MN SF2983

Nullifies the numeric water quality standard for sulfates in class 4A waters (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 permittees to design or implement sulfate treatment technologies or mitigation measures when issuing, modifying, or renewing NPDES or SDS permits for wild-rice waters.

Authorizes the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency 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.

Appropriates $50,000 from the heritage enhancement account in fiscal year 2018 to the commissioner of natural resources to convene a wild rice work group and submit a report by January 15, 2019, including restoration activities, management efforts, and recommendations for a long-term work group structure.

Prevents the agency from applying irrigation-related water quality standards to wild rice production unless the water is appropriated for irrigation use.