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Answers to frequently asked questions about compliance and MPCA's enforcement of environmental rules in Minnesota.
Application fees must be submitted with your permit application. The submittal cover page form will help you add up the points assigned to each type of permit application or request. Multiply the…
States are responsible for developing a Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) that addresses regional haze in each Class I area located within the state and in each Class I area located…
The MPCA has begun work to implement a groundbreaking new law to remedy Minnesotans’ disproportionate exposure to pollutants.
Excess phosphorus is harming Minnesota waters. Phosphorus comes from both regulated and non-regulated sources. A quarter of Minnesota lakes have high levels of phosphorus, which means that they do…
Complaints of discrimination will be investigated
Data shows that ice cover on Minnesota's lakes doesn't last as long as it used to. That means a shorter ice fishing season, yes, but it also has implications for the environment and Minnesota's fish and wildlife.
Nitrogen, like phosphorus, is a nutrient that pollutes in state waters, and its concentration in many rivers has been increasing from historic natural levels over time due to human influences.…
In Minnesota, about 18,000 regulated underground storage tanks (UST) are in use. State rules specify requirements for underground storage tanks (UST) that store petroleum or hazardous substances, and any piping or other structures that are part of the tank systems.
Kathy Wagner, recipient of the 2025 Community Conservationist Award from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), discusses her personal conservation work and local environmental advocacy.
Long-term lake management considers the unique environmental, cultural, and biological factors affecting the lake and sets a priority on finding lasting solutions.
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…
Guidance and recommendations for local officials dealing with public health issues related to blue-green algae.
This feature summarizes findings from four WRAPS reports in 2024: Root River, Mississippi River-St. Cloud, Pomme de Terre River, and Mississippi River-Lake Pepin Tributaries.
Pollinators are essential to everyday Minnesotans, our economy, and our food production. Learn why these pollinators are so vital through exhibits at this year’s Eco Experience.
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…
MPCA's fish sampling process and why we do it
Designing stormwater systems to handle the challenges of climate change differs in every community across the state. Here’s how one community is meeting that challenge
Owners/operators of construction activity must complete several steps before completing a permit application and beginning construction. These steps also help owners/operators determine their eligibility for coverage under the general permit.
A water quality variance is a temporary change in a state's water quality standard for a specific pollutant and its relevant criteria, allowing deviation from meeting a water quality-based effluent limit for a particular discharger.