This bill (S.F. No. 2086) relates to environmental regulations in Minnesota, specifically concerning water quality standards for sulfate levels in waters that support wild rice. The bill facilitates the approval of site-specific modifications to sulfate water quality standards while broader rulemaking is still pending.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Definitions:

   • Establishes relevant terms, including "affected permittee," "covered water," and "site-specific sulfate standard."
   • Defines "covered water" as waters identified in a 2017 Pollution Control Agency (PCA) statement of need regarding wild rice water quality standards.

2. Application Process for Site-Specific Standards:

   • Outlines the requirements for a complete application, including:
     • Identification details of the water body.
     • Proposed site-specific sulfate standards based on scientific data.
     • Monitoring data for past sulfate levels and wild rice growth.

3. Treatment of Permittees:

   • Prevents PCA from denying an application for a site-specific standard until broader rulemaking is complete.
   • Ensures that affected permittees are not required to invest in sulfate treatment technology while awaiting a final decision.
   • Allows for monitoring and sulfate minimization plans if discharge sulfate levels exceed proposed limits.

4. Timeline for Decision:

   • Requires the PCA Commissioner to issue a final decision on a site-specific sulfate standard application:
     • Within 150 days of receiving a complete application.
     • Or within 150 days after the publication of the final rulemaking notice, whichever is later.

5. Rulemaking Completion Requirement:

   • Mandates the PCA to finalize broader rulemaking on sulfate water quality standards by January 15, 2027.
   • Temporarily prohibits PCA from designating additional waters as wild rice waters based on natural wild rice beds until rulemaking is complete.

Summary:

This bill provides a structured process for industries and entities to seek site-specific sulfate water quality modifications while broader rulemaking is pending. It aims to prevent undue financial burden on permit holders and ensures decisions on applications are made in a timely manner.