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State Superfund sites are listed on the Minnesota Permanent List of Priorities (PLP) primarily in order to access funding when responsible parties are unwilling or unable to conduct the necessary site investigation and cleanup.
Whether they are called sloughs, swamps, bogs, or potholes, these are all wetlands and they provide many environmental benefits and contribute to watershed health. Though Minnesota has lost almost half of its wetland acreage over time, the quality of the remaining wetlands is good overall.
Image Climate change is having a profound impact on Minnesota's natural environment. Many of our state's iconic native plants and animals — from birch…
Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a foul-smelling toxic gas, is part of a larger group of chemicals called sulfur oxides. These gases, especially SO2, are emitted by the burning of fossil fuels or other…
Increased rainfall from climate change damages river water quality, which in turn damages fishing and recreation.
Environmental information and permits that affect hot mix asphalt plants.
Minnesota is a national leader in ensuring healthy air quality. The Clean Air Act requires states to take significant responsibility for preventing and controlling air pollution. States must pass…
From January through March 2025, MPCA air monitoring data showed elevated lead levels that exceeded national ambient air quality standards near the facility. An MPCA inspection of Gopher Resource in spring 2025 confirmed that the source of the elevated lead levels was addressed.
An air emissions risk analysis estimates the potential human health risks from air pollution emitted by a facility.
The MPCA's air monitors continually measure pollutants. With this data, the agency can track pollution trends over time and show if outdoor air meets air quality standards and health benchmarks.
Answers to frequently asked questions about compliance and MPCA's enforcement of environmental rules in Minnesota.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of a group of highly reactive gases known as nitrogen oxides. NO2 reacts with other chemicals in the air to form other pollutants, such as ozone, particulate matter,…
Elevated levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) are present in soil, soil vapor, and groundwater around this site in New Hope.
The Metropolitan Council proposes adding a fourth wastewater incinerator which requires an amendment to the facility’s current air emissions permit.
The MPCA sought a contractor to lead the effort to identify and replace Tribal members' old wood stoves that are not certified by the U.S. EPA.
Elevated levels of tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene have been found in soil vapor around this site in St. Paul.
In 2009, a federal court ruled that NPDES permits were required for all biological and chemical pesticide applications that leave a residue in water when applications are made in, over, or near waters of the United States.
Air quality dispersion modeling uses a computer model to estimate air pollution concentrations from regulated facilities and other sources of pollution.
The MPCA communications and outreach team is a valuable resource to reporters and editors.
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…