Minneslate Logo

HF3236 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Requirements for water appropriations permits modified.

Related bill: SF3423

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the requirements for obtaining water appropriation permits in Minnesota. This involves making changes to the procedures and timeframes for evaluating and approving applications, which are intended to ensure sustainable water use and protect natural resources.

Main Provisions

  • Application Requirements: Applicants for groundwater use permits must provide detailed information including:

    • Water well records and geologic information.
    • Requested pumpage rates and volumes.
    • Groundwater quality information and any necessary water treatment.
    • Results from an aquifer test, conducted according to specific guidelines and at the applicant's expense.

  • Commissioner's Role and Waivers: The commissioner overseeing the application process may waive certain information requirements if it is determined that the available data sufficiently demonstrates the sustainability of the proposed water use.

  • Aquifer Tests: If deemed necessary, the commissioner will require aquifer tests to assess potential impacts on other water resources. These tests must meet specified conditions and be conducted by the applicant at their cost.

  • Notification and Approval Process for Well Construction: Upon assessment, if the groundwater appropriation request meets necessary standards, the commissioner provides preliminary approval for well construction. Detailed reasons and supporting data must be given if a permit is denied, reduced, or restricted.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Timeframe for Action: The bill stipulates a 150-day limit for the commissioner to act on a water use permit application. This can be modified to 120 days if a new aquifer test is required, with further extension possible depending on specific legal or procedural requirements.
  • Extensions: Conditions for extending the decision timeline include statutory, legal, or court-ordered processes that must precede action on the application. Extensions require written notice and can be requested by the applicant.

Relevant Terms

  • Water Appropriation Permit
  • Groundwater Use Permit
  • Aquifer Test
  • Commissioner
  • Sustainable Water Use

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
April 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies preliminary well construction approvals and application waivers."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for groundwater appropriations under section 103G.287.",
      "modified": [
        "Revises provisions for aquifer test requirements and commissioner assessments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.287",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references requirements for water well records under section 103I.205.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103I.205",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references requirements for commissioner assessments under section 103I.205.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103I.205",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies procedural requirements for water use permits under section 103G.305.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the general 150-day limit for action on a water use permit application."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.305",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

Sponsors