MPCA needs to communicate more. For example, permit holders are looking for more information about:

• How water quality standards are developed, how people can get involved in that process, how they protect resources and uses, etc.
• The MPCA’s switch to a new database and impact to the format of hard copy permits. One permit holder said, “The look of the new permit was a shock.”
• Status of permit applications, reviews, and reissuance.
• Water quality trading.
• Regulatory certainty program.
• Chloride water quality standard and impact to cities.

On a related note to communication, permit holders said the agency needs to be more approachable. “That’s like arguing with the state trooper standing outside your car window,” said one permit holder.

MPCA needs to use more current and reliable technology:

• Allow online permit applications. At least provide a permit holder’s last application that can simply be updated.
• Provide an online tracking system of the permit application process.
• Fix problems with eDMRs.

Cities want more time to review and discuss draft permits, among city personnel and elected officials as well as with MPCA staff.

• Cities want more time even if that means going beyond the 150-day goal to issue permits. Start dialogue with city much earlier in reissuance process. “If 150 days is a target, I’d like to take 180 days and do it right the first time,” said one community representative.
• Keep in mind cities’ budgeting requirements when setting limits that require major changes in operation and/or facilities.

Make it easier to comply. “Think about the operators. These are the people pushing the buttons, turning the valves and opening the gates. Compliance starts with them,” said one permit holder.

• Make permits more user-friendly.
• Permits should have a check-list to help operators keep track of due dates and monitoring requirements.

Point sources feel they are doing the bulk of lake and stream cleanup work. "When is agriculture going to have to do its share? Let’s go to where the problem is,” said one community representative.

• MPCA needs to do more to highlight the positive impact on water quality from wastewater treatment facilities.

What we’re doing

MPCA staff are meeting to discuss the comments heard and set priorities for the next steps to take. Actions already taken include:

• Changing some of the confusing questions on eDMRs, such as “Yes, there is no discharge.”
• Working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to align cropping cycles for reporting purposes.
• Planning more frequent On Point newsletters.
• Planning a question and answer session at the annual wastewater conference (see below).

What’s next

• The MPCA is finishing compiling all the notes from the listening sessions and will email them to participants who provided addresses.
• The agency is considering a seventh listening session on the Iron Range.
• The MPCA will continue to communicate about changes made as a result of the sessions via On Point.

With Thanksgiving this week and more holidays approaching, this is a good time to remind your residential customers to place grease and fats from cooking in the trash and not down the drain. As wastewater professionals know, grease and fat can clog pipes and lead to costly repairs, especially when combining with disposable wipes.

Consider placing this message or one similar on your city’s website, social media pages, cable television station, and utility bills as well as in the local media:

Trash the fat

Avoid costly clogs in your pipes and our system by placing fat and grease from cooking in the trash and not down the drain or toilet. Pour liquid fat on newspapers in the garbage or pour it in a disposable container and then dispose of it once it solidifies. It doesn’t matter if you have a garbage disposal – fat still needs to go in the trash.

Fat and grease can clog pipes, especially when combining with disposable wipes.

Speaking of disposable wipes, place them in the trash, too, even if the label says “flushable.” Wipes may flush down your toilet, but they fail to degrade, then clog up the wastewater system, and lead to costly repairs of pumps and other equipment.

For more information: www.pca.state.mn.us/news/wipes-clog-pipes