According to new draft reports released by the MPCA, surface waters in the Mississippi River – Sartell Watershed are in fair condition, but phosphorus and E. coli pollution are threatening aquatic life and recreation in several streams and lakes.
News releases
New water quality reports: Phosphorus and bacteria are top challenges in Mississippi River-Sartell Area Watershed —
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Koda Energy pays $13,600 for air quality violations at Shakopee biomass energy facility —
Monday, September 14, 2020
Koda Energy LLC has paid a $13,600 civil penalty to the MPCA for a series of air-emission violations at its biomass energy generation facility in Shakopee.
MPCA, DNR announce recommendations to protect East Metro’s drinking water from PFAS contamination —
Thursday, September 10, 2020
The MPCA and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a $700 million drinking water protection plan for the Twin Cities East Metropolitan Area.
MPCA extends public comment period for Waukon Dairy in Norman County —
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
The MPCA has granted a 30-day extension for comments on a proposed dairy operation in Norman County to allow additional public review of information related to groundwater availability.
Alexandria public meeting addresses chloride pollution in wastewater treatment discharges to local lake —
Thursday, August 27, 2020
The MPCA will host an online public informational meeting on Thursday, September 3, on its proposal to reissue the Alexandria Lakes Area Sanitary District's wastewater treatment permit with a variance.
MPCA to expand electric vehicle charging network by more than 2,500 miles in Greater Minnesota —
Thursday, August 27, 2020
The MPCA announced today it will fund the installation of up to 38 additional fast charging stations in Greater Minnesota, extending the existing EV highway corridor network by more than 2,500 miles.
Duluth Ready Mix Concrete pays $12,300 for industrial stormwater violations in St. Louis County —
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Duluth Ready Mix Concrete Inc. has agreed to pay a $12,300 civil penalty to the MPCA for stormwater violations at its gravel pit in Canyon, about 35 miles northwest of Duluth.
MPCA releases environmental review, draft permit for proposed 10,500-head dairy feedlot in Norman County —
Monday, August 17, 2020
The MPCA released its draft permit and an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for Riverview LLP’s proposed Waukon Dairy, a 10,500-head dairy feedlot located about five miles southeast of Gary in Norman County.
New report: Upper Mississippi River in good condition overall, suffers from excess sediment —
Monday, August 17, 2020
According to a new draft report released by the MPCA, the Upper Mississippi River from near Grand Rapids to Brainerd is in good condition overall, but has excess sediment in the water in some areas.
Mesabi Metallics seeks reissuance on air quality permit —
Friday, August 14, 2020
Mesabi Metallics Co. LLC has applied to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to reissue its air quality permit.
MPCA conducts environmental assessment for proposed swine feedlot expansion in Nobles County —
Monday, August 10, 2020
The MPCA released its draft permit and an environmental assessment worksheet for Aggen Farms’ proposed expansion of its swine facility in Nobles County.
Report: Rainy River makes remarkable recovery, thanks to regulations and partnerships —
Monday, August 10, 2020
The Rainy River is a story of recovery, international partnership, and effective environmental regulations taking a river from heavily polluted to “good to excellent” water quality, according to a report recently released by the MPCA.
MPCA extends public comment period for proposed swine feedlot in Norman County —
Friday, August 7, 2020
The MPCA has granted a 30-day extension for comments on a proposed large swine feedlot operation in Norman County to allow public review of results from a pending aquifer test.
MPCA seeks Minnesota schools for new electric school bus pilot project —
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
The MPCA today launched an innovative pilot grant project for electric school buses that will support cleaner vehicle technology and reduce harmful air pollution, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Sugar beet processing plant in Renville County seeks wastewater permit variance —
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
The Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative has applied to the MPCA for seasonal variances from several wastewater treatment standards at its beet processing plant east of Renville.
MPCA announces cleanup options for the Scanlon and Thomson reservoir sites in the St. Louis River estuary —
Thursday, July 30, 2020
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has released studies of two contaminated sites — the Scanlon and Thomson reservoirs — in the St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) that detail cleanup options for the sites.
MPCA closes 118 enforcement cases in first half of 2020 —
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has concluded 118 enforcement cases in the first half of 2020.
Metropolitan Council pays $14,038 for air quality violations at south Minneapolis light-rail facility —
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
The Metropolitan Council’s Metro Transit paid a civil penalty of $14,308 for air quality violations at its Franklin Avenue light-rail operations and maintenance facility in south Minneapolis.
Shell Rock River Watershed reports: Nutrient pollution must significantly decrease for fish habitat, recreation to improve —
Monday, July 27, 2020
Nutrient pollution needs to significantly decrease — by as much as 75 percent in some waters — for lakes and streams in the Shell Rock River Watershed to better support fish and recreation, according to two reports by the MPCA and its partners.
B&H Petroleum Equipment pays $15,000 for underground storage tank violations in Freeborn and Mower counties —
Friday, July 24, 2020
B&H Petroleum Equipment Company of Mankato, owned by Stargate Inc., has paid a $15,000 civil penalty to the MPCA for a series of underground storage tank violations.
MPCA conducts environmental review of proposed 5.4 million gallon asphalt-storage facility in Inver Grove Heights —
Thursday, July 23, 2020
The MPCA released its environmental assessment worksheet for a proposed 5.4 million gallon asphalt cement storage facility in southern Inver Grove Heights.
Kerry Inc. pays $11,350 for air quality violations at Rochester plant —
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Kerry Inc., a maker of food ingredients and flavors, paid an $11,350 civil penalty to the MPCA for a series of air-quality violations at its facility in Rochester.
MPCA conducts environmental assessment of proposed LJP Enterprises expansion in North Mankato —
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
According to a newly released Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) environmental assessment worksheet (EAW), LJP Enterprises of North Mankato LLC is proposing to double its capacity to process source-separated industrial waste, including non-recyclable plastics and wood, using a new shredder at their existing solid-waste transfer station.
Obsolete munitions to be detonated at Camp Ripley on July 22 —
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
If you live in the Brainerd Lakes or Little Falls areas and hear explosions on Wednesday, don’t be alarmed. An Air Force Reserve Unit from the Twin Cities will be detonating some old munitions at Camp Ripley, located at 15000 Highway 115 in Little Falls.
MPCA releases environmental review, draft permit for proposed 16,300-head swine feedlot in Norman County —
Monday, July 20, 2020
The MPCA released its draft permit and an environmental assessment worksheet for Barrick Family Farms’ proposed swine facility in Norman County, about four miles east of Lockhart.