Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking public comments on two draft environmental permits for the proposed Minnesota Steel Industries' taconite mining and steel production facility in Nashwauk, Minn.

Minnesota's electronics recycling law takes effect this summer, affecting manufacturers, retailers, collectors and recyclers of video display devices (VDDs) sold to Minnesota households. Regulated VDDs include televisions, laptop computers and computer monitors with displays larger than nine inches, measured diagonally.

The first of a series of meetings in which stakeholders will identify ways that mercury air emissions and releases to Minnesota lakes and streams could be reduced to acceptable levels is under way at the Minnesota History Center. Attendees are members of a 16-person strategy work group representing environmental, sports fishing and business interests; the electrical and taconite industries; and local, state and tribal governments.

Recent severe blooms of blue-green algae on Lake Crystal in Blue Earth County have prompted the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to recommend that the public and their pets to stay out of the water until the bloom subsides.

As part of an agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), New Horizon Dairy near Hoffman has paid a $17,400 penalty and taken steps to correct alleged manure storage and over-application problems.

The Air Pollution Health Advisory issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Saturday, June 23 is no longer in effect.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an Air Pollution Health Advisory because conditions are right for high ozone levels in the Twin Cities metro area for Sunday June 24 through Monday June 25. Tuesday June 26 is forecast to be high in both ozone and fine particles due to increased humidity. On Wednesday, northerly winds will bring cooler, drier air into Minnesota which will greatly reduce air pollution levels.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is extending the initial May 21, 2007, public comment period for the Environmental Assessment Worksheet developed for proposed turkey farm expansions near Minneota in Lyon County.

Recent hot, dry weather has created conditions where toxic blue-green algae can form on Minnesota lakes. The algae is thought to be responsible for the death of a dog in Wright County last week, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

The Clear Lake/Clearwater Joint Sewer Authority has agreed to pay a $16,000 penalty for alleged wastewater violations. The violations occurred at the sewer authority's wastewater treatment facility, which is shared by the cities of Clear Lake and Clearwater.

Dairyridge Inc., of Long Prairie has paid $15,000 for alleged feedlot violations, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The violations stem from a July 2005 discharge of liquid manure due to a faulty irrigation system.

Minnesota is well known for the beauty of its water, but the accelerating expansion of roofs, sidewalks, roads and parking lots threatens the water quality of our favorite lakes and rivers.

The recently released quarterly summary of enforcement actions included three cases that were not officially closed at the time of publication, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has announced.

Marathon Petroleum Company has paid a civil penalty of $60,000 to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for alleged air quality violations at its St. Paul Park, Minn. refinery.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed production increase of the Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water System (LPRWS). The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through July 5, 2007.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) concluded 32 enforcement cases totaling $324,204 in penalties during the first quarter of 2007. The cases occurred at facilities in 18 counties throughout Minnesota.

With the fishing season upon us, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources are once again partnering with retailers and others to offer more than 30 lead tackle exchanges across the state this summer. The annual exchange events offer anglers a chance to try the growing variety of lead-free fishing tackle.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will host the third annual Celebrate Lake Pepin, a water-quality awareness event, on Sunday, June 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Hok-Si-La Park in Lake City, Minn. The celebration is open to the public and there is no charge for admission. This family-friendly event will take place rain or shine.

Enviro-Chem Inc. has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $22,943 to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and complete a $30,000 Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) for alleged air quality and air permit violations at its facility in Rogers, Minn.

As part of an agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Northern Township has paid a civil penalty of $11,758 and taken actions to eliminate surface water discharges from a wastewater treatment facility the township operates in the Waville area near Lake Bemidji.

This Memorial Day weekend, many Minnesotans will be performing the time-honored ritual of opening the lake cabin for the summer.

The Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railroad Company recently paid a $13,000 penalty relating to the company's failure to comply with state air quality rules.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will host a public information meeting on Monday, May 21, 2007, regarding a draft air emissions permit for a proposed expansion of AB Environmental Inc. of Henderson. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Gaylord Courthouse, 400 Court Avenue, in Gaylord. AB Environmental proposes to expand its existing Henderson-based operation to include thermal treatment of creosote-contaminated soil.

In a May 17 decision, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) authority to interpret federal environmental laws that the agency enforces. The decision also reversed the ruling of a lower court and validated a permit for a wastewater treatment plant serving the communities of Annandale and Maple Lake.

In the first of several environmental education tours, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Citizens' Board will visit mining operations in northern Minnesota on May 23-24. The sites on the agenda include Minnesota Steel, USS Minntac, Cliffs-Erie, Mesabi Nugget, Polymet Mining and Northshore Mining.