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What is the blue-green scum that looks like spilled paint?In lakes that are over-enriched with phosphorus and nitrogen, algae tend to prosper and create algae blooms. Blue-green algae and one type in…
Organics recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and keeps waste out of landfills. MPCA answers commonly asked questions about how and why to participate in organics recycling programs.
What is a stormwater catch basin, and should I be worried about it?
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is toxic to humans and animals. At room temperature, mercury is a silvery, liquid metal, but it can also evaporate and become airborne. Mercury does not…
Forms, guidance, and assistance to apply for an air quality permit.
Minnesota law requires that people notify the MPCA (through the Minnesota Duty Officer) immediately when more than five gallons of petroleum or any amount of any substance under their control is released into the environment that could cause pollution of waters of the state.
An air emissions risk analysis estimates the potential human health risks from air pollution emitted by a facility.
Dentists in Minnesota must meet federal and state requirements to limit the amount of mercury in their wastewater.
Minnesota is a national leader in keeping mercury out of the environment.
Spilled mercury, even small quantities in the home, should be cleaned up quickly and properly so that people don't come in contact with it or breathe its vapors.
Do not throw any hazardous waste in the trash; instead, bring it to a local collection site. Each county in Minnesota administers a household hazardous waste program to help prevent hazardous chemicals from getting into the environment and harming human health.
The MPCA certifies Minnesota municipal, government, or industrial laboratories that are used to comply with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/State Disposal System (SDS) permits or for water quality work for agency programs.
When people think of sources of air pollution, they typically think about buildings with big smokestacks like power plants and factories. Only about a quarter of the air pollution in Minnesota comes…
Use these tools to help educate the public and boost participation in your household hazardous waste program.
The U.S. EPA approved Minnesota's Statewide Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load study in March 2007.
Air pollution levels in Minnesota have steadily decreased over the past few decades and currently meet federal standards. But even levels that meet or are below these standards can affect people’s…
Environmental regulations vary by industry. To help you navigate this, we've compiled key considerations based on common industries, processes, and equipment.
The St. Louis River Mercury TMDL will determine mercury reductions needed for lakes and rivers in the St. Louis River watershed.
The MPCA gave an environmental award to the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, which sold land so it could become a watershed wetland in Baxter. The project is being finalized in summer 2024.
The MPCA provides educational information about the status of Minnesota’s air, water, land, and climate and can point you toward beneficial actions you can take as students, teachers, and life-long learners interested in Minnesota’s sustainable future.