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State experts forecast 2025 summer air quality: outlook highlights ozone, drought, wildfire smoke, and new guidance

As Minnesotans prepare for another summer of outdoor activities, MPCA meteorologists are forecasting a moderately active air quality season.

Minnesota climate-smart food systems

The U.S. EPA has awarded Minnesota $200 million to cut climate pollution from our state’s food systems through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program.

Portions of air quality alert due to wildfire smoke through Friday, July 25, canceled for western and southern Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has canceled portions of the current air quality alert for western and southern Minnesota. The alert runs until 11 p.m. on Friday, July 25. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, in east central Minnesota, and the orange AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across the remainder of the alert area.

Air quality alert issued due to ozone for Tuesday, May 13, for much of northern, western and southern Minnesota

Image Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category for much of Minnesota, which is unhealthy for sensitive groupsThe Minnesota Pollution…

Waconia facility fined more than $11,000 for permit violations

The MPCA fined Cabinetworks Group’s Waconia facility, Wood Products, $11,520 for violations of its air permit.

Fine particles

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)…

Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Tuesday, July 29, through Monday, Aug. 4, for all of Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. The alert runs until noon on Monday, Aug. 4. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, in all of Minnesota,

Momentum toward protecting Minnesotans from PFAS

State government agencies, in collaboration with local partners, are leading trailblazing work to protect Minnesotans from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution.

MPCA completes 100 enforcement cases in first half of 2024

MPCA completed 100 enforcement cases for water quality, air quality, waste, stormwater, and wastewater violations in the first half of 2024

Air quality alert due to wildfire smoke continues through Wednesday, June 4, for southern, central, north central, and northeast Minnesota

The air quality alert issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) remains in effect until noon on Wednesday, June 4. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across east central, southeast, and northeast Minnesota.

SSTS design

Best practices for SSTS installations drafted by St. Louis County, Minn., in 2008 based on the experiences of SSTS installers and inspectors.

Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Thursday, July 17, for portions of north central and northeast Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for north central and northeast Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, and runs until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 18. Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Environmental requirements

Learn about environmental regulations that may apply to your business. It is not an exhaustive list, so other regulations may apply.

Air quality alert due to wildfire smoke continues through Tuesday, July 15, for west central and northwest Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has continued an air quality alert for west central and northwest Minnesota. The alert runs until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15. Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Wednesday, July 23, through Friday, July 25, for northwest Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northwest Minnesota. The alert takes effect 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, and runs until 11 p.m. on Friday, July 25. Air quality is expected to reach the red AQI category in northwest Minnesota, which is unhealthy for everyone.

Long Prairie rendering facility fined $3 million for air quality violations and has agreed to spend more than $4 million to improve its wastewater treatment

Central Bi-Products emitted higher levels of hydrogen sulfide than is allowed, causing odor complaints in the community of Long Prairie and resulting in a $3 million fine. Central Bi-Products has agreed to spend a minimum of $4.4 million on a supplemental environmental project that will improve its wastewater treatment.

Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Thursday, May 29, through Friday, May 30 for northeast Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, and runs until 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30. The affected area includes Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, and the Tribal Nations of Grand Portage and Fond du Lac. Air quality is expected to reach the red AQI category which is unhealthy for everyone.