St. Paul, Minn. — More than 180 permit holders representing thousands of Minnesota property owners will each save more than $1,200 up front and another $345 annually thanks to streamlining of two agency permits. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will use the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) aquatic plant management permit to fulfill Clean Water Act requirements on application of aquatic pesticides to control aquatic plants. Both agencies are working together to make certain that pesticide discharges to waters are controlled to protect aquatic communities and water quality. Estimated cost savings to the state are $150,000 annually.
During the permit development process it was realized that the MPCA could effectively protect the environment and reduce permit fees by using DNR’s Aquatic Plant Management permit, while meeting the conditions of the federal Clean Water Act and the MPCA’s Pesticide General Permit.
“This is a win for property owners and Minnesotans because we’re able to reduce the cost of permitting while still protecting water quality,” says Elise Doucette, the MPCA staff member who developed the Pesticide General Permit. “Both agencies agree that staff time will be saved, resources will be used efficiently, and some permit fees can be eliminated.” The savings will result from DNR permit holders not being required to apply for a separate permit from MPCA.
To view full permit details, visit the MPCA’s NPDES Pesticide Permit page.
