Agency submits 2020 Impaired Waters List to EPA for approval

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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) submitted Minnesota’s 2020 proposed Impaired Waters List to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval on February 25, 2021. 

The MPCA posted a draft version of the list for public viewing in November 2019. After a series of public meetings and a formal comment period, the agency made a few changes to the draft list based on public input. These changes included removing two impairments because the lakes - North Center and South Center in Chisago County - are now meeting nutrient standards.

This modified list was submitted to the EPA for its approval. This process of posting, revising, and submitting the Impaired Waters List occurs every two years, as required by the federal Clean Water Act. 

As part of the public participation for the 2020 Impaired Waters List:

• The agency held four meetings across Minnesota to talk about the listing process and the waterbodies impaired in the regions. 
• During the formal comment period, the agency received public comments from 19 individuals or organizations, and responded to each one. 
• Some comments warranted changes to the 2020 draft Impaired Waters List or the 2020 Guidance Manual (the document that explains how assessments are conducted). 

Contents of the public meetings, the public comments, the MPCA responses to comments, and the 2020 Guidance Manual were all sent to EPA along with the 2020 proposed list for review.

To view public comments, responses to comments, the Guidance Manual, or the 2020 proposed Impaired Waters List go to the Impaired Waters List webpage. For questions, contact Miranda Nichols at miranda.nichols@state.mn.us.

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

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