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News releases

MPCA offering more than $1.7 million in grants to replace old diesel school buses with new, cleaner models — Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The MPCA is offering more than $1.7 million to replace old diesel school buses with new, cleaner diesel, propane, or natural gas models.

Lakehead Trucking in Duluth improperly discharged floor-drain waste at its Duluth facility — Tuesday, June 15, 2021

According to an MPCA enforcement investigation, Lakehead Trucking, Inc., discharged wastes from a network of floor drains directly into the ground around its main shop in Duluth.

MPCA reviews 12,000-head dairy feedlot proposed in Traverse County — Tuesday, June 8, 2021

The MPCA today released its draft permit and an environmental assessment worksheet for Riverview LLP’s Twelvemile Dairy, a proposed 12,000-head jersey dairy feedlot in Traverse County.

ADM facility in Red Wing receives multiple air emissions violations — Tuesday, June 8, 2021

According to an MPCA enforcement investigation, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company’s  oilseed crushing and vegetable oil refining facility in Red Wing committed multiple air pollution violations between 2017 and 2019.

MPCA studies show water quality below standards in Lac qui Parle Watershed — Monday, June 7, 2021

Two new draft reports released by the MPCA find the majority of monitored stream waters in the Lac qui Parle River Watershed are not meeting water quality standards.

Ever Cat Fuels to pay $300,000 for air quality violations and failing to have required permit at Isanti facility — Monday, June 7, 2021

Ever Cat Fuels, LLC, will pay a $300,000 civil penalty to the MPCA for air quality violations at its biodiesel production facility in Isanti.

MPCA announces short-term solution to expand four Twin Cities metro landfills — Tuesday, June 1, 2021

The MPCA has recommended expanding four south metro landfills to accommodate 5.6 million tons of new garbage over the next seven years.

Hibbing Public Utilities exceeds air pollution limits for nearly four years — Friday, May 28, 2021

According to an MPCA enforcement investigation, Hibbing Public Utilities exceeded emission requirements in its air permit from 2017 to 2020 at its district heating plant.

MPCA advances cleanup of St. Louis River Area of Concern with Scanlon reservoir — Thursday, May 27, 2021

The MPCA today released its environmental assessment of a project to remove decades-old legacy pollution from the Scanlon Reservoir in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.

MPCA offers $5.2 million in grants for replacing heavy-duty diesel vehicles with electric or cleaner diesel — Thursday, May 27, 2021

The MPCA is offering more than $5 million in grants to replace heavy-duty diesel vehicles with all-electric, cleaner diesel, or alternative fuel models.

MPCA GreenCorps accepting applications from students, recent grads seeking professional environmental experience — Thursday, May 13, 2021

The MPCA is now accepting applications from recent college graduates interested in launching environmental careers by becoming Minnesota GreenCorps members.

Two-year investigation finds 3M failed to manage hazardous waste at Cottage Grove facility — Wednesday, May 12, 2021

The MPCA today announced an enforcement agreement with 3M regarding the company’s failure to properly record, store, inspect, and dispose of hazardous waste at its manufacturing and waste incineration facility in Cottage Grove.

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.