Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The city of Deer Creek has agreed to pay a $15,334 civil penalty to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for alleged violations at its wastewater treatment facility. The city has also taken steps to correct the problems found by the MPCA.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will hold an additional public information meeting on the federally-required list of the state's polluted lakes and stream segments. The meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd, 3rd floor Council Chambers.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed expansion of a swine facility near Wells in Faribault County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment Oct. 8 through Nov. 5, 2007.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will host an informational meeting to present a draft of the state's 2008 list of polluted waters. The meeting will be 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at the MPCA Rochester Office, located at 18 Wood Lake Dr. SE.

As the weather turns cooler and leaves are changing from bright green to shades of gold and red, many Minnesotans begin the process of closing the cabin for the winter. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has developed a list of tips that will help save energy and can prevent costly problems.

The city of Willmar's program to prevent stormwater pollution is available for public review and comment through Oct. 27, 2007. The program is required by a federal rule change in 2003 that broadens stormwater regulations to include more cities and smaller construction sites. The program is being administered in Minnesota by the Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

The Pope Douglas Joint Solid Waste Management Board has agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty for alleged hazardous waste and air quality violations at its household hazardous waste collection facility and solid waste combustor in Alexandria. The Board has also agreed to pay $45,000 toward environmental projects, including collecting electronic waste from area households.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced today the availability of about $2.3 million in grant money for lake and stream monitoring projects. Eligible applicants may apply through a competitive application process from Sept. 24 to Nov. 15, 2007.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will host an informational meeting to present a draft of the state's 2008 list of polluted waters. The meeting will be 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at the MPCA Marshall Office, located at 1420 E. College Dr.

Four months before presenting its recommendations to Governor Pawlenty and the legislature, the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group (MCCAG) is making good progress, says David Thornton, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) assistant commissioner. The 56-member group will host its fourth public meeting to consider more than 50 "straw proposals" outlining actions to reduce greenhouse gases.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking preliminary 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. Preliminary applications are due Oct. 29, 2007.

D & D Fiberglass Bodies Inc., a manufacturer of truck parts in Perham, has agreed to pay $10,000 for alleged hazardous waste violations. The violations were discovered during Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff inspections in June 2006.

In recognition of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's 40th anniversary, the regional offices in Willmar and Marshall will be hosting open houses Oct. 2 and 3, respectively. The public is invited to visit between 3 and 6 p.m. for refreshments and to learn about the MPCA and its work.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking public comments on a draft report about water pollution in the Twin Lake chain of lakes in Hennepin County. The report, titled, "Total Maximum Daily Load Evaluation of Excess Nutrient Impairments in Twin Lakes and Ryan Lake," is on public notice until Oct. 15, 2007.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced today its biennial update of the federally required list of the state's polluted lakes and stream segments. The draft update adds 287 new polluted waters to the existing list, bringing the current total to 1,469.

A study to identify pollution in Little Rock Creek will be discussed at a public meeting at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Community Arts Center on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m. Water quality testing has shown there are less than normal levels of plant and animal life within the creek. Officials from the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will present information and answer questions regarding the project.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed expansion of the MGT Products turkey feedlot in Todd County. Citizens are invited to comment on the EAW until Oct. 10, 2007.

Prefinishing Specialists Inc., a wood finishing company in Avon, has agreed to pay $12,082 for alleged hazardous waste and air quality violations. The violations were discovered during Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff inspections in February 2007.

The State of Minnesota is accepting applications and nominations for its 17th annual Governor's Award Program for Excellence in Waste and Pollution Prevention. Projects that reduce waste and pollution at its source, conserve natural resources, protect groundwater, save energy and practice sustainability are eligible for the 2007 award. The application deadline is Sept. 17, 2007.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the city of Chisholm, in collaboration with a cross-section of Arrowhead region volunteers, are hosting a free information event designed to answer the "burning" question about northeastern Minnesota's energy future with two words: biomass energy.

If you have any plans for building or remodeling your home in the future, be sure to check out the this year's Eco Experience at the 2007 Minnesota State Fair. It features an efficient 1,200-square-foot eco house that is a state-of-the-art example of how to use materials efficiently, save energy, cut waste and maintain healthy indoor air quality.

The grandstand and Miracle of Birth Center aren't the only places to find entertainment at the Minnesota State Fair. With the return of the Sustainability Stage at the second annual Eco Experience, fairgoers of all ages have a chance to learn about the environment and eco-friendly choices in a fun, interactive and entertaining way.

A public comment period begins Aug. 20 and continues through Sept. 20, 2007 on a report addressing water pollution in the lower portion of the Pomme de Terre River. The report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), focuses on pollution caused by fecal coliform bacteria.

Autumn is right around the corner, and a new school year will be here soon. Change your approach to back to school shopping this year. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) offers several tips for simple changes and actions that will make for a "greener" school year.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has recently reissued the operating permit for the Crow Wing County Landfill. The purpose of the permit is to allow for continued operation of the municipal solid waste landfill. Under Minnesota law, these kinds of permits must be applied for every five years.