunda Construction is located at 620 Gebhardt Rd. in Black River Falls, Wis.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) seeks comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for proposed construction of a new lift station in Chaska. The draft EAW is open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. on May 10, 2006.

Talk about recycling, for thousands of years farmers used livestock manure as fertilizer for crops. However, in recent decades, commercial fertilizer took the lead because it was cheaper and easier to use. Manure often was viewed as an odorous waste.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will hold an open house and informational meeting on Thursday, April 20, for U.S. Steel Minntac's preliminary proposal to discharge wastewater from its tailings basin in Mountain Iron, Minn.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System Permit, and a draft Air Emissions Permit prepared for Buffalo Lake Energy, LLC in Fairmont, Minn. Interested parties may submit comments on the EAW and draft permits until 4:30 p.m. on Apr. 26, 2006.

As spring approaches in the Red River Basin, so does the threat of flooding. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reminds residents that they can minimize pollution risks to their homes and businesses by following a few simple steps before floodwaters arrive.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment Worksheet on a proposal to expand the existing wastewater-treatment facility for the city of Big Lake in Sherburne County. The draft EAW will be open for public comment until 4:30 p.m., Apr. 26, 2006.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed expansion of the Granite Falls Energy ethanol plant. The EAW and revised air emissions and waste water permits are open for public review and comment through April 27, 2006. The EAW describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality.

As a result of the tragic death of a Minnesota boy attributed to lead poisoning, many parents are collecting toy jewelry from their homes. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reminds parents to properly dispose of any jewelry that contains, or is suspected of containing, lead.

Flint Hills Resources' Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount, Minn., is proposing to expand its crude oil processing operation to meet increased market demand. The proposed expansion would raise the current maximum capacity of 100,000 barrels per day to 150,000 barrels per day.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for a proposal to construct a new wastewater treatment facility in the city of Harris, Chisago County.