ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has opened a 30-day public comment period on proposed changes to the state's water quality standards for protecting wild rice.
State law currently limits discharges of sulfates into wild rice waters to 10 milligrams per liter. The MPCA has proposed changing that to a site-specific approach based on the characteristics of individual water bodies. The draft proposal also would establish criteria for determining which lakes and streams will be designated wild rice waters, and includes initial lists.
It's been a contentious issue, pitting mining interests against American Indian tribes and environmentalists.
The MPCA is taking comments through Dec. 18. It will consider those comments as it develops formal rules.
The agency says it intends to adopt rules by 2018 but hasn't formulated a schedule.
(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
30-Day Comment Period On Wild Rice Standards Now Open
/ CBS Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has opened a 30-day public comment period on proposed changes to the state's water quality standards for protecting wild rice.
State law currently limits discharges of sulfates into wild rice waters to 10 milligrams per liter. The MPCA has proposed changing that to a site-specific approach based on the characteristics of individual water bodies. The draft proposal also would establish criteria for determining which lakes and streams will be designated wild rice waters, and includes initial lists.
It's been a contentious issue, pitting mining interests against American Indian tribes and environmentalists.
The MPCA is taking comments through Dec. 18. It will consider those comments as it develops formal rules.
The agency says it intends to adopt rules by 2018 but hasn't formulated a schedule.
(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Minnesota
Charlevoix County dairy cattle found to be infected with bovine tuberculosis
Shireen Gandhi appointed as permanent Minnesota DHS commissioner
Plan for big increase in size of Bear Creek Lake appears to sink
Monday is last day for Workforce Center of Will County before move in Joliet
Police: Brooklyn Center officers fatally shoot man suspected of killing 2
Maryland attorney general sues to halt construction of ICE detention center
Body of Tracy man believed kidnapped found at Lake Berryessa, sheriff says
Scholarship fund reclaiming a stolen legacy in Forsyth County