The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has released a variety of newsletters, reports, and plans so far this month. We’ll highlight just some of this important information – be sure to subscribe to any updates you are interested in from the MPCA by clicking here.

This post will include the Waterfront Bulletin, the Brownfield Program 2021 Annual Report, the On Point Newsletter, and the release of the Final PFAS Monitoring Plan. Additionally, Industrial Stormwater Multi-Sector General General Permit Holders were reminded today that the Annual Report service is now available in e-Services. Didn’t get the memo? Click here to read the notification from MPCA.

Waterfront Bulletin

On March 8th, the MPCA released the March 2022 edition of their Waterfront Bulletin. This newsletter “is a semi-annual e-newsletter featuring timely updates on impaired waters, watershed project funding, and activities related to water restoration and protection throughout Minnesota.” There are many interesting and important topics discussed in the latest edition, but notably, it links to the MPCA’s proposed impaired waters list for 2022. In this list, 305 streams and lakes were added from the previous listing.

Click here to read the March 2022 bulletin. Below are the articles included in this issue of the newsletter:

• Climate impacts on lakes
• 305 streams/lakes added to impaired list
• Red Basin Phosphorous reduction plan bringing together regulated, unregulated sources
• MPCA, cities seek support for helping communities prepare for extreme weather events
• We Are Water exhibit moving to Winona
• GreenCorps training helps balance salt use, water quality in Twin Cities
• Former MPCA manager Ziegler recognized for work in Red River Basin
• Status of TMDL studies/WRAPS reports

Brownfield Program 2021 Annual Report

The MPCA Brownfield Program 2021 Annual Report became available on March 9th. From the report, “a ‘brownfield’ is any property that is abandoned or under-used due to the known or likely presence of contamination” and are located all across the state. Aligning with MPCA’s mission to “protect and improve the environment and enhance public health”, the Brownfield Program provides technical and other assistance to “promote the investigation, cleanup, and redevelopment of property that is contaminated with petroleum and/or hazardous substances”.

This report highlights new brownfield applications across the state and case studies. Additionally, in the 2021 report, their are special features regarding Brownfields and PFAS and Brownfields and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Click here to read the 17-page report. There are many helpful images and graphics throughout the report, along with some announcements and reminders.

On Point Newsletter

On March 14th, the latest edition of the On Point newsletter was sent out and published online. On Point consists of news and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders. The primary focus in this edition of the newsletter is cybersecurity.

Read the full newsletter here. The following are the articles included in the March 2022 edition:

• Increased threat of cyber attacks calls for increased vigilance, security awareness/actions
• 2022 wastewater conferences will be virtual; enrollment open now
• We heard you: Quarterly municipal wastewater webinars will begin April 1
• Spring is in the air (so is preparing for flooding)
• Funding available for renewable energy at wastewater treatment facilities
• New search tool shows facility proximity to special, impaired waters
• MPCA recognizes 272 facilities for outstanding operations, maintenance
• Free EPA virtual “water specific” ICS/NIMS training available March 29
• U of M offering two self-paced online Industrial Stormwater courses
• Compliance tip: Composite sampler

Final PFAS Monitoring Plan Released

We have previously posted about the MPCA’s draft PFAS Monitoring Plan, but the final plan is now available on the MPCA website. From the news release, “the plan includes more than 300 facilities, ranging from regional airports, manufacturing and industrial facilities, operating landfills and local municipal wastewater treatment plants… (these facilities) are identified for monitoring to better understand whether PFAS is being or has been released into surface water, groundwater, and air”.

In addition to the plan, you can find a factsheet on how input from various audiences led to changes to the plan, as well as some FAQs, on the PFAS Monitoring Plan webpage. The MPCA thanks all who provided their important input throughout the process of establishing and drafting this plan!