This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103A.204, to enhance the state's groundwater policy by introducing provisions for artificial aquifer recharge in areas where groundwater levels are depleted and not recovering quickly enough. The new language emphasizes that the state should consider and implement artificial recharge options where feasible and appropriate. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of various agencies involved in groundwater protection, including the Environmental Quality Board, Pollution Control Agency, Department of Agriculture, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Health.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds for groundwater storage and recovery initiatives, specifically allocating a one-time amount from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the creation of a centralized aquifer-property database. It also assigns the Department of Health several duties, including the development of a decision-support system for evaluating aquifer storage and recovery, applying for primacy over class V injection wells, modifying existing statutes to permit injection wells in recovery projects, and establishing a well permitting process that includes comprehensive engineering and environmental details.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 103A.204