The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is implementing the sulfate water quality standard established to protect wild rice production, resulting in limits in permits for surface dischargers. The vast majority of facilities discharge upstream of a wild rice water and are expected to receive sulfate limits.
The MPCA is developing a time-limited sulfate multi-discharger variance (MDV) to facilitate compliance with permit limits and take actions to reduce sulfate loading to wild rice waters. Early public engagement will help shape the program’s structure, while exploring additional protective measures for wild rice.
Attendees will learn about:
- the relationship between wild rice, sulfate, and wastewater
- the rationale for developing a sulfate multi-discharger variance for permitted wastewater facilities
- initial eligibility factors, expected implementation and next steps
- ways to help shape the MDV