Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a new five-year permit allowing Renville County to continue the operation and development of its sanitary landfill in Henryville Township, about seven miles south of Olivia.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is testing new soil vapor extraction technology at the Waste Disposal Engineering (WDE) closed landfill in Andover, Minn. This pilot project, which is slated to run from the end of September through December, will remove and contain volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination from the landfill's underground hazardous waste pit.

A Pipestone County dairy has agreed to pay a $10,000 penalty after a May 5 manure spill resulted in a fish kill and the temporary closing of a public swimming beach.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on a water quality improvement report for Meadow Lake in Hennepin County. The report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), focuses on pollution caused by excess nutrients. A public comment period begins Sept. 28, and continues through Oct. 28, 2009.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on a water quality improvement report for Cedar Island Lake, Pike Lake, and Eagle Lake, all located in Hennepin County. The report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), focuses on pollution caused by excess nutrients. A public comment period begins Sept. 28 and continues through Oct. 28, 2009.

M.A. Mortensen Company of Minneapolis and Bethel University have reached an agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that requires the two parties to pay the MPCA a combined $54,825 for alleged stormwater violations. The violations occurred at the university's expansion project in Arden Hills, Minn.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has completed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) on a proposed expansion of the SLT Cattle Company - Ted's Place feedlot located in Nobles County near Marshall. The public comment period for the EAW ends Oct. 21, 2009.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today announced it will hold a series of public meetings throughout the state in September and October to discuss the nearly 400 impairments added to the draft list of the state's impaired lakes and stream segments.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced today the availability of $2 million in grant money for lake and stream monitoring projects. Water monitoring is often the first step toward protecting or improving water resources. Eligible applicants may apply through a competitive application process. Grant proposals are due to the MPCA by 4 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2009.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking applications for grants to be used in the development of environmentally sustainable practices that prevent pollution and conserve resources. Both public and private organizations and partnerships are eligible. Applications are due Nov. 3, 2009.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today released the 2009 edition of the Watershed Achievements Report. The report chronicles 49 water quality improvement projects throughout the state. The report, organized by basin, summarizes progress made in addressing water pollution through projects funded under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act and the MPCA's Clean Water Partnership Program. Projects included in the report took place from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

A demonstration project on reducing sediment in Heron Lake in southwest Minnesota. Community cleanups in the Minnesota River Valley in central Minnesota. Implementing practices to reduce bacteria levels in the North Cannon River in southeast Minnesota.

Rainstorms and summer heat typically make parts of Maplewood's Kohlman Lake succumb to green algae blooms in late summer. After working with consultants, stakeholders and citizen groups, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking public comments on a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) water quality report developed to help the struggling lake go from green to clean. The public notice period will run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 30, 2009.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency today announced it has opened the application process for its annual Governor's Awards for Pollution Prevention. Bestowed since 1991, the awards honor superior environmental achievement by Minnesota businesses, nonprofits, government and institutions. The deadline for applications is Sept. 15, 2009.

The latest in electric and hybrid vehicles will be on display at the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair, including some models that are not household names.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on a water quality improvement report for the Clearwater River Watershed in parts of Meeker, Stearns and Wright counties. The report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), focuses on pollution caused by excess nutrients, and bacteria. A public comment period begins Aug. 17 and continues through Sept.16.

Many of the estimated 25,000 livestock feedlots registered in Minnesota must update their registration information to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) by Jan. 1, 2010. The information includes location, type of operation and number of livestock.

The public is invited to comment and make suggestions on a proposal to classify the lower Thief River as a drinking water source. A meeting, hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), will be held Monday, Aug. 17, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the Thief River Falls council chambers, located at 405 3rd St. East.

There are plenty of scales at the Minnesota State Fair: for weighing produce, livestock and even midway-goers. An exciting new interactive exhibit at this year's state fair, the Eco Scale Challenge, allows Eco Experience visitors to see the effect their choices at home and on the road have on emissions of carbon dioxide.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health advisory for the Twin Cities metropolitan area for Thursday, August 13. Increasing humidity levels and light southerly winds are encouraging fine particle production and transport into the region. Light winds in the area will limit dispersion. As a result, Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the Twin Cities are forecasted to be high moderate on Wednesday and Thursday, with an expected peak AQI of 97. The MPCA issues an air pollution health alert when AQI levels reach 101.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the public comment period for the agency's draft industrial stormwater permit through Sept. 4, 2009.

A day at the Minnesota State Fair means a long day on your feet. Come to the Eco Experience, sit back and learn how to take a load off your electric bill, water use and carbon footprint. A variety of live presentations, performances and demonstrations will provide resources for reducing the effects your home has on the environment and your pocketbook.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has reached an agreement with Regions Hospital and Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. that resolves an alleged failure to comply with the construction stormwater permit issued for the hospital's expansion project. In accordance with the agreement, Regions and Kraus-Anderson have paid a $45,400 civil penalty.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) concluded 77 enforcement cases totaling $501,842 in penalties during the second quarter of 2009. The cases occurred at facilities in 36 counties throughout Minnesota.