Log in on the MPCA eServices Portal to review the spreadsheets for your facility. Experiment with the DMR calculator tool and let us know what you think. To help you get started, there is a Quick Reference Manual available in the Guidance Documents section of the MPCA DMR webpage.  

In addition, the MPCA will be offering Sample Values training in the coming months. If you have specific questions or need technical assistance, contact your MPCA compliance representative.

Use of the spreadsheets to submit daily monitoring and sampling data electronically is currently voluntary. Beginning in January 2014, MPCA staff will begin phasing in mandatory Sample Values electronic submittal. The following implementation schedule has been developed to ease the transition to full electronic submittal.

• Major Facilities: June 2014
• Minor Facilities: December 2014 (excluding the following)
• MNG58 Facilities: June 2015
• MNG49 Facilities: December 2015

Reminder: Contact support services if you experience technical difficulties with the MPCA eServices Portal.

Madelia, the Pheasant Capital of Minnesota, recently bagged several benefits for its community with a habitat project. By converting old sewage treatment ponds to hunting grounds, the city saved more than $1 million compared to the cost of a typical pond cleanup. As an added perk, Madelia was able to showcase this successful project while hosting the 2013 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. The project also created access for non-traditional hunters such as those using wheelchairs.

“In our opinion it was the most cost-effective way to handle the situation. And it’s good wildlife habitat. It was a win-win we felt, for everybody, for the community, for the taxpayers, for the wildlife,” said Jim Pettersen, mayor of Madelia from 2003-2010.

Madelia lies along the Watonwan River in south-central Minnesota. In 1993, the town upgraded its wastewater treatment system to accommodate its growth. While this was good for the river and downstream waters, it left three ponds, covering more than 33 acres, in need of cleanup. This is where biosolids — fecal matter and other material — settled out of wastewater. Because of the potential to pollute streams and lakes, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires the biosolids to be removed and disposed of appropriately.

To read more about Madelia’s project, visit the MPCA Featured Stories webpage.

Photo: Dan Madsen, Madelia City Administrator, near the city's decommissioned wastewater ponds converted to wildlife habitat.

Watch for additional information on these funding opportunities in the coming weeks.

Clean Water Revolving Fund 2015 Project Priority List:  Information on submitting wastewater and stormwater collection and treatment projects for consideration will be distributed later this month. Projects must be on the priority list to be eligible for below market rate Clean Water Revolving Fund loans and other Clean Water Legacy grants and loans from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. As it becomes available, information will be posted on the MPCA Wastewater and Stormwater Financial Assistance webpage.  

Photo: Construction on the relocation of the Grand Rapids wastewater treatment plant. A project made possible by the Clean Water Revolving Fund.

Advanced Wastewater Treatment: The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $325,752 in funding during the 2013 session for the development of advanced wastewater treatment system designs and practices. A public notice is expected on this funding source within the next couple of weeks and will be posted on the MPCA Public Notices webpage. Questions may also be directed to contracts.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line: WWTP Pilot Project.

The 31st Annual Innovative Approaches to Wastewater Operational Problems conference will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud. The purpose of this conference is to exchange innovative wastewater operating ideas, share suggestions on reducing operating costs, provide networking opportunities for wastewater professionals, and offer continuing education credit (six wastewater contact hours). The conference is sponsored by the MPCA, Central States Water Environment Association, and the Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association.

Pre-Registration: $60.00; Late Registration: $70.00; Students: $20.00, fees cover conference and lunch.      Pre-Registration must be received by Tuesday, January 28th, 2014.

For more information contact Tim Wedin, Innovative Committee Chair, at 612.338.2029; or Herschel Blasing, Innovative Committee Member (MPCA), at 218.316.3860.