Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Jennifer Maleitzke, 651-757-2549 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking technical information and data submissions on the proposed changes to the state's water quality standards. A second public comment period for the 2011 triennial water quality rules revision process appears in the March 2, 2009 State Register. Information and data must be submitted to the MPCA by 4:00 p.m. on Apr.17, 2009. The federal Clean Water Act requires states to review their water quality standards every three years and to amend and update them if necessary. Minnesota's water quality standards are the basis for assessing the condition of surface and ground waters, setting effluent limits for wastewater dischargers and designating and protecting the multiple uses assigned to waters of the state. Minnesota's water quality standards are found in Minn. R. chs. 7050 and 7052. Chapter 7050 applies state-wide. Chapter 7052 provides standards specific to surface waters of the Lake Superior Basin. The MPCA initiated this triennial review by seeking comments as published in the July 28, 2008 State Register. In that request, the MPCA identified six specific areas for potential amendments and sought comment on these areas and also on whether additional aspects of the rules should be considered for amendment. After considering the available data and comments received in response to the original request, the MPCA has developed a list of proposed items being considered for amendment. With this second request, the MPCA is specifically seeking technical information and data relating to these items, examples of which include: - Addition of eutrophication standards for river systems;
- Modification of the existing turbidity standards; and
- Examining data on new or revised standards for pollutants based on toxicity to aquatic organisms. A complete list of all areas where the MPCA is seeking comments, data and technical information can be found on the agency's Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/water/standards/rulechange.html. All e-mails and written comments will become part of the rulemaking record. The next formal opportunity for public comment will be when proposed amendments and a Notice of the MPCA's Intent for Rulemaking are published in the State Register, which is anticipated to occur in the spring of 2010. Questions regarding the proposed scope of the rulemaking or technical comments or questions regarding water quality standards should be directed to Angela Preimesberger, MPCA 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155-4194. Preimesberger can also be reached by phone at 651-757-2656 or toll-free 1-800-657-3864, or by e-mail at minnrule7050@pca.state.mn.us. Comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Apr. 17, 2009. Requests to receive a draft of the rules when they has been prepared and requests for more information on these planned rule amendments should be directed to Carol Nankivel, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155-4194. Nankivel can be reached by phone at 651-757-2597 or by e-mail at carol.nankivel@pca.state.mn.us.