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Aug. 29, 2016

MPCA extends comment period for draft 2016 impaired waters list

At the request of stakeholders, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is extending the public comment period for the draft 2016 impaired waters list by 30 days. The MPCA released the list on July 13, followed by a series of public meetings and a public comment period Aug. 1-31. The extension means the agency will now accept written comments through Sept. 30.

The list represents an assessment of how well lakes and streams support fishing, swimming, and other beneficial uses. Water bodies that fail to meet standards are considered “impaired.” This assessment is mandated by federal law and requires a cleanup study for each impaired water body.

Problems in Minnesota waters include fish and bugs at risk in hundreds of water bodies, high levels of phosphorus that cause algae, bacteria than can make water unsafe for swimming, and mercury that limits consumption of fish because of its toxicity.

In all, the number of impaired Minnesota waters on the draft 2016 list totals 4,603, with 582 new listings.

Comments, which must be in writing, should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 to: Miranda Nichols, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 (must provide a return address) or miranda.nichols@state.mn.us.

After the public comment period, the agency may make changes based on comments and then submit the list, along with comments received and agency responses, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

For the complete list and other details, visit the impaired waters list webpage on the MPCA site.

The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.

St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar

www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864