Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the requirements and processes for obtaining water appropriation permits in Minnesota. It focuses on ensuring the sustainable use of groundwater while protecting water quality and ecosystems.

Main Provisions

• Groundwater Appropriations Permit Process:

  • Applicants must provide comprehensive information, including water well records, subsurface geologic data, pumpage rates, groundwater quality assessments, and results from aquifer tests.
  • The commissioner may waive certain requirements if the provided information is sufficient to evaluate sustainability and environmental impacts.
  • If necessary, the commissioner can require new aquifer tests and applicants are responsible for related costs.

• Decision Timeline:

  • The commissioner must act on water-use permit applications within 150 days after receiving complete applications.
  • If an aquifer test is required, the decision must be made within 120 days after the test results are submitted.
  • Applicants must be informed within 30 days if their application is complete or incomplete.

• Extensions:

  • The time limit for decision-making can be extended if a state statute, federal law, or court order requires additional processes.
  • The commissioner can extend the deadline by up to 60 days with notification to the applicant, and further if the applicant agrees.

• Transparency:

  • If a permit is denied or modified, the applicant will receive detailed information on the decision, including data and analysis used.

Significant Changes

• The bill introduces stricter requirements for submitting detailed geological and water quality data for permit applications.
• It allows for more detailed oversight by the commissioner, including the power to require additional aquifer tests.
• It formalizes response timelines and the conditions under which these timelines can be extended.

Relevant Terms

water appropriation, groundwater permit, aquifer test, sustainable water use, environmental impact, water quality, commissioner, permit application, extension period