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Wastewater treatment and disposal are important for protecting and preserving Minnesota's water resources. MPCA regulates wastewater treatment activities in Minnesota.
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.
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…
Groundwater is the source of drinking water for about 75% of all Minnesotans and provides almost all of the water used to irrigate crops. Its purity and availability is critical to the health of the state.
MPCA studies shows 75% of Minnesota lakes meet standards for recreation. Clean Water Fund dollars help answer water quality questions.
The MPCA studies, monitors, and regulates water pollutants to protect human health and the environment. Minnesota water quality standards strives to protect water for use, measures health of waters, and guides limits on what regulated facilities can discharge to surface waters.
A successful cleanup of contaminated land along the Cedar River in Austin caps a long history of industrial pollution.
Minnesota is the first state government in U.S. to use this combination of innovative technologies to address "forever chemicals”
The 2026 Climate Action Framework prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting Minnesotans
Hear Josh Krenz's story about protecting water in Minnesota at We Are Water MN, a traveling exhibit and community engagement program that explores Minnesotans’ relationships with water. You can visit the exhibit from March 2 through April 24 at the Sherburne History Center in Becker, Minn.
PFAS are persistent and problematic chemicals that are found throughout the environment and not just in areas where large quantities have been manufactured, disposed of, or spilled. PFAS are…
Pretreatment by commercial facilities and other non-domestic wastewater sources removes harmful pollutants before the wastewater is discharged to a municipal sewer system. The U.S. EPA has delegated MPCA the authority to approve pretreatment programs at the local level and oversee statewide pretreatment activities.
Austin's municipal wastewater treatment plant discharged ammonia and fecal coliform over permitted limits into the Cedar River.
The MPCA provides additional guidance on air permitting and regulation requirements: New source review – Obtain a permit before beginning construction on new major-emitting industrial facilities…
Hutchinson Utilities exceeded its permit limit for particulate matter during an air quality performance test. High levels of particulates are known to cause environmental harm and health problems.
MPCA investigators say West Fraser paid a fine of $15,775 for air permit violations at their facility in Solway.
Metal recycler in Brainerd constructed and operated a metal shredder without obtaining an air permit and under-reported VOC emissions in 2022.
The MPCA fines American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead $16,000 for wastewater violations.
MPCA investigation determined that construction sediment was discharged into the Blue Earth River and a county ditch.
Use these tools to help educate the public and boost participation in your household hazardous waste program.