Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve the process for evaluating and permitting projects in Minnesota that require large amounts of water usage. It seeks to ensure that these projects are compatible with existing and future water needs while maintaining environmental and community priorities.

Main Provisions

• Preapplication Evaluation: The bill introduces a preapplication evaluation for projects that propose the consumption of more than 100,000,000 gallons annually or 250,000 gallons daily. This applies whether the project needs an amended existing permit or a new one.

• Early Discussion with Commissioner: Potential applicants are encouraged to engage with the state commissioner early in the project planning phase, ideally before finalizing the project design or acquiring land.

• Notification Requirement: City or county employees must notify the commissioner if contacted about a project likely subject to this evaluation process within ten business days.

• Information Submission: The potential applicants may need to provide detailed information about the project, including locations, water use rates and volumes, water sources, and quality requirements.

• Commissioner's Evaluation: The commissioner will assess the provided information and respond with possible water availability constraints for each potential project location.

• Inter-Agency Consultation: The commissioner can consult with other state agencies to evaluate the project's potential impact on water quality and availability.

• Confidentiality of Communications: Information exchanged during preapplication discussions is considered nonpublic until the project advances or is abandoned, after which it becomes public.

• Compliance with Existing Regulations: The bill ensures that preapplication discussions do not replace existing federal, state, or local laws, including environmental reviews and water appropriation permit reviews.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to introduce a structured preapplication phase for large water appropriation projects, aiming for more efficient permitting by involving authorities early in the planning stages. It necessitates new communication protocols and information sharing concerning potential projects requiring substantial water use.

Relevant Terms

large water appropriations, preapplication evaluation, water consumption permits, environmental review, water source assessment, confidential communications, potential project locations, water allocation priorities, water availability constraints.