H.F. No. 4503 Summary

• Reestablishes the Advisory Council on Water Supply Systems and Wastewater Treatment Facilities as an 11-member council with representation from the Department of Health, Pollution Control Agency, certified operators, municipalities, and the public to advise on water supply and wastewater treatment regulation.

• Requires geographic diversity on the council with at least one water supply operator and one wastewater operator from outside the seven-county metropolitan area, and one wastewater operator from the Metropolitan Council.

• Appropriates unspecified amounts in fiscal year 2021 for multiple wastewater and storm water infrastructure programs including cost-effectiveness reviews, grants to the Minnesota Rural Water Association and University of Minnesota, septic system upgrades, and regionalization efforts.

• Establishes a pilot regional wastewater coordinator-facilitator position within a regional development organization or University of Minnesota to promote cross-jurisdictional cooperation and innovative practices.

• Creates a small wastewater innovation center at the University of Minnesota to provide technical support, evaluate permitting rules, and conduct research on cost-effective treatment solutions for small communities, with all appropriations available until June 30, 2021.