MPCA releases sulfate standard proposal

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently released its proposal for changes to the sulfate water quality standard to protect wild rice.

This issue is critical for the families and communities who live and work on the Iron Range. The cost of complying with the proposed standard would result in major job losses in Northeastern Minnesota and hurt cities and businesses throughout the state.

The MPCA’s proposed rule is not proven to protect wild rice, and the current standard of 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) was enacted back in 1973 based on observations from the 1940s. We support a modern, science-based approach to help our state protect wild rice.