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News releases

Otter Tail River Watershed reports highlight water quality issues and efforts by local partners to correct, prevent problems — Monday, May 10, 2021

Among numerous impaired waters in the Red River Basin, the Otter Tail River Watershed stands out for its generally good water quality, according to new draft reports by the MPCA.

MPCA releases environmental review of proposed sewer line in Cottage Grove to support future development — Friday, April 30, 2021

The MPCA has released its environmental assessment for a proposed sewer line to connect the City of Cottage Grove’s south district with its main wastewater treatment facility.

MPCA, southeastern Minnesota leaders appeal for investment to help communities prepare for extreme weather — Tuesday, April 27, 2021

MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop, area lawmakers, local mayors, and community advocates today made a public appeal to the legislature to pass a $2.9 million funding proposal that would help communities prepare for extreme rain events and other climate change impacts

Phosphorus remains the main cause of poor water quality within Lake Winona — Tuesday, April 27, 2021

An updated water quality report on Lake Winona is now open for public comment

MPCA grant funding helps prevent wasted food, lower greenhouse gases — Thursday, April 22, 2021

The MPCA will distribute $1 million in “Prevention of Wasted Foods” grants to organizations that are redirecting food that would have been wasted to Minnesotans in need.

MPCA recognizes critical work of 292 wastewater facilities across Minnesota for operational excellence — Friday, April 16, 2021

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is recognizing 292 wastewater treatment plants across Minnesota for outstanding permit compliance.

Marsh River Watershed reports highlight water quality issues; show where corrective actions might have greatest impact — Monday, April 12, 2021

New draft reports released by the MPCA recommend widespread implementation of best management practices in the Marsh River Watershed to restore polluted bodies of water and protect healthy ones.

Jordan Sands pays $20,000 for wastewater violations in North Mankato — Thursday, April 1, 2021

Jordan Sands, a sand mining and processing company based in North Mankato, has paid a $20,000 civil penalty to the MPCA for wastewater violations.

Washington County and Arnt Construction pay $12,000 for construction stormwater violations in Willernie — Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Washington County and Hugo-based Arnt Construction Company, Inc., have paid a $12,000 civil penalty to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for construction stormwater violations in Willernie.

Environmental review of proposed dairy in Chippewa County open for public comment — Tuesday, March 30, 2021

The MPCA today released for public review the draft permit and environmental assessment worksheet EAW, including estimated greenhouse gas GHG emissions for a proposed dairy in Chippewa County.

Northstar Materials pays $17,525 for industrial wastewater violations — Monday, March 29, 2021

Northstar Materials, Inc., dba Knife River Materials, has paid a $17,525 civil penalty to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for industrial wastewater violations at a nonmetallic aggregate mining facility near Mentor.

Wm Scepaniak, Inc., pays $11,030 for industrial wastewater violations — Monday, March 29, 2021

Wm Scepaniak, Inc., an aggregate mining company based in Holdingford, Minn., has paid an $11,030 civil penalty to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for industrial wastewater violations at a nonmetallic aggregate mining facility near Mentor.

MPCA, northern Minnesota leaders appeal for investment to help communities prepare for extreme weather — Tuesday, March 23, 2021

MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop, area lawmakers, local mayors, and representatives from the insurance industry and regional development commission today made a public appeal to the Legislature to pass a $2.9 million funding proposal that would help communities prepare for extreme rain events and other climate change impacts.

MPCA, Red Lake Nation DNR identify strategies to improve water quality in Upper/Lower Red Lake Watershed — Monday, March 22, 2021

Local, state, and tribal agencies are working across borders to protect lakes and streams in the Upper and Lower Red Lake Watershed of northwest Minnesota.

Nearly 60 closed landfills in 41 counties have PFAS contamination in groundwater that exceeds the state's health value — Thursday, March 18, 2021

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today announced per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in groundwater at 59 closed landfills in 41 counties. Fifteen closed landfills have PFAS contamination that exceeds state health-based guidance values by at least 10 times.

Underway: MPCA environmental review of Owatonna's wastewater treatment expansion — Tuesday, March 2, 2021

The City of Owatonna in southern Minnesota is proposing to expand and upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. The MPCA has drafted a permit for the discharged wastewater that would limit several potential pollutants.

$100 million in investments account for healthier Sauk River Chain of Lakes; further protection still needed — Monday, March 1, 2021

New MPCA report cites work by local partners for water quality improvements.

MPCA, Northwestern Minnesota leaders appeal for investment to help communities prepare for extreme weather — Friday, February 26, 2021

MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop, area lawmakers, local mayors, and representatives from building trades and the insurance industry today made a public appeal to the Legislature to pass a $2.9 million funding proposal that would help communities prepare for extreme rain events and other climate change impacts.

New MPCA report: Cleaner tributaries, less phosphorus in discharges will help reduce algae blooms in Lake of the Woods — Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Findings are the result of state, local and international partners working together to better understand and address excessive algae blooms in this iconic lake.

Air quality alert issued for east-central and southeast Minnesota — Friday, February 19, 2021

The MPCA has issued an air quality alert due to fine particles for east-central and southeast Minnesota, effective Friday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 21, at 12 p.m. The affected area includes the Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud, Rochester, Albert Lea, Winona, and the tribal nation of Prairie Island.

MPCA awards market development grants to four Minnesota recycling companies — Thursday, February 18, 2021

Citing win-win for environment and economy, MPCA awards new market development grants to four Minnesota recycling companies

MPCA, state agencies reveal a statewide blueprint to address PFAS — Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Governor Walz requests $3 million to protect drinking water, farmland, and fish from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

MPCA closes 104 compliance and enforcement cases in second half of 2020 — Friday, January 29, 2021

The MPCA had 104 closed enforcement cases for air quality, waste, stormwater and wastewater violations in the second half of 2020.

This winter, Minnesotans can do their part to put lakes and streams on a badly needed low-salt diet — Thursday, January 21, 2021

Snow and ice in the forecast means it’s deicer season. Salt is commonly over-applied, sending too much chloride into our waterways and wreaking havoc for fish and other wildlife.

New water quality reports: Kettle River and Upper St. Croix River watersheds healthy overall but need protection against phosphorus and bacteria threats — Monday, January 11, 2021

Lakes, rivers, and streams in the Kettle River and Upper St. Croix River watersheds are healthy overall, but restoration and protection efforts must continue to combat water quality threats from phosphorus and bacteria.