The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115.542, to enhance the permitting process for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities. It introduces a new requirement for the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to provide permit applicants with a copy of the draft permit and any necessary fact sheets at least 30 days prior to public notice, unless waived by the applicant. Additionally, the public comment period for permit applications is set to a minimum of 60 days, with the possibility of reducing it to 30 days if requested by the applicant and approved by the commissioner based on public or Tribal interest.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a goal for permitting efficiency, stating that tier 2 permits for these facilities should be issued or denied within 210 days of application submission, notwithstanding existing regulations. The changes aim to streamline the permitting process while ensuring adequate public involvement and consideration of community interests.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 115.542