MN SF3958

Reestablishes the Advisory Council on Water Supply Systems and Wastewater Treatment Facilities with 11 voting members including representatives from the Department of Health, Pollution Control Agency, certified water and wastewater operators, municipalities, and public members.

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

Appropriates unspecified amounts in fiscal year 2021 to the Pollution Control Agency for multiple wastewater and storm water infrastructure initiatives including cost-effectiveness reviews, best management practices training, septic system upgrades, and regional wastewater coordination.

Funds grants to the Minnesota Rural Water Association and University of Minnesota technical assistance programs to support innovative wastewater and storm water facility practices.

Establishes a small wastewater innovation center at the University of Minnesota to conduct research on cost-effective treatment solutions for small communities and evaluate current permitting rules; all appropriations are one-time and available until June 30, 2021.