Revisor ID: R-04808
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is planning new rules governing air quality. The main purpose of this rulemaking is to establish new rules for odor management plan requirements as directed by Minnesota Session Law – 2023, Chapter 60, H.F. No. 2310.
Procedural rulemaking documents
July 2023
The notice of Request for Comments on this rulemaking was published in the July 24, 2023, State Register.
Background
Minnesota does not currently have odor management rules for ambient air. There are state standards that apply to hydrogen sulfide emissions, a common cause of odors complaints, and there are air permit limits and health benchmarks for many pollutants that have odors. But some sources of odors are not regulated by air permits, some odors do not have direct human health impacts, and none of the existing regulations are based on the presence of the odor itself.
The new rules will require the development and submittal of an odor management plan by facilities located in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington counties when determined by the MPCA commissioner that the facility emitted an objectionable odor. Certain facilities are exempted from the requirements, as described in Minnesota Session Law – 2023:
- on-farm animal and agricultural operations
- motor vehicles and transportation facilities
- municipal wastewater treatment plants
- single-family dwellings not used for commercial purposes
- materials odorized for safety purposes
- painting and coating operations that are not required to be licensed
- restaurants
- temporary activities and operations
- refineries
- Metropolitan Council wastewater systems
Schedule
| Dates | Task(s) |
|---|---|
| July 24, 2023 | Notice of Request for Comments published in State Register |
| Fall 2023 - Summer 2024 | Prepare draft rules and Statement of Need and Reasonableness |
| To be determined | Publish Notice of Intent to Adopt Proposed Rules in State Register |
| To be determined | Final adoption of rules |
