Purpose of the Bill

The proposed bill aims to enhance the evaluation and permitting process for projects in Minnesota that require large quantities of water. It seeks to ensure efficient use and sustainable management of the state's water resources by involving stakeholders early in the planning stages.

Main Provisions

• Preapplication Evaluation: The bill introduces a mandatory preapplication process for projects needing significant water usage – specifically, those consuming over 100 million gallons per year or 250,000 gallons per day.

• Early Engagement: Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their projects with the state commissioner early, ideally before finalizing project sites, designs, or land acquisition, to facilitate better planning and compatibility with other water users.

• Notification Requirement: City or county employees must notify the state commissioner within ten business days if they are contacted about a project likely subject to this new subdivision.

• Information Submission: Potential applicants must provide detailed information, including project descriptions and anticipated water needs, to help assess water source capabilities.

• Assessment and Response: The commissioner will assess the provided information for each potential project location and respond with insights on possible water availability constraints.

• Agency Consultation: The commissioner can consult other state agencies, such as health and agriculture departments or the Pollution Control Agency, when evaluating potential impacts on water quality and quantity.

• Confidentiality of Data: Any communication between applicants and government agencies remains nonpublic until a formal application is filed or the project is abandoned, at which point the information becomes public.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes sections 103G.265, 103G.271, and 116D.04, adding subdivisions that formalize the preapplication process for substantial water appropriation projects, promoting early dialogue and data sharing between applicants and the state to ensure efficient permitting and resource management.

Relevant Terms

• Water appropriation
• Preapplication evaluation
• Consumer water use
• Water use permit
• Environmental review
• Project site selection
• Water quality and quantity
• Large water projects