The 2008 Minnesota Legislature passed a law that affects how the MPCA evaluates air permit applications for a very specific part of south Minneapolis. This law requires the MPCA to analyze and consider “cumulative levels and effects of past and current pollution” before a permit may be issued for a facility located in the area described by the statute.
- Minn. Stat. 116.07 subd. 4a
- Article: Cumulative risk assessment and environmental equity in air permitting: Interpretation, methods, community participation and implementation of a unique statute (2011)
The links below provide information about air permitting and the MPCA’s process for meeting the requirements of the statute.
Cumulative levels and effects process
The MPCA has developed a cumulative levels and effects (CL&E) process for permit projects located in the statute area. The process document describes what steps will need to be followed in conducting a cumulative levels and effects analysis. The reference document provides sources of information that will be used in the analysis.
Public participation plan
The MPCA is expanding outreach in the statute area to include notifications, announcements and updates about air permit applications, community information sessions during permit application review, and public information meetings.
Air permit applications for proposed projects
None at this time.
Issued air permits with completed CL and E analyses
Details about completed CL and E analyses are included as supporting details in the final air permits.
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
This major air permit amendment was required for a project to replace heating equipment. The permit was issued Sept. 21, 2023.
Abbott Northwestern Hospital's air permit air permit was issued on Feb. 21, 2013.
Metro Transit Hiawatha Light Rail O&M Facility
The Metro Transit Light Rail O&M Facility air permit was issued Aug. 25, 2011.
Risk assessment and impacts resources
- Minnesota Department of Health Asthma program — 651-201-5909
- Minnesota Department of Health Heart disease and stroke prevention program — 651-201-5405
- Minnesota Department of Health: Air values tables
- U.S. EPA: Concepts, methods and data sources for cumulative health risk assessment of multiple chemicals, exposures and effects - A resource document
- U.S. EPA: Framework for cumulative risk assessment
- Hennepin County: Survey of the health of all the population and the environment (SHAPE)
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma capitals