Properties Where Environmental Assessments Have Not Been Completed Over the past few years, it has become standard practice for those involved in land transfers to perform an environmental assessment of the property before sale. Buying or developing land, particularly in former or current industrial-use areas, can pose problems if all parties involved do not know…
Small Business Ombudsman The Small Business Ombudsman serves as a representative, or a liaison, for small businesses in their interactions with the MPCA. The Ombudsman offers the following services: confidential assistance to small businesses involving regulations and compliance; resolution of complaints or disputes involving regulations and small businesses; help in identifying funding sources to purchase…
Compliance Assistance MPCA Publications The MPCA offers free fact sheets to assist the regulated community. For a list of available fact sheets, contact the MPCA or access it on the MPCA website at www.pca.state.mn.us under Publications within the program pages. In addition, the MPCA publishes an “Environmental Guide for Small Business in Minnesota,” created to…
Solid Waste Management County Waste-Management Plans The Minnesota Legislature gave primary responsibility for solid-waste management to the state’s 87 counties. Contact the county solid-waste officer for details about the county waste-management plan, which outlines waste disposal options for businesses and for information about relevant ordinances. This plan, developed by the county and approved by the…
Air Pollution Control Requirements Minnesota businesses must comply with MPCA rules to protect air quality. Some rules apply even though the business will not have air emissions requiring permits. Motor Vehicle Emission Controls Owners of businesses that operate motor vehicle fleets should be aware that it is contrary to state rules and federal regulations to…
Permits for Categorical Industries Certain types of industries are required to be regulated under the Clean Water Act even if they discharge their wastewater to a municipal sanitary system. Examples of these industries are: pulp and paper mills; most food processing plants; textile mills; chemical manufacturing plants; electroplating companies; plastics and other synthetics manufacturers; fertilizer…
State Disposal System Permits State disposal system permits are required for disposal of wastewater other than to surface waters, including large septic tank and drainfield systems and spray irrigation of wastewater. The need for an SDS permit may be satisfied by certain construction or operating practices; these must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Only…
Storm-Water Discharge Permits Certain types of industrial facilities must apply for a storm-water discharge permit from the MPCA. In addition, storm-water permits may be required for certain construction activities. Minnesota’s storm-water permitting program is designed to help improve the quality of the state’s waters by reducing or eliminating the chemicals and sediments carried into surface…
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits NPDES permits are required for any discharge of wastewater into surface waters, including noncontact cooling water and air-conditioning or heat-pump water. NPDES permits are not required if the discharge is to a publicly-owned sanitary sewer system. However, local permits may be required – check with your local municipality….
Feedlot Permits The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulates the collection, transportation, storage, processing and disposal of animal manure. The Feedlot Program implements rules governing these activities. MPCA is the principal agency for regulating feedlots in Minnesota. In addition, many counties administer the program for feedlots under 1,000 animal units. A National Pollution Discharge Elimination System…
Storage Tanks Tank owners are required to register their tanks with the MPCA. Owners of regulated underground storage tanks (USTs) and above ground storage tanks (ASTs) must report information such as tank age, size, and contents within 30 days after installation of a new tank, or within 30 days after any changes in tank ownership,…
Generators Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG) If less than 220 pounds (or 100 kilograms) of hazardous waste is generated each month, the generator can accumulate up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) indefinitely. Once this amount (about four drums of liquid) has accumulated, the generator has 180 days to have it transported off-site to a storage,…
Hazardous Waste Minnesota has an extensive program for the “cradle-to-grave” management of hazardous waste. Every business in Minnesota is responsible for determining if the waste it produces is hazardous. Many types of businesses, organizations, non-profit groups and governments generate hazardous waste in the course of providing their products or services, including but not limited to…
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency As noted above, several state agencies have responsibilities for environmental protection. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is the agency specifically charged with efforts to eliminate, reduce or control the levels of pollution in the environment. It is the principal agency for permitting associated with air quality and water quality,…
Environmental Review Certain projects (for example, the construction or expansion of commercial or industrial facilities) can trigger specialized environmental review intended to prevent damage to environmental resources as a result of private or public development projects. This preventive planning approach helps identify and mitigate possible environmental problems while the project is still in the planning…
Landlords who have problems with renters can generally categorize their problems as one of the following: Renters who are not paying Renters who are damaging the property Renters who are otherwise violating the rental agreement Although the facts and circumstances are different with every landlord and renter, the problems in these categories are generally resolved…
Buying a home may be the biggest and most important financial transaction of your life. Most people need a qualified real estate professionals to help guide them through the complicated world of Minnesota’s real estate transaction process and help them steer clear of problems. Minnesota real estate transactions involve many professionals including real estate agents,…
