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When temperatures climb and the summer sun beats down, conditions are ripe for Minnesota lakes to produce harmful algae blooms, some of which can be harmful to pets and humans.
Addressing excess nutrient levels in Lake Pepin based on the site-specific water quality eutrophication criteria for the lake developed by the MPCA.
MPCA's fish sampling process and why we do it
Heavy metals are an ill-defined group of inorganic chemical hazards that include lead, chromium, arsenic, and cadmium. They may leach into soil and water from industrial sites, mines or…
1,4-dioxane was mainly used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvent 1,1,1-trichloroethane. 1,4-dioxane can also be an unintended contaminant in the production of certain products, including some…
Minnesota businesses, organizations, and municipalities seeking or holding MPCA wastewater permits are charged two basic types of permit fees: application fees and annual fees.
Sediment is composed of loose particles of sand, clay, silt, and other substances. Sediment flows into Minnesota lakes, rivers, and streams via runoff in both urban and rural areas.
The MPCA completed 68 enforcement cases for water quality, air quality, hazardous waste, stormwater, and wastewater violations in the first half of 2025.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of more than 100 chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline, and are also present in products made from fossil fuels, such as…
Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ozone can irritate the eyes, nose and throat,…
Determine what type(s) of water quality permit is required at facilities that mine construction sand and gravel; industrial sand; quarry limestone, granite or dimension stone; operate hot mix asphalt production areas; produce concrete block, brick and other products; and/or produce ready-mix concrete.
Facilities that produce air emissions can benefit by proposing limits on their own operations to avoid certain types of regulatory requirements. You might accept limits to stay under emission…
The chemical 1,4-dioxane, a likely carcinogen, was detected in a private residential well in the Eastbrook Terrace area in Andover.
The chemical 1,4-dioxane, a likely carcinogen, was found in private wells near Bunker Lake Blvd. and Crosstown Blvd.
MPCA had approximately $250,000 in grant funding available to help Minnesota governments, businesses, institutions, and organizations address two specific needs: waste reduction/reuse and toxic products prevention.
Minnesota has a growing salty water problem that threatens its freshwater fish and other aquatic life. Chloride from both de-icing salt and water softener salt gets into lakes and streams, and…
Particulate matter (PM) refers to various air particles, including dust, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets that range in size from less than 0.1 microns in diameter (smaller than a single bacterium)…
MPCA recognized 253 municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants for outstanding operations in 2023.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels—including gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, and wood—and other natural and synthetic products. Breathing in…
Status of total maximum daily load (TMDL) projects in Minnesota.