MN HF19

Modifies priority list criteria for environmental cleanups to use current federal EPA Hazard Ranking System guidance and tools, requiring the Pollution Control Agency to consider population at risk, hazardous substance potential, drinking water contamination risk, human contact potential, ecosystem damage risk, and agency capabilities.

Expands the Pollution Control Agency commissioner's authority to acquire real property interests (fee title or easements) at priority qualified facilities through donation or eminent domain to ensure completion and long-term effectiveness of environmental response actions.

Establishes lien provisions allowing the state to recover environmental response costs and claim liens on real property (except homesteads) owned by facility owners/operators, with liens continuing until satisfied or six years after final response action completion.

Sets eminent domain damage awards at the greater of $500 or the property's before-market value (less remediation costs), with provisions for partial takings and requirements that finders of fact report property value and itemized remediation costs.

Adds authority for the commissioner to acquire environmental covenants and easements at solid waste disposal facilities for closure, postclosure care, and post-closure period actions, effective for actions commenced on or after January 1, 2020.