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When leaves fall on streets, sidewalks, and other hardscapes in urban areas, they wash into the storm drains and end up in lakes and rivers where they feed algae growth. The algae then decomposes and uses up oxygen that fish and native plants need.
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.
Findings underscore need to reduce use of “forever chemicals”
The MPCA library provides access to the agency's curated collection of environmental information for agency employees, external professionals, and the public.
Pig’s Eye Dump in Saint Paul has been slated for cleanup and restoration.
MPCA's recommended review criteria for wastewater treatment facilities that need to perform system maintenance that requires approval to bypass untreated or partially treated domestic wastewater.
Some Minnesota companies are helping expand the use of recycled materials in the state, thanks to market development grants from the MPCA.
Less than three years after Minnesota passed the country's first ban on TCE, a carcinogenic solvent, facilities around the state have removed it from their processes.
The Lower Rainy River Watershed is composed of a conglomeration of tributaries to the Rainy River, from International Falls and west to the Rainy River's pour point at the Lake of the Woods.
The MPCA completed 78 enforcement cases for water quality, air quality, waste, stormwater, and wastewater violations in the second half of 2025, for a total of 146 for the year.
Study funded by the $850 million settlement that Minnesota reached with 3M in 2018 focused on the area served by the Valley Branch Watershed District’s Project 1007 rainwater conveyance system in the East Metro.
Approximately $4.5 million was available to support prevention of wasted food and food rescue projects across the state.
Permit applications must include detailed emissions calculations to help determine which permit type or permit amendment is needed.
Stephen Funk shared his story as part of We Are Water MN, a traveling exhibit and community engagement program that explores Minnesotans’ relationships with water.
Businesses face challenges from climate change's impacts, but they can also take steps to reduce their contributions to climate change.
One indicator of impairment that puts a stream on the Impaired Waters List is its macroinvertebrate population. Here's how that works.
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.
The Long Prairie River Watershed covers approximately 565,078 acres and is located in the central part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin in central Minnesota. The watershed encompasses parts of Douglas, Otter Tail, Todd, Morrison and Wadena counties.
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.
Businesses like grocery, liquor, and convenience stores depend on refrigeration systems. Some of these systems, however, can prove expensive to operate and harmful to the environment.