Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to manage and evaluate projects in Minnesota that require substantial water resources, ensuring a responsible and efficient water use framework that aligns with local needs and environmental priorities.

Main Provisions

• Preapplication Evaluation: Any project that intends to use more than 100,000,000 gallons per year or 250,000 gallons per day must undergo an evaluation process. This applies whether the project is under a new permit, an existing permit, or is an amendment to an existing permit.

• Early Consultation Encouraged: It encourages potential applicants to engage in early discussions with the commissioner before finalizing sites or designs, to assess the project's compatibility with the existing and future water needs.

• Notification Requirement: City or county employees must notify the commissioner within ten business days if they are contacted about a project likely to fall under this provision.

• Project Information Submission: Potential applicants may have to submit detailed information about their project, including locations, anticipated water source, usage rates, and any specific water quality or temperature needs.

• Commissioner's Role: The commissioner reviews submitted information and provides feedback on potential water supply constraints. This can involve consulting with various state agencies about potential impacts.

• Data Privacy: Communications and information exchanged during this preapplication stage are classified as nonpublic data. They become public once the project is abandoned or a formal permit application is submitted.

• No Supplanting of Existing Regulations: This evaluation process does not replace any existing federal, state, or local law requirements, including environmental reviews and well construction approvals.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new preapplication evaluation process to existing water appropriation regulations, aiming to streamline and inform project planning and ensure water resource protection.

Relevant Terms

• Water appropriation
• Consumptive use
• Preapplication evaluation
• Water source
• Permit amendment
• Environmental review
• Nonpublic data