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Lake of the Woods is a big lake with a big problem caused by one of nature’s smallest organisms: algae. Scientists from the MPCA and the Science Museum are working together to understand why.

This Winnebago River consists of a stream and lake system in southern Minnesota that flows into Iowa. The water resources here face several water quality challenges, including high nutrient and bacteria levels.

To reduce contamination at compost facilities, Minnesota’s compostable product labeling law requires all bags, packaging, and food service products labeled as “compostable” and sold in Minnesota after Jan. 1, 2025, to meet certain requirements.

This long-term data gathering initiative helps track trends in water bodies around the state. The MPCA is grateful for every volunteer who has dedicated time to monitoring their favorite lake or stream.

The Red River of the North - Marsh River Watershed is part of the Red River Basin in northwestern Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota.

The Lake Superior - South Watershed covers 402,371 acres.

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.

The Minnesota State Implementation Plan (SIP) is focused on the six criteria air pollutants regulated by national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS): ground-level ozone, fine particles, lead, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.

Permits help the MPCA protect the environment.

Properly trained and certified SSTS personnel are critical. What work duties can local program staff do before becoming certified, and how can that process be expedited?

The Buffalo River Watershed covers more than 1,100 square miles in portions of Becker, Clay, Otter Tail, and Wilkin counties, with a small portion of its headwaters in the White Earth Reservation.

Minnesota state agencies and local governments are working together to protect drinking water supplies.

With completion of the EAW review process, the MPCA will move forward with issuing West River Dairy’s feedlot permit on June 23.

The Redeye River Watershed covers nearly 900 square miles and is located the northwestern to north-central part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin in central Minnesota. The watershed encompasses all or parts of Becker, Otter Tail, Todd, and Wadena counties.

Are pets affected by poor air quality? Will wearing a mask help when I’m outside? What is particulate pollution? We’ve got the answers.

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed includes the lowest reach of the Minnesota River and flows into the Mississippi at Fort Snelling. The second-largest watershed in the Minnesota River Basin, it covers 1,760 square miles, divided by the Minnesota River itself.

This watershed is located in the southeastern tip of Minnesota, known for its scenic bluffs. More than 900,000 acres drain to the Mississippi River at Reno, Minn., but only 117,000 of those acres are in Minnesota.

The Lower Red River Watershed (also known as the Red River of the North - Tamarac River) drains an area of 281,000 acres, including parts of Kittson, Marshall, and Roseau counties.

In collaboration with other state agencies, local governments, and Tribal Nations, the MPCA will distribute $200 million over the next five years to cut climate pollution from our food systems through the climate-smart food systems (CSFS) initiative. A portion of these funds will help farmers across Minnesota adopt climate-friendly practices.

Elk River Landfill, Inc. proposes a northward expansion of its landfill into Livonia Township.