This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require certain users of large amounts of groundwater, specifically those proposing new or modified water-use permits for industrial or commercial consumptive use, to apply for their own permits rather than modifying existing municipal permits. The bill defines a "large water appropriation" as any use exceeding 100,000,000 gallons per year or an amount that is 50 percent or more of a municipality's current authorized annual appropriation volume. It also mandates that the commissioner of the relevant department must prepare a draft permit, provide a notice and comment period, and consider public feedback before issuing a permit. Additionally, the commissioner may require an aquifer test to ensure public health and safety.

The bill also updates the reporting requirements for water appropriations. Users exceeding the specified thresholds must report their water usage to the commissioner by the 15th of each month for the previous month's appropriations. For all other uses, the reporting will occur annually, and the records must be submitted alongside the annual water-use permit processing fee. These changes aim to enhance oversight and management of groundwater resources in Minnesota, particularly in relation to large-scale water users.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 103G.281