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November 2021
Governor Walz has appointed Katrina Kessler commissioner of the MPCA. Kessler joined the MPCA as assistant commissioner for water policy and agriculture in 2019, having returned to the agency after serving as director of the Surface Water and Sewers Division at the City of Minneapolis for three years. During her first 13-year tenure at the MPCA, Kessler worked as a permit engineer in the Municipal and Industrial Divisions. She also served in supervisor and manager roles within the Environmental Analysis and Outcomes Division. Read more.
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New basin-wide approach underway to reduce phosphorous in Red River, Lake Winnipeg
Making meaningful reductions in phosphorous levels and achieving water quality goals in the Red River and Lake Winnipeg in Canada will require facilitating collaboration among regulated and non-regulated sources (phosphorous pollution is helping fuel large algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg, at right).
One organization is ideally suited to that role--the Red River Basin Commission (RRBC). This not-for-profit organization has a 40-year history of bringing cooperative approaches to water management within the Basin and finding solutions to crossboundary issues. The RRBC is leading development of a Red River Basin Management Plan to reduce phosphorous in the Red River through point source (regulated) and non-point source (unregulated) stakeholder collaboration and goal-setting, an approach expected to result in more meaningful impacts on water quality at less cost and with broader-based involvement. Read more.
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MPCA looking forward to seeing you in '22
Webinar series offers opportunities to question and learn
The MPCA is planning a series of four webinars during 2022 to provide an opportunity for wastewater operators and responsible officials to ask questions and learn about new and emerging wastewater related topics, as well those related to permitting, permit compliance, or anything else wastewater related.
A survey will be emailed to eDMR subscribers in the near future seeking feedback on topics of interest to you. Please take a few minutes to provide responses – this will help ensure we cover topics most important to you. You’ll receive more information via future On Point articles and email invitations. We look forward to "seeing" you in 2022!
Listening sessions seek your views on operating challenges
In addition to the webinars, the MPCA is also planning to host a series of regional in-person municipal wastewater “listening sessions” during 2022. MPCA Municipal Division leaders and staff want to listen and learn about the challenges facing municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Stay tuned to On Point and your email inbox for more information about where and when these sessions will be held.
Wastewater and drought
MPCA conducting rare monitoring study of the Lower Minnesota River
MPCA staff studied the river during this summer's extreme drought conditions to see if tighter limits on phosphorous are protecting aquatic life. This is only the second time the MPCA has been able to check on the effectiveness of the permit limits. A 2012 study found they were effective at keeping river oxygen levels healthy. These conditions; however, also presented some benefits. “The good news is that rivers are getting a break from runoff bringing more sediment and nutrients into the water," says Lee Ganske, supervisor for the statewide watershed pollutant load monitoring network. Read more.
The MPCA expects to have results of the study by late this fall. Learn more about the study by viewing this video.
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Addressing pond operational concerns during drought years
In 2018 and 2019, parts of Minnesota received record precipitation resulting in flood-like conditions. Full ponds, unauthorized releases and frequent discharges were common during this period. In 2021 the clouds went dry and the rain shut off. Reports from August indicated that most of the counties in the state reported conditions ranging from abnormally dry to exceptional drought (see drought map at right).
Influent flows were drastically reduced and stabilization ponds reported abnormally low water levels. The lower water levels created several problems in pond operations, including excessive weed growth, low DO resulting in odors, and potential problems with maintaining an adequate pond water level heading into winter operations. While some area drought conditions have currently moderated, some may continue in the spring of the following year, or in subsequent years. Because of this the MPCA offers the following guidance during drought periods.
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Weed growth
During drought years, it can be difficult to control weeds and unwanted vegetation. Typically, normal water levels help to drown out weed growth on the pond dikes. The MPCA received reports from operators regarding problems with cattail growth and excessive weed growth in both the riprap and ponds. It is important to eliminate any cattail growth immediately before it becomes established and difficult to remove. Cattails and deep rooted vegetation can destroy the pond seal and attract burrowing animals. Excessive weed growth on the riprap can also restrict wind action, and harbor insects.
Additionally, ponds generally do not need to be mowed as frequently during drought periods. This allows noxious weeds like thistles and buckthorn to grow on the outside of the dikes. It is important to spray and remove excessive weed growth and deep rooted vegetation from the pond and rip rap, and to mow and spray the outside of the dikes to eliminate noxious weed growth.
As a reminder, it is a requirement of the permit to only use herbicides approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources when applying inside the dike or within the pond.
Organic loading, hot weather and odors
Along with the drought like conditions, Minnesota also had an abnormally hot summer and summers have been trending warmer in general. Warmer pond temperatures and concentrated influent have created problems in some ponds with reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and pond odors.
It is important to stay on top of this situation by taking regular DO readings, beyond what your permit may require. It may also be necessary to recirculate water with a pump or add oxygen to the ponds to keep them from dying off/turning septic. This may also be a good time to identify any sources of high organic loading. Sources might include bars, restaurants, schools, locker-plants, agricultural businesses, industries and nursing homes. The high organic loading, coupled with low influent flows can concentrate the high loading and contribute to odors or septic conditions in ponds.
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Winter water levels
The MPCA Stabilization Pond Manual guidelines indicate that water levels in ponds should not be less than three feet during an extended cold weather period to prevent ice cover damaging the seal or transfer piping. This especially pertains to the secondary pond, as it does not receive warmer influent throughout the winter months.
If the drought continues or when future similar conditions exist, it will be an important operational strategy to determine how you can fill the secondary pond to a minimum of three feet prior to winter freeze. Operators should be performing discharge calculations to determine how much water needs to be discharged in fall, or if a discharge is even necessary.
Additionally, most permits contain once per half year sampling requirements for some parameters. It is not necessary to discharge in order to fulfill these requirements. If no discharge is performed during the fall discharge period, sampling for these parameters is not required.
MPCA assistance
Contact your regional MPCA compliance staff (use the search feature on the bottom of the page) to discuss any concerns regarding low water levels heading into winter freeze-up conditions, sampling requirements, excessive odors and excessive weed growth at your Facility.
Helpful Links
Stabilization Pond Manual
Pond Discharge Calculation Worksheet
Wastewater Operator Resources
Operations awards
Review period for award October 2020 through September 2021
Each year the MPCA recognizes permittees across the State for outstanding operation and maintenance practices at their wastewater treatment facilities. This year the Wastewater Treatment Facility Operational Awards review period will cover October 2020 through September 2021 (there's an exception for industrial facilities, see next item) and are planned to be presented at the March 2022 wastewater conference. Award reviews will be completed by MPCA staff in early 2022 and awardees will be notified.
Review process for industrial facilities changed for 2021
The MPCA is initiating a change for industrial facilities that wish to be considered for the operational award. For the 2021 review period, industrial facilities will need to submit an application to be considered for the award. Eligible industrial facilities will be contacted by email in early December 2021 with the application materials and details.
Reporting/compliance
Reminder: Annual biosolids report due to MPCA and EPA
Facilities that fall into the following categories need to submit an annual biosolids report to the MPCA by Dec. 31, 2021, and an annual report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Feb. 19, 2022. Both of these reports will be based on the cropping year.
- Municipal facilities with a design flow rate equal to or greater than 1 million gallons per day
- Municipal facilities that serve 10,000 people or more, and
- Other facilities required to report (also known as “Class I sludge management facilities”) please see the following.
Note the federal reports are only for municipal facilities, not industrial facilities.
For questions with the federal report, contact EPA’s help desk: NPDESeReporting@epa.gov or 1-877-227-8965. Additional information regarding the federal report can be found at: EPA Biosolids Annual Program Report .
All municipal facilities, no matter design flow, in Minnesota that manage biosolids (if you aren’t sure, refer to your NPDES/SDS permit) are required to submit a biosolids annual report to the MPCA by Dec. 31, 2021. Please note that even if you didn’t land apply during the 2021 cropping year, a biosolids annual report still needs to be submitted.
State reports must be submitted electronically
Submit the state biosolids annual report electronically by e-mail. For the cover letter, use the form at this link: Water Quality Submittals Form. Email both the cover letter and report to: wq.submittals.mpca@state.mn.us.
Contact Sherry Bock at the MPCA (sheryl.bock@pca.state.mn, phone 218-316-3882) or Cole Huggins (cole.huggins@state.mn.us, phone 218-316-3928) with any questions.
Compliance tips
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) permits require action if monitoring indicates you’ve exceeded a permitted effluent limit. Below are a few considerations to assist in complying with the action requirements.
- If sampling indicates a violation of a discharge limit:
- Verify the violation by collecting additional samples if appropriate
- Investigate the cause of the limit exceedance
- Take action to prevent future reoccurrences
- Include the following information with the appropriate DMR submittal:
- The cause of the limit exceedance
- Description of actions taken to reduce, eliminate and prevent reoccurrence
- Steps taken to reduce any adverse impact resulting limit exceedance
Note, if the limit exceedance poses significant human health or environmental risk, you need to report it immediately to the MPCA. To view the action items in full, please see the "Effluent Limits" requirement in the "Total Facility Requirements" section of your permit.
Pond optimization: Lower operational costs and increase environmental protection
Is your primary method of wastewater treatment performed by stabilization ponds? This story from Baudette contains information that could benefit you and your community:
This example is the result of a State-funded pilot program focused on optimizing wastewater treatment. The collaboration of experienced and knowledgeable wastewater professionals was positive and what was learned could likely benefit other communities.
The MPCA supports and encourages community efforts to identify wastewater optimization approaches. If you would like to learn more, please contact Minnesota Rural Water, Minnesota Technical Assistance Program or your local MPCA compliance staff (use the search feature on the bottom of the page).
Operations reserve funding
New LSTS plan requirement driven by many systems nearing end of their design life
All large subsurface treatment system (LSTS) permittees are obligated to maintain adequate funding for the life of their systems, and to conduct the financial planning necessary to meet these obligations. However, as many existing LSTS are nearing the end of their design life, a variety of operation and maintenance issues arise that are leading to permit non-compliance.
Often inadequate funding is being set aside to cover things like component replacement, new treatment components necessitated by permit conditions and system replacement, and even to cover more basic costs such as maintenance, sampling, paying for sufficient operator time, etc.
To help address these issues, the MPCA is now requiring LSTS permittees to submit an Operations and Reserve Fund Plan to the agency.
The goal of this requirement is to enable facilities to better estimate current and future operation and maintenance costs, and document the funding mechanism(s) that will adequately cover these costs. Permitees will be required to submit this plan within 180 days after issuance of a new or existing permit, or following a compliance inspection.
The MPCA has created a checklist LSTS facilities may choose to use when developing a plan.
Questions?
If you have any questions please contact Paul Kimman (paul.kimman@state.mn.us, phone 507-476-4270), SE/SW Unit Supervisor and SDS Permitting Policy lead.
Wastewater operator training/exams
2022 Wastewater Training
Calendar now available
The wastewater training calendar for 2022 is available on the Wastewater Operators Training and Certification page (click on blue button below).
This year’s calendar features a mix of in-person and virtual events. You may also access wastewater training offered monthly. Check here for those offerings.
Please note: the annual Wastewater Conference brochure and registration are separate from the calendar, and will be available in January 2022.
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Collection System Conference set for March 21-23, 2022
The MPCA will hold the 47th annual Collection System Conference March 21-23, 2022, at the Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park (7025 Northland Drive North, Brooklyn Park, Minn.). The conference brochure and registration packet will be available on the MPCA Wastewater Training webpage in January 2022.
Highlights include:
• SA and SB exam refresher
• SC and SD exam refresher
• Certification examinations
• Vendor and professional organization display
Wastewater Operations Conference set for March 23-25, 2022
The MPCA will hold the 84th annual Wastewater Operations Conference March 23-25, 2022 at the Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park (7025 Northland Drive North, Brooklyn Park, Minn.). The conference brochure and registration packet will be available on the MPCA Wastewater Training webpage in January 2022.
Highlights include:
• A and B exam refresher
• C and D exam refresher
• Type IV (biosolids) refresher
• Certification examinations
• Vendor and professional organization displays
Upcoming training/exam sessions
The 2021 Wastewater Operator Training Calendar is subject to change as the Pandemic evolves. The most up to date cancellations, rescheduling, and event changes will be posted on the MPCA Wastewater Training and Certification webpage.
Upcoming training opportunities
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Emergency Response in Wastewater, Dec. 7, 8-10 a.m. Online mini-session. Case studies regarding treatment plants and landfills in response to emergency scenarios. (2) WW contact hours.
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Wastewater Treatment Basic, Dec. 14-16, Jimmy’s Event Center, Vadnais Heights. A basic- to intermediate-level course geared toward the proper operation and maintenance of biological municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Seminar covers wastewater terminology, secondary treatment types, wastewater math, sampling, reporting and safety. Intended for entry-level operators or as a refresher for experienced operators. 16 contact hours. Exam held Dec. 16 at 12:30 p.m.
For seminar registration forms and exam applications, visit the MPCA website. Please contact Annaliza Heesch (annaliza.heesch@state.mn.us, phone 651-757-2591) if you have any questions.
Upcoming exam session
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December 14: Vadnais Heights, Jimmy’s Event Center
- Postmark exam application by December 1
Certification exams are given at the indicated seminars on the last day of class. Eligibility is determined by experience and/or education requirements. Exam applications are separate from class registration and must be received 15 days prior to the exam. Exam application forms can be found on the MPCA Wastewater Operators Training and Certification web page. For more information, contact Tracy Finch (tracy.finch@state.mn.us, phone 651-757-2103).
Smart salting update
Sign up to receive new MPCA smart salting newsletter
The new Minnesota Smart Salting Update newsletter addresses sources of chloride pollution in Minnesota, with the latest smart salting practices and resources -- from winter maintenance to water softening. Sign up here to get on the mailing list.
The MPCA is offering a new Chloride Reduction grant for developing a project that provides direct assistance to optimize, upgrade or replace water-softening systems in targeted communities with elevated chloride levels in surface waters or wastewater discharge.
Application deadline: December 10, 2021.
Funding: The grant award is $250,000 with a 25% minimum match. The grant will be awarded to a single applicant.
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C&E staff coverage areas for industrial and municipal facilities
  Find the C&E staff person assigned to your location
To find the MPCA compliance and enforcement staff person assigned to your facility, click on the button below and scroll to the bottom of the page (Discharge Monitoring Reports).
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