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MPCA’s Lisa Weidemann builds bridge between agency and public

Question and answer session with Lisa Weidemann, a community affairs specialist with the MPCA, about her work with the agency.

Class 2: Aquatic life and recreation beneficial uses

Minnesota has revised state water quality standards to incorporate a tiered aquatic life use (TALU) framework for rivers and streams.

Construction stormwater

MPCA issues coverage to construction site owners and their operators to prevent stormwater pollution during and after construction, and protect Minnesota's water resources.

County feedlot officers

In most of Minnesota’s livestock-dense counties, feedlot oversight is a cooperative effort between the MPCA and county government.

Phosphorus

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…

BPA and BPS in thermal paper

Thermal paper is thin with a slick feel or sheen finish and discolors easily when scratched.

PFAS and closed landfills

The MPCA tested for PFAS in groundwater at 102 of the 111 sites in the Closed Landfill Program and found that 98% of the assessed facilities have PFAS contamination.

Conditionally exempt sources

Conditionally exempt facilities do not need an air quality permit if they follow specific requirements.

Compliance and enforcement FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about compliance and MPCA's enforcement of environmental rules in Minnesota.

Air permit fees

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…

Chloride

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…

Grievance procedures related to civil rights

Complaints of discrimination will be investigated

As winters in Minnesota get warmer, the lake ice season is shrinking

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

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.…

Underground storage tanks

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.

MPCA honors environmental leader who restored her shoreline while educating her community

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.