MN HF3280

Nullifies the numeric water quality standard for sulfates in class 4A wild-rice waters in Minnesota Rules, part 7050.0224, subpart 2, until the Pollution Control Agency adopts a new standard through rulemaking procedures.

Prohibits the Pollution Control Agency from requiring permitees to implement sulfate treatment technologies or mitigation measures when issuing, modifying, or renewing NPDES or SDS permits for wild-rice waters.

Authorizes the commissioner to identify and list additional wild-rice waters based on three criteria: history of wild rice harvesting, minimum acreage, and minimum density of wild rice.

Restricts application of water quality standards to irrigation uses only when water is appropriated for irrigation, preventing application to waters used for irrigating cultivated wild rice as an agricultural crop.

Appropriates $500,000 from the heritage enhancement account in fiscal year 2018 to the Department of Natural Resources for wild rice protection and restoration, with up to $50,000 for a report due by January 15, 2019.