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SF2833 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Environmental permitting efficiency provisions modifications

Related bill: HF1208

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to improve the efficiency of the permitting process for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota. It seeks to streamline the administrative procedures to ensure that permits are issued or denied within specific time frames while maintaining necessary public engagement and environmental reviews.

Main Provisions

  • Permit Application Processes: The bill outlines the steps involved in applying for permits concerning wastewater treatment facilities. It requires a draft permit and related fact sheets to be shared with the applicant 30 days before public notice unless the applicant waives this requirement.
  • Public Notice and Comment Period: The Commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must issue a public notice regarding permit applications, with a standard 60-day comment period. However, this can be reduced to 30 days if requested by the applicant and approved after considering public or tribal interests.
  • Permit Issuance Timeline: Establishes a goal that tier 2 permits for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities should be issued or denied within 210 days of application submission.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Permitting Efficiency Goals: Modifies existing statutes to include specific timelines for permit decisions, aiming for quicker responses: 90 days for tier 1 permits and 150 days for tier 2 permits.
  • Electronic Submissions and Notices: The bill allows for the electronic submission of environmental review and permit documents, which can aid in meeting efficiency goals.
  • Cumulative Environmental Impact Analysis: Before issuing a permit, the Pollution Control Agency must assess cumulative environmental impacts in specific areas characterized by pollution and health disparities, particularly within certain urban areas in Hennepin County.

Additional Provisions

  • Requires the Pollution Control Agency to produce an annual report detailing the efficiency of permit processing, including delays and the reasons for them.
  • It mandates preapplication meetings to clarify project requirements and timelines.
  • Addresses the possibility of starting construction before permit issuance under certain conditions, except where federal law prohibits it.

Relevant Terms

  • Wastewater treatment
  • NPDES permit
  • SDS permit
  • Public comment period
  • Cumulative environmental impact
  • Tier 1 and Tier 2 permits
  • Pollution Control Agency
  • Hennepin County
  • Environmental review
  • Permit professional

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new requirement for permit applicants to receive draft permits 30 days before public notice."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies the notice requirements for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities under section 115.542.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "115.542",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for electronic submission of documents."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The legislation modifies permitting efficiency goals under section 116.03 subdivision 2b.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the processing goal for permit issuance to within 210 days for specific permits."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The amendment relates to the issuance of pollution control permits under section 116.07 subdivision 4a.",
      "modified": [
        "Inclusion of cumulative analysis requirements for permits."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4a"
  }
]

Sponsors