Water

Water shortages and problems around Minnesota — and the country — have many wondering what is the true cost of clean and reliable water. This reporting is supported in part by The Water Main, a project of American Public Media.

For state utility regulators, it’s Line 3 all over again
More than a year and a half after regulators at the state Public Utilities Commission first approved the oil pipeline replacement project, they’re being asked to consider it again. A state court overturned the project's environmental review last summer, and the PUC now has to decide whether to approve a revised assessment.
Minnesota considers raising water permit fees
Cities, industries and some livestock farmers could pay more for water quality permit fees under a proposal by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. But some cities and farmers are objecting, saying the money should come from the state's general fund instead.
State regulators to hear public comments on Line 3 pipeline project once again
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the project, which would replace an aging Enbridge Energy oil pipeline across northern Minnesota, in June 2018. But last summer, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that the project first needed a revised environmental study in order to move forward. On Friday, the PUC will hear public comments on the new study.
Study: Young walleye are smaller in MN lakes with zebra mussels, spiny waterflea
A new University of Minnesota study has found that when lakes were infested with the two common aquatic invasive species, young walleye didn’t grow as large as quickly, as they did before the invaders arrived.
As court case continues, MPCA defends handling of PolyMet permit, citing efficiency
In the third day of an unusual court hearing investigating alleged “procedural irregularities” in the way a mine permit was issued, former MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine testified his agency asked the EPA to delay submitting critical comments because his staff was stretched too thin responding to other comments.
Trump administration is rolling back Obama-era protections for smaller waterways
The controversial rule change will dramatically reduce federal pollution protections for many streams and wetlands. Farmers and builders welcome that, but environmental groups plan to challenge it.
In court, environmental regulators accused of suppressing comments in PolyMet case
In the first day of what’s expected to be a five- to 10-day evidentiary hearing, a former EPA official said Minnesota officials asked the agency to withhold written comments that were critical of the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine. The MPCA says it followed the law.