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Thick green algae covers the lake along the shoreline of a backyard by a white dock.

Beware of harmful algae blooms

Be alert to the possible presence of toxic algae in Minnesota lakes and rivers. Blue-green algae can be harmful to both people and pets and are more common in hot, calm weather.
A man steps onto the top of a concrete septic system that has just been lowered into the ground.

Clean Water Partnership loans reducing water pollution, one project at a time

CWP loans help partners address unregulated sources of water contamination, such as failing septic systems and farmland runoff.
Man pours salt into water softener system in basement.

Protecting water quality from water softeners

Roughly 65 percent of all chloride passing through wastewater facilities — 136,000 tons of chloride annually — comes from residential and commercial water softening.
Flames and smoke come from burning wood in a metal firepit in a backyard

Burning wood in a pandemic: Tips for backyard fires

If you must have a backyard fire, take steps to reduce air pollution and protect people in your community with respiratory illnesses.
A white, square-shaped terminal tractor in a parking lot with semitrailers in the background

Reducing air pollution from off-road vehicles

Taylor Trucking Line in Northfield used grant funds from the MPCA to replace an older, polluting diesel engine in its terminal tractor with a new electric motor.
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Line 3 contested case hearing schedule released

The MPCA has granted a contested case hearing on the agency's draft 401 water quality certification for Enbridge's Line 3 replacement project. What questions are being considered?
A person in a red and orange kayak floats down a calm stream, about to pass under a small foot bridge. The leaves on the surrounding trees are yellow and green.

Hawk Creek soars above state’s 80 watersheds for water quality work

The Hawk Creek Watershed Project covers only part of one of Minnesota's 80 major watersheds, but is taking huge steps toward improving water quality in the Minnesota River Basin.
Two white plastic jars with water samples. The water in the jar on the left is dark, the water in the jar on the right looks clean.

Water quality and monitoring: One storm makes a difference

Heavy rains can dramatically change water quality in rivers and streams from one day to the next, flushing sediment and pollutants into the water.
 
Woman in mask, gown, and gloves loads medical equipment into tray to be sterilized.

Reducing the use of ethylene oxide

New MPCA grants are aimed at reducing the use of ethylene oxide in the state. The chemical, a known carcinogen, was recently found to be more harmful than previously thought.
Red cattle in feedlot looking toward the camera

MPCA proposes new feedlot permit

The proposed feedlot general permit includes new protections aimed at shielding water quality from contamination by manure spread on farm fields.
Woman with white hair, a straw hat and blue volunteer water monitor t-shirt stands in tall grass next to a small creek, holding a bucket and clear plastic tube.

Citizen science in action: Joan Redig on Paradise Valley Creek

Joan Redig's interest in conservation is reflected on her rural Houston County property. Now she monitors Paradise Valley Stream as a volunteer for MPCA's citizen monitoring program.
Water and waves artwork with State of Minnesota shape and the words covid 19

MPCA's response to COVID-19

During the pandemic, the MPCA is making changes to protect citizens and accommodate needs of our regulated businesses.
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MPCA grants contested case hearing on pipeline project

The MPCA is granting a contested case hearing on the agency’s draft 401 water quality certification for Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement project.

Bring back the pollinators

The honey bee population is in danger. If these important pollinators disappear, so will many of our favorite foods.
Map showing locations of Freeway Landfill on the west side of 35W and Freeway Dump on the east side of 35W just south of the Minnesota River in Burnsville.

Redesign options for Freeway Landfill and Dump

MPCA is proposing two options for cleaning up the Freeway Landfill, to protect the Minnesota River and nearby drinking water wells.