MN SF2016

Expands commissioner authority to investigate and monitor water activities with or without permits affecting state waters, and allows issuance of orders and findings related to unpermitted activities.

Removes the December 31, 1990 deadline and the 5,000,000 gallon annual threshold for prohibiting new once-through cooling system permits from groundwater sources; permits existing systems must convert to water-efficient alternatives within equipment design life.

Establishes new administrative penalty authority for water appropriation violations with penalties up to $1,000 for minor violations, $10,000 for moderate violations, and $20,000 for severe violations, including expedited hearing procedures and mediation options.

Creates penalties for noncompliant water use reporting ($300 or 2% of annual permit fee, whichever is greater) and requires termination of permits for permit holders with three or more noncompliant incidents within five years.

Adds $300 annual penalty per calendar year (up to seven years maximum) for unauthorized water appropriations and allows commissioner to waive water use permit fees for storm water runoff installations; requires Environmental Quality Board water reuse report by January 15, 2016.