Journal of the House - 111th Day - Friday, April 27, 2012

The bill was repassed, as amended by Conference, and its title agreed to.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON H. F. No. 2164

A bill for an act relating to natural resources; providing for apprentice riders; modifying aquatic invasive species provisions; modifying local government trail authority; modifying enforcement provisions; modifying certain bait provisions; modifying prior appropriations; modifying and eliminating certain reporting, plan, and meeting requirements; eliminating loan program; modifying La Salle Lake State Recreation Area administration; prohibiting commissioner of natural resources from purchasing land at more than 20 percent above estimated market value; modifying waste management provisions; clarifying certain environmental review; eliminating certain fees; modifying toxic pollution prevention requirements; modifying certain standards for stationary sources; extending prohibition on new open air swine basins; modifying local water management; modifying acid deposition control requirements; modifying sewage sludge management; modifying Wetland Conservation Act; providing for continued operation of the Minnesota Zoological Garden, and state parks and recreation areas when biennial appropriations have not been enacted; requiring the availability of game and fish licenses by electronic transaction; creating citizen's board; authorizing and clarifying the use of general permits; modifying mineral lease provisions; modifying authority of Executive Council; modifying provisions for Three Rivers Park District; prohibiting sale of children's products containing formaldehyde; modifying state park permit provisions; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 9.071; 84.027, subdivision 15; 84.0272, subdivision 1; 84.0895, subdivision 7; 84.631; 84.67; 84.91, subdivision 1; 84D.05, subdivision 1; 85.018, subdivision 2; 85.052, subdivision 3; 85.053, subdivision 7; 85.055, subdivision 2; 85.20, subdivision 1; 85.46, subdivision 1; 85A.04, subdivision 1; 86B.331, subdivision 1; 90.031, subdivision 4; 92.45; 92.50, subdivision 1; 93.17, subdivision 3; 93.1925, subdivision 1; 93.20, subdivisions 2, 30, 38; 93.2236; 93.25, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 97A.401, subdivision 1; 97A.421, subdivision 4a; 103A.43; 103B.101, subdivisions 2, 7, 10, by adding subdivisions; 103B.311, subdivision 4; 103B.3363, by adding a subdivision; 103B.3369; 103B.355; 103G.2241, subdivision 9; 103G.2242, subdivision 3; 103G.245, subdivision 3; 103G.271, subdivision 1; 103G.301, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 5a; 103G.611, by adding a subdivision; 103H.175, subdivision 3; 115.01, by adding a subdivision; 115.06, subdivision 4; 115.073; 115.42; 115A.15, subdivision 5; 115A.411; 115A.551, subdivisions 2a, 4; 115A.557, subdivision 4; 115D.08; 116.011; 116.02, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; 116.03, subdivision 1; 116.06, subdivision 22; 116.0714; 116.10; 116C.833, subdivision 2; 116D.04, by adding a subdivision; 216C.055; 216H.07, subdivision 3; 383B.68, subdivisions 1, 4, by adding a subdivision; 473.149, subdivisions 1, 6; 473.846; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 84.027, subdivision 14a; 84D.01, subdivision 15a; 84D.03, subdivision 3; 84D.09, subdivision 2; 84D.10, subdivisions 1, 4; 84D.105, subdivision 2; 84D.13, subdivision 5; 97C.341; 103G.222, subdivision 1; 103G.615, subdivisions 1, 2; 115A.1320, subdivision 1; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116D.04, subdivision 2a; Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 3, section 8, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 84; 86B; 92; 103B; 103G; 115; 115A; 116; 161; 574; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.946, subdivision 3; 86A.12, subdivision 5; 89.06; 90.042; 97A.4742, subdivision 4; 103G.705; 115.447;

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115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.965, subdivision 7; 116.02, subdivisions 7, 8; 216H.07, subdivision 4; 383B.68, subdivisions 2, 3; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 86B.508; 86B.811, subdivision 1a; Laws 2011, chapter 107, section 105; Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, 3; 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, 7.

April 26, 2012

The Honorable Kurt Zellers

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Honorable Michelle L. Fischbach

President of the Senate

We, the undersigned conferees for H. F. No. 2164 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

That the Senate recede from its amendments and that H. F. No. 2164 be further amended as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. [15.985] ADVISORY INSPECTIONS.

(a) Upon the voluntary request of a person to a state agency for an advisory inspection for the purpose of complying with state law, the agency must, except as provided in paragraphs (f) and (g), conduct an advisory inspection. An agency is not required to conduct an advisory inspection if the agency has a regularly scheduled inspection that would occur within 90 days after the request for the advisory inspection, or if before an advisory inspection is requested, the agency has notified the person that it will be conducting an inspection within 45 days. If an advisory inspection results in findings that potentially could make a person subject to a fine or other penalty imposed by the agency, the agency must notify the person in writing of those findings within ten days of the inspection.

(1) Except as provided in clause (2), if within 60 days of receiving notice, the person notifies the agency that it has corrected the situation that made the person potentially subject to the fine or penalty, and the agency later determines that the situation is corrected, the agency may not impose a fine or penalty as a result of the findings in the advisory inspection.

(2) For violations of chapter 177, if the person notifies the agency within the time period for remedying violations required under the applicable section of chapter 177 that it has corrected the situation that made the person potentially subject to the fine or penalty, and the agency later determines that the situation is corrected, the agency may not impose a fine or penalty as a result of the finding in the advisory inspection.

(3) A person may not request more than one advisory inspection from the same agency in a calendar year. A person may not request an advisory inspection after an inspection resulting in a fine or other penalty has been determined and the violator notified of the amount to be paid, until fines or penalties have been paid or settled.

(b) For purposes of this section:

(1) "inspection" includes an examination of real or personal property or an audit or other examination of financial or other documents;

(2) "penalty" includes a civil or administrative fine or other financial sanction;

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(3) "person" includes a real person and businesses, including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and unincorporated associations; and

(4) "state agency" means a department, agency, board, commission, constitutional office, or other group in the executive branch of state government.

(c) If an agency revises, amends, extends, or adds additional violations to a notice, the person has 60 days from the date of those changes to correct the situation without fine or penalty. For violations of chapter 177, the person has the time period for remedying violations under the applicable section of chapter 177 to correct the situation without fine or penalty.

(d) An agency conducting an inspection under this section may impose and collect from the person requesting the inspection a fee equal to the costs incurred by the agency related to the inspection. Fees under this section shall be considered charges for goods and services provided for the direct and primary use of a private individual, business, or other entity under section 16A.1283, paragraph (b), clause (3). Fee revenue collected under this section must be deposited in an appropriate fund other than the general fund and is appropriated from that fund to the agency collecting the fee for the purpose of conducting inspections under this section.

(e) Nothing in this section shall prohibit or interfere with an agency offering similar programs that allow independent audits or inspections, including the environmental improvement program under chapter 114C. If a person conducts a self-audit under chapter 114C, the terms and conditions of this section do not apply. For advisory inspections conducted by the Pollution Control Agency, terms and conditions of sections 114C.20 to 144C.28 shall be used instead of those in paragraphs (a) to (c) and (g).

(f) If agency staff resources are limited, an agency must give higher priority to the agency's regular inspections over advisory inspections under this section. Insofar as conducting advisory inspections reduces an agency's costs, the savings must be reflected in the charges for advisory inspections. Before hiring additional staff complement for purposes of this section, an agency must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative budget committees with jurisdiction over the agency documenting: (1) the demand for advisory inspections and why additional staff complement is needed to meet the demand; and (2) that the revenue generated by advisory inspections will cover the expenses of the additional staff complement. If a person requests an advisory inspection, but the agency does not have staff resources necessary to conduct the advisory inspection before a regular inspection is conducted, and the regular inspection results in findings that could make a person subject to a fine or penalty, the agency must take into account the person's request for an advisory inspection and the person's desire to take corrective action before taking any enforcement action against the person.

(g) This section does not apply to:

(1) criminal penalties;

(2) situations in which implementation of this section is prohibited by federal law or would result in loss of federal funding or in other federal sanctions or in which implementation would interfere with multistate agreements, international agreements, or agreements between state and federal regulatory agencies;

(3) conduct constituting fraud;

(4) violations in a manner that endangers human life or presents significant risk of major injury or severe emotional harm to humans;

(5) violations that are part of a pattern that has occurred repeatedly and shows willful intent;

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(6) violations for which it may be demonstrated that the alternative inspections process is being used to avoid enforcement;

(7) violations that occur within three years of violating an applicable law;

(8) the Department of Revenue;

(9) the Workers' Compensation Division at the Department of Labor and Industry;

(10) violations of vehicle size weight limits under sections 169.80 to 169.88;

(11) commercial motor vehicle inspections under section 169.781 and motor carrier regulations under chapter 221;

(12) the Dairy and Food Inspection Division of the Department of Agriculture, if the division provides free inspections similar to those under this section;

(13) state inspections or surveys of hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient surgical centers, supervised living facilities, board and lodging with special services, home care, housing with services and assisted living settings, hospice, and supplemental nursing services agencies;

(14) examinations of health maintenance organizations or county-based purchasing entities regulated under chapter 62D;

(15) special transportation services under section 174.30; and

(16) entities regulated by the Department of Commerce's Financial Institutions and Insurance Divisions for purposes of regulatory requirements of those divisions.

If an agency determines that this section does not apply due to situations specified in clause (2), the agency must report the basis for that determination to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the agency.

(h) An agency may terminate an advisory inspection and proceed as if an inspection were a regular inspection if, in the process of conducting an advisory inspection, the agency finds a situation that the agency determines: could lead to criminal penalties; endangers human life or presents significant risk of major injury or severe emotional harm to humans; presents a severe and imminent threat to animals, food, feed, crops, commodities, or the environment; or evidences a pattern of willful violations.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2012.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.0895, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. General exceptions. (a) The commissioner may issue permits and prescribe conditions for an act otherwise prohibited by subdivision 1 if:

(1) the act is for the purpose of zoological, educational, or scientific study;

(2) the act enhances the propagation or survival of the affected species;

(3) the act prevents injury to persons or property; or

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(4) the social and economic benefits of the act outweigh the harm caused by it.

(b) The commissioner may issue a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more acts described in paragraph (a).

(c) A member of an endangered species may not be destroyed under paragraph (a), clause (3) or (4) , until all alternatives, including live trapping and transplantation, have been evaluated and rejected. The commissioner may prescribe conditions to propagate a species or subspecies.

~~(c)~~ (d) A person may capture or destroy a member of an endangered species, without permit, to avoid an immediate and demonstrable threat to human life or property.

~~(d)~~ (e) The commissioner must give approval under this subdivision for forest management, including permit, sale, or lease of land for timber harvesting.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.67, is amended to read:

84.67 FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE REVOLVING ACCOUNT.

A forests for the future revolving account is created in the natural resources fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for the acquisition of forest lands that meet the eligibility criteria in section 84.66, subdivision 4. The commissioner shall sell the lands acquired under this section, subject to an easement as provided in section 84.66. Money received from the sale of forest lands acquired under this section and interest earned on the account shall be deposited into the account. The commissioner must file a report to the house of representatives Ways and Means and the senate Finance Committees and the environment and natural resources finance committees or divisions of the senate and house of representatives by October 1 of each year indicating all purchases of forest land using money from this account and sales of forest land for which revenue is deposited into this account.

Sec. 4. [84.76] APPRENTICE RIDER VALIDATION.

Subdivision 1. Definition. For the purpose of this section, "accompanied by" means within a distance of another person that permits uninterrupted visual contact and verbal communication.

Subd. 2. Apprentice rider requirements. Notwithstanding sections 84.793, 84.862, 84.925, and 84.9256, a person who is age 12 or over and who does not possess a required safety certificate may participate in up to two trail-riding events sponsored by the commissioner in state parks, state trails, state recreation areas, and state forests that are designed to involve apprentice riders. The person must be accompanied by an adult with a valid safety certificate. All vehicles must be properly registered for use in Minnesota.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.91, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Acts prohibited. (a) No owner or other person having charge or control of any snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall authorize or permit any individual the person knows or has reason to believe is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other substance to operate the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state.

(b) No owner or other person having charge or control of any snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall knowingly authorize or permit any person, who by reason of any physical or mental disability is incapable of operating the vehicle, to operate the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state.

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(c) A person who operates or is in physical control of a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state is subject to chapter 169A. In addition to the applicable sanctions under chapter 169A, a person who is convicted of violating section 169A.20 or an ordinance in conformity with it while operating a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, or who refuses to comply with a lawful request to submit to testing under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 or an ordinance in conformity with it, shall be prohibited from operating ~~the~~ a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle for a period of one year. The commissioner shall notify the person of the time period during which the person is prohibited from operating a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.

(d) Administrative and judicial review of the operating privileges prohibition is governed by section 97B.066, subdivisions 7 to 9, if the person does not have a prior impaired driving conviction or prior license revocation, as defined in section 169A.03. Otherwise, administrative and judicial review of the prohibition is governed by section 169A.53.

(e) The court shall promptly forward to the commissioner and the Department of Public Safety copies of all convictions and criminal and civil sanctions imposed under this section and chapters 169 and 169A relating to snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

(f) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b), or an ordinance in conformity with either of them, is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who operates a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle during the time period the person is prohibited from operating a vehicle under paragraph (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Sec. 6. [84.972] PRAIRIE AND GRASSLANDS PUBLIC GRAZING PROGRAM.

The commissioner of natural resources shall establish a prairie and grasslands public grazing program. The commissioner shall enter into cooperative farming agreements or lease agreements with livestock owners to annually graze prairie and grasslands administered by the commissioner where grazing will enhance wildlife habitat. The commissioner shall maintain a list of lands grazed under the program describing the location, acreage, and years grazed. The program shall have a goal of being financially self-sufficient. Unless otherwise provided by law, revenues received under this section shall be deposited in the game and fish fund and are appropriated to the commissioner for purposes of the program.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.01, subdivision 15a, is amended to read:

Subd. 15a. Service provider. "Service provider" means an individual who or entity that installs or removes water-related equipment or structures from waters of the state for hire or as a service provided as a benefit of membership in a yacht club, boat club, marina, or similar organization. Service provider does not include a person working under the supervision of an individual with a valid service provider permit issued under section 84D.108.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Bait harvest from infested waters. (a) Taking wild animals from infested waters for bait or aquatic farm purposes is prohibited, except as provided in paragraph (b) and section 97C.341.

(b) In waters that are designated as infested waters, except those designated because they contain prohibited invasive species of fish or certifiable diseases of fish, as defined under section 17.4982, subdivision 6, taking wild animals may be permitted for:

(1) commercial taking of wild animals for bait and aquatic farm purposes according to a permit issued under section 84D.11, subject to rules adopted by the commissioner; ~~and~~

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(2) bait purposes for noncommercial personal use in waters that contain Eurasian water milfoil, when the infested waters are designated solely because they contain Eurasian water milfoil and if the equipment for taking is limited to cylindrical minnow traps not exceeding 16 inches in diameter and 32 inches in length; and

(3) harvest of bullheads, goldeyes, mooneyes, sheepshead (freshwater drum), and suckers for bait from streams or rivers designated as infested waters, by hook and line for noncommercial personal use. Other provisions that apply to this clause are:

(i) fish taken under this clause must be used on the same body of water where caught and while still on that water body;

(ii) fish taken under this clause may not be transported live from or off the water body;

(iii) fish harvested under this clause may only be used in accordance with this section;

(iv) any other use of wild animals used for bait from infested waters is prohibited;

(v) fish taken under this clause must meet all other size restrictions and requirements as established in rules; and

(vi) all species listed under this clause shall be included in the person's daily limit as established in rules, if applicable.

(c) Equipment authorized for minnow harvest in a designated infested water by permit issued under paragraph (b) may not be transported to, or used in, any waters other than waters specified in the permit.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84D.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Prohibited activities. A person may not possess, import, purchase, sell, propagate, transport, or introduce a prohibited invasive species, except:

(1) under a permit issued by the commissioner under section 84D.11;

(2) in the case of purple loosestrife, as provided by sections 18.75 to 18.88;

(3) under a restricted species permit issued under section 17.457;

(4) when being transported to the department, or another destination as the commissioner may direct, in a sealed container for purposes of identifying the species or reporting the presence of the species;

(5) when being transported for disposal as part of a harvest or control activity when specifically authorized under a permit issued by the commissioner according to section 103G.615, when being transported for disposal as specified under a commercial fishing license issued by the commissioner according to section 97A.418, 97C.801, 97C.811, 97C.825, 97C.831, or 97C.835, or when being transported as specified by the commissioner;

(6) when the specimen has been lawfully acquired dead and, in the case of plant species, all seeds are removed or are otherwise secured in a sealed container;

(7) in the form of herbaria or other preserved specimens;

(8) when being removed from watercraft and equipment, or caught while angling, and immediately returned to the water from which they came; or

(9) as the commissioner may otherwise prescribe by rule.

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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Exceptions. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a person may transport aquatic macrophytes:

(1) that are duckweeds in the family Lemnaceae;

(2) for disposal as part of a harvest or control activity ~~conducted~~ when specifically authorized under an aquatic plant management permit pursuant to section 103G.615, under permit pursuant to section 84D.11, or as specified by the commissioner;

(3) for purposes of constructing shooting or observation blinds in amounts sufficient for that purpose, provided that the aquatic macrophytes are emergent and cut above the waterline;

(4) when legally purchased or traded by or from commercial or hobbyist sources for aquarium, wetland or lakeshore restoration, or ornamental purposes;

(5) when harvested for personal or commercial use if in a motor vehicle;

(6) to the department, or another destination as the commissioner may direct, in a sealed container for purposes of identifying a species or reporting the presence of a species;

(7) when transporting commercial aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment to a suitable location for purposes of cleaning any remaining aquatic macrophytes;

(8) that are wild rice harvested under section 84.091;

(9) in the form of fragments of emergent aquatic macrophytes incidentally transported in or on watercraft or decoys used for waterfowl hunting during the waterfowl season; or

(10) when removing water-related equipment from waters of the state for purposes of cleaning off aquatic macrophytes before leaving a water access site.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Launching prohibited. A person may not place or attempt to place into waters of the state ~~a watercraft, a trailer, or~~ water-related equipment, including aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment that has aquatic macrophytes, zebra mussels, or prohibited invasive species attached except as provided in this section.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Persons transporting water-related equipment. (a) When leaving waters of the state a person must drain water-related equipment holding water and live wells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the water-related equipment off the water access site or riparian property.

(b) Drain plugs, bailers, valves, or other devices used to control the draining of water from ballast tanks, bilges, and live wells must be removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment.

(c) Emergency response vehicles and equipment may be transported on a public road with the drain plug or other similar device replaced only after all water has been drained from the equipment upon leaving the water body.

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(d) Portable bait containers used by licensed aquatic farms, portable bait containers when fishing through the ice except on waters designated infested for viral hemorrhagic septicemia, and marine sanitary systems are exempt from this subdivision.

(e) A person must not dispose of bait in waters of the state.

(f) A boat lift, dock, swim raft, or associated equipment that has been removed from any water body may not be placed in another water body until a minimum of 21 days have passed.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.105, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Inspector authority. (a) The commissioner shall train and authorize individuals to inspect water-related equipment for aquatic macrophytes, aquatic invasive species, and water. The commissioner may enter into a delegation agreement with a tribal or local government where inspection authority as provided under paragraphs (b), (g), and (h) is delegated to tribal and local governments that assume all legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for inspection programs on some or all public waters within their jurisdiction.

(b) Inspectors may visually and tactilely inspect watercraft and water-related equipment to determine whether aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present. If a person transporting watercraft or water-related equipment refuses to take required corrective actions or fails to comply with an order under section 84D.10, subdivision 3, an inspector who is not a licensed peace officer shall refer the violation to a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer.

(c) In addition to paragraph (b), a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may inspect any watercraft or water-related equipment that is stopped at a water access site, any other public location in the state, or a private location where the watercraft or water-related equipment is in plain view, if the officer determines there is reason to believe that aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present on the watercraft or water-related equipment.

(d) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may utilize check stations in locations, or in proximity to locations, where watercraft or other water-related equipment is placed into or removed from waters of the state. Any check stations shall be operated in a manner that minimizes delays to vehicles, equipment, and their occupants.

(e) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may order water-related equipment to be removed from a water body if the commissioner determines such action is needed to implement aquatic invasive species control measures.

(f) The commissioner may require mandatory inspections of water-related equipment before a person places or removes water-related equipment into or out of a water body. Inspection stations may be located at or near public water accesses or in locations that allow for servicing multiple water bodies. The commissioner shall ensure that inspection stations:

(1) have adequate staffing to minimize delays to vehicles and their occupants;

(2) allow for reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations if inspection is required before placing water-related equipment into a water body;

(3) are located so as not to create traffic delays or public safety issues;

(4) have decontamination equipment available to bring water-related equipment into compliance; and

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(5) do not reduce the capacity or hours of operation of public water accesses.

(g) The commissioner may authorize tribal and local governments that enter into a delegation agreement with the commissioner to conduct mandatory inspections of water-related equipment at specified locations within a defined area before a person places or removes water-related equipment into or out of a water body. Tribal and local governments that are authorized to conduct inspections under this paragraph must:

(1) assume all legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for implementing the mandatory inspections, alone or in agreement with other tribal or local governments;

(2) employ inspectors that have been trained and authorized by the commissioner;

(3) conduct inspections and decontamination measures in accordance with guidelines approved by the commissioner;

(4) have decontamination equipment available at inspection stations or identify alternative decontamination equipment locations within a reasonable distance of the inspection station that can bring water-related equipment into compliance;

(5) provide for inspection station locations that do not create traffic delays or public safety issues; and

(6) submit a plan approved by the commissioner according to paragraph (h).

(h) Plans required under paragraph (g) must address:

(1) no reduction in capacity or hours of operation of public accesses and fees that do not discourage or limit use;

(2) reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations;

(3) adequate staffing to minimize wait times and provide adequate hours of operation at inspection stations and public accesses;

(4) adequate enforcement capacity;

(5) measures to address inspections of water-related equipment at public water accesses for commercial entities and private riparian land owners; and

(6) other elements as required by the commissioner to ensure statewide consistency, appropriate inspection and decontamination protocols, and protection of the state's resources, public safety, and access to public waters.

(i) A government unit authorized to conduct inspections under this subdivision must submit an annual report to the commissioner summarizing the results and issues related to implementing the inspection program.

(j) The commissioner may waive the plan requirement in paragraph (g) for inspection programs where authorized inspectors are placed directly at one or more water access sites, with no requirement for a person to travel from the water access for inspection or decontamination, and no local ordinance or other regulation requiring a mandatory inspection before placing watercraft or water-related equipment into a water body or after watercraft or water-related equipment are removed from a water body.

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.108, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Service provider permit required. (a) Service providers must apply for and obtain a permit from the commissioner before providing any services described in section 84D.01, subdivision 15a.

(b) Service providers must have a valid permit in possession while providing services described in section 84D.01, subdivision 15a.

(c) Service providers must display the service provider permit decal issued with their permit. The decal must be completely affixed by its own adhesive on the inside of the extreme lower corner of the driver's windshield of the vehicle being operated while providing services described in section 84D.01, subdivision 15a.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Civil penalties. (a) A civil citation issued under this section must impose the following penalty amounts:

(1) for transporting aquatic macrophytes in violation of section 84D.09, ~~$50~~ $100;

(2) for placing or attempting to place into waters of the state water-related equipment that has aquatic macrophytes attached, ~~$100~~ $200;

(3) for unlawfully possessing or transporting a prohibited invasive species other than an aquatic macrophyte, ~~$250~~ $500;

(4) for placing or attempting to place into waters of the state water-related equipment that has prohibited invasive species attached when the waters are not designated by the commissioner as being infested with that invasive species, $500 ~~for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense~~;

(5) for intentionally damaging, moving, removing, or sinking a buoy marking, as prescribed by rule, Eurasian water milfoil, $100;

(6) for failing to have drain plugs or similar devices removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment or for failing to remove plugs, open valves, and drain water from water-related equipment, other than marine sanitary systems, before leaving waters of the state, ~~$50~~ $100; and

(7) for transporting infested water off riparian property without a permit as required by rule, $200.

(b) A civil citation that is issued to a person who has one or more prior convictions or final orders for violations of this chapter is subject to twice the penalty amounts listed in paragraph (a).

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.018, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Authority of local government. (a) A local government unit that receives state grants-in-aid for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner, and the landowner or land lessee, may:

(1) designate the trail for use by snowmobiles or for nonmotorized use from December 1 to April 1 of any year; and

(2) issue any permit required under subdivisions 3 to 5.

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(b) A local government unit that receives state grants-in-aid under section 84.794, subdivision 2, 84.803, subdivision 2, or 84.927, subdivision 2, for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner, and landowner or land lessee, may:

(1) designate the trail specifically for use at various times of the year by all-terrain or off-road vehicles or off-highway motorcycles, for nonmotorized use such as ski touring, snowshoeing, and hiking, and for multiple use~~, but not for motorized and nonmotorized use at the same time~~; and

(2) issue any permit required under subdivisions 3 to 5.

(c) A local unit of government that receives state grants-in-aid for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner and landowner or land lessee, may designate certain trails for joint use by snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain and off-road vehicles.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.052, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Fee for certain parking and campsite use. (a) An individual using spaces in state parks under subdivision 1, clause (2), shall be charged daily rates determined and set by the commissioner in a manner and amount consistent with the type of facility provided for the accommodation of guests in a particular park and with similar facilities offered for tourist camping and similar use in the area.

(b) The fee for special parking spurs, campgrounds for automobiles, sites for tent camping, and special auto trailer coach parking spaces is one-half of the fee set in paragraph (a) on Sunday through Thursday of each week for a physically disabled person:

(1) with a motor vehicle that has disability plates issued under section 168.021, subdivision 1; or

(2) who possesses a certificate issued under section 169.345; or

(3) who possesses an interagency access pass for state residents with permanent disabilities, issued by the federal government under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.053, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Disabled persons. (a) The commissioner shall prescribe and issue special state park permits for:

(1) a physically disabled person with a motor vehicle (i) that has disability plates issued under section 168.021, subdivision 1, or (ii) who has a permanent disability certificate issued under section 169.345 and who can demonstrate proof of ownership of the vehicle for which the state park permit is being purchased or proof of a leasehold interest in the vehicle for a term at least as long as the term of the permit; ~~and~~

(2) a physically disabled person who: (i) does not own or operate a motor vehicle; (ii) possesses a statement certified under section 169.345, subdivision 2a; and (iii) applies to the commissioner in writing; and

(3) a permanently disabled person who possesses an interagency access pass for people with permanent disabilities, issued by the federal government under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

(b) ~~Except~~ For vehicles permitted under paragraph (a), clause ~~(2)~~ (1) , the permit or the decal issued under this subdivision is valid only when displayed on a vehicle owned and occupied by the person to whom the permit is issued.

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Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.20, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Violation of rules. (a) Any person who, within the limits of any ~~state park, state monument, state recreation area, state wayside, or area of state land reserved from sale, as provided by Laws 1923, chapter 430~~ outdoor recreation unit established in chapter 86A, shall willfully cut, injure, or destroy any live tree, shrub, timber, evergreen, or ornamental plant of any kind, or who shall willfully injure, remove, destroy, deface, or mutilate any guideboard, guidepost, furniture, fixture, improvement, monument, tablet, or other property of the state of any kind, or who shall willfully violate, or fail to comply with, any rule of the commissioner adopted ~~and promulgated in accordance with the provisions of Laws 1923, chapter 430, shall be~~ according to section 86A.06, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

(b) Violations under paragraph (a) adopted for wildlife management areas described in section 86A.05, subdivision 8, are misdemeanors, consistent with game and fish law penalties defined in section 97A.301, subdivision 1, clause (6).

(c) If a different penalty is provided in another section of law for the violation and the person is charged under that section of law, the penalty specified for the violation will control over the penalty specified in paragraphs (a) and (b). Violations relating to the taking of wild animals are subject to the penalties as specified in the game and fish laws described in section 97A.011.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.46, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Pass in possession. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), while riding, leading, or driving a horse on lands administered by the commissioner, except forest roads and forest roads rights-of-way, a person 16 years of age or over shall carry in immediate possession a valid horse pass. The pass must be available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835. A person who violates any provision of this subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

(b) A valid horse pass is not required under this section for a person riding, leading, or driving a horse on property that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, parent, or guardian.

Sec. 21. [86B.13] AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The commissioner shall establish a statewide course in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. The commissioner must develop an educational course and testing program that address identification of aquatic invasive species and best practices to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species when moving water-related equipment, as defined under section 84D.01, subdivision 18a.

Subd. 2. Aquatic invasive species trailer decal. The commissioner shall issue an aquatic invasive species trailer decal for each trailer owned by a person that satisfactorily completes the required course of instruction.

Subd. 3. Contracting for services. The commissioner may contract for services to provide training and testing services under this section.

Subd. 4. Aquatic invasive species trailer decal display required. (a) A person may not transport watercraft or water-related equipment, as defined under section 84D.01, subdivision 18a, with a trailer unless the person has an aquatic invasive species trailer decal issued under this section. Temporary authorizations valid for seven days can be requested by persons that have not completed the required course of instruction.

(b) Aquatic invasive species trailer decals are valid for three years.

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(c) The aquatic invasive species trailer decal must be adhered to the side of the trailer frame tongue near the hitch in a manner that it is readily visible and does not interfere with the display of any registration requirements under section 169.79.

(d) Aquatic invasive species trailer decals are not transferable.

(e) Violation of this section shall not result in a penalty, but is punishable only by a warning.

EFFECTIVE DATE. Subdivision 4 is effective July 1, 2015.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 86B.331, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Acts prohibited. (a) An owner or other person having charge or control of a motorboat may not authorize or allow an individual the person knows or has reason to believe is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled or other substance to operate the motorboat in operation on the waters of this state.

(b) An owner or other person having charge or control of a motorboat may not knowingly authorize or allow a person, who by reason of a physical or mental disability is incapable of operating the motorboat, to operate the motorboat in operation on the waters of this state.

(c) A person who operates or is in physical control of a motorboat on the waters of this state is subject to chapter 169A. In addition to the applicable sanctions under chapter 169A, a person who is convicted of violating section 169A.20 or an ordinance in conformity with it while operating a motorboat, shall be prohibited from operating ~~the~~ a motorboat on the waters of this state for a period of 90 days between May 1 and October 31, extending over two consecutive years if necessary. If the person operating the motorboat refuses to comply with a lawful demand to submit to testing under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 or an ordinance in conformity with it, the person shall be prohibited from operating ~~the~~ a motorboat for a period of one year. The commissioner shall notify the person of the period during which the person is prohibited from operating a motorboat.

(f) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b), or an ordinance in conformity with either of them, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(g) For purposes of this subdivision, a motorboat "in operation" does not include a motorboat that is anchored, beached, or securely fastened to a dock or other permanent mooring, or a motorboat that is being rowed or propelled by other than mechanical means.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.2236, is amended to read:

93.2236 MINERALS MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT.

(a) The minerals management account is created as an account in the natural resources fund. Interest earned on money in the account accrues to the account. Money in the account may be spent or distributed only as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c).

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(b) If the balance in the minerals management account exceeds $3,000,000 on June 30, the amount exceeding $3,000,000 must be distributed to the permanent school fund ~~and~~, the permanent university fund, and taxing districts as provided in section 93.22, subdivision 1, paragraph (c) . The amount distributed to each fund must be in the same proportion as the total mineral lease revenue received in the previous biennium from school trust lands ~~and~~, university lands, and lands held by the state in trust for taxing districts.

(c) Subject to appropriation by the legislature, money in the minerals management account may be spent by the commissioner of natural resources for mineral resource management and projects to enhance future mineral income and promote new mineral resource opportunities.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.401, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Commissioner's authority. The commissioner may issue special permits for the activities in this section. A special permit may be issued in the form of a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more activities under subdivisions 2 to 7.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.421, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

Subd. 4a. Suspension for failure to appear in court or pay a fine or surcharge. When a court reports to the commissioner that a person: (1) has failed to appear in court ~~under the summons issued~~ in response to a notice to appear or fails to comply with other orders of the court regarding the appearance or proceedings for a violation of the game and fish laws; or (2) has been convicted of violating a provision of the game and fish laws, has been sentenced to the payment of a fine or had a surcharge levied against them, and refused or failed to comply with that sentence or to pay the fine or surcharge, the commissioner shall suspend the game and fish license and permit privileges of the person until notified by the court that the person has appeared in court under clause (1) or that any fine or surcharge due the court has been paid under clause (2).

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 97C.341, is amended to read:

97C.341 CERTAIN AQUATIC LIFE PROHIBITED FOR BAIT.

(a) A person may not use live minnows imported from outside of the state, game fish, goldfish, or carp for bait. The commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, authorize use of game fish eggs as bait and prescribe restrictions on their use. The order is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

(b) A person may not import or possess live, frozen, or processed bait from known waters where viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been identified as being present, : (1) unless the bait has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner; or (2) except as provided in paragraph (c). For purposes of this paragraph, "bait" includes fish, aquatic worms, amphibians, invertebrates, and insects used for taking wild animals in waters of the state.

(1) fresh or frozen bait only on Lake Superior; or

(2) bait that has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner.

(d) To ensure that frozen or dead fish being brought into the state are not in violation of paragraph (b), the following paperwork must accompany the shipment. Documents must be open for inspection by the commissioner at any reasonable time. All documents must be available to purchasers of these bait items. Each container or package of frozen or dead fish must have the following information:

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(1) water body source;

(2) lot number;

(3) company contact including name, phone, and address;

(4) date of packaging and labeling; and

(5) valid negative fish health certification from the source water body.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103A.43, is amended to read:

103A.43 WATER ASSESSMENTS AND REPORTS.

(a) The Environmental Quality Board shall consolidate the assessments required in paragraphs (b) and (c) with the policy report in section 103A.204 and submit a single report to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources by September 15, 2010, and every five years thereafter.

(b) The Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Agriculture shall provide ~~a biennial~~ an assessment and analysis of water quality, groundwater degradation trends, and efforts to reduce, prevent, minimize, and eliminate degradation of water. The assessment and analysis must include an analysis of relevant monitoring data.

(c) The Department of Natural Resources shall provide an assessment and analysis of the quantity of surface and ground water in the state and the availability of water to meet the state's needs.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Voting members. (a) The members are:

(1) three county commissioners;

(2) three soil and water conservation district supervisors;

(3) three watershed district or watershed management organization representatives;

(4) three citizens who are not employed by, or the appointed or elected officials of, a state governmental office, board, or agency;

(5) one township officer;

(6) two elected city officials, one of whom must be from a city located in the metropolitan area, as defined under section 473.121, subdivision 2;

(7) the commissioner of agriculture;

(8) the commissioner of health;

(9) the commissioner of natural resources;

(10) the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency; and

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(11) the director of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

(b) Members in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (6), must be distributed across the state with at least four members but not more than six members from the metropolitan area, as defined by section 473.121, subdivision 2~~; and one from each of the current soil and water conservation administrative regions~~.

(c) Members in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (6), are appointed by the governor. In making the appointments, the governor may consider persons recommended by the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Association of Townships, the League of Minnesota Cities, the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts. The list submitted by an association must contain at least three nominees for each position to be filled.

(d) The membership terms, compensation, removal of members and filling of vacancies on the board for members in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (6), are as provided in section 15.0575.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Hearings, orders, and rulemaking. The board may hold public hearings and adopt rules and orders necessary to execute its duties.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8a. Bylaws and conflict of interest. The board shall adopt bylaws that include provisions to prevent or address conflict of interest.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Committee for dispute resolution. A committee of the board is established to hear and resolve disputes, appeals, and interventions under sections 103A.301 to 103A.341; 103B.101; 103B.231; 103B.345; 103D.535; 103D.537; and 103G.2242, subdivision 9. The committee consists of two of the three citizen members; one county commissioner member; one soil and water conservation district supervisor member; and one watershed district or watershed management organization representative member. The committee is appointed by the board chair. The board shall adopt bylaws governing committee membership and duties.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 14. Local water management coordination. (a) The board may adopt resolutions, policies, or orders that allow a comprehensive plan, local water management plan, or watershed management plan, developed or amended, approved and adopted, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D to serve as substitutes for one another or be replaced with a comprehensive watershed management plan. The board may also develop criteria for incorporating or coordinating the elements of metropolitan county groundwater plans in accordance with section 103B.255. The board shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate a watershed approach when adopting the resolutions, policies, or orders, and shall establish a suggested watershed boundary framework for development, approval, adoption, and coordination of plans.

(b) The board shall work with local government stakeholders and others to foster mutual understanding and develop recommendations for local water management and related state water management policy and programs. The board may convene informal working groups or work teams to develop information, education, and recommendations. Local government units may develop and carry out TMDL implementation plans, or their equivalent, as provided in chapter 114D, as part of the local water management plans and responsibilities under chapters 103B, 103C, and 103D.

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Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 15. Local water management boundary and plan determinations and appeals. (a) Local government units may either submit a request for a plan boundary determination as part of a plan approval request or apply separately for a plan boundary determination from the board before requesting plan approval. Local government units must provide written documentation of the rationale and justification for the proposed boundary. The board may request additional information needed to make a plan boundary determination.

(b) Local government units may appeal a board decision to deny approval of a plan or the establishment of a plan boundary. An appeal of a board decision may be taken to the state Court of Appeals and must be considered an appeal from a contested case decision for purposes of judicial review under sections 14.63 to 14.69. Local government units may request the board's dispute resolution committee or executive director to hear and make recommendations to resolve boundary and plan implementation disputes.

Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.311, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Water plan requirements. (a) A local water management plan must:

(1) cover the entire area within a county;

(2) address water problems in the context of watershed units and groundwater systems;

(3) be based upon principles of sound hydrologic management of water, effective environmental protection, and efficient management;

(4) be consistent with local water management plans prepared by counties and watershed management organizations wholly or partially within a single watershed unit or groundwater system; and

(5) the local water management plan must specify the period covered by the local water management plan and must extend at least five years but no more than ten years from the date the board approves the local water management plan. Local water management plans that contain revision dates inconsistent with this section must comply with that date, provided it is not more than ten years beyond the date of board approval. ~~A two-year extension of the revision date of a local water management plan may be granted by the board, provided no projects are ordered or commenced during the period of the extension.~~

(b) Existing water and related land resources plans, including plans related to agricultural land preservation programs developed pursuant to chapter 40A, must be fully utilized in preparing the local water management plan. Duplication of the existing plans is not required.

Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.3363, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. Comprehensive watershed management plan. "Comprehensive watershed management plan" means a plan to manage the water and related natural resources of a watershed that consists of the plans listed in subdivision 3 or a separate plan that has been approved as a substitute by the board and adopted by local units of government for the same or additional purposes. The comprehensive watershed management plan shall be consistent with the goals of section 103A.212 and may address the goals in sections 103A.201 to 103A.211, and chapter 114D.

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Sec. 36. [103B.3367] WATER PLAN EXTENSIONS.

The board may grant extensions with or without conditions of the revision date of a comprehensive local water management plan or a comprehensive watershed management plan.

Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.3369, is amended to read:

103B.3369 LOCAL WATER RESOURCES RESTORATION, PROTECTION, AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Assistance priorities. State agencies may give priority to local government unit requests that are part of or responsive to a comprehensive plan, local water management plan, watershed management plan, or comprehensive watershed management plan, developed or amended, approved and adopted, according to chapter 103B, 103C, 103D, or 114D, when administering programs for water-related financial and technical assistance.

Subd. 2. Establishment. A local water resources restoration, protection, and management program is established. The board may provide financial assistance to local units of government for activities that restore, protect, or manage water and related land quality. The activities include planning, zoning, official controls, best management practices, capital projects, and other activities to implement a comprehensive plan, local water management ~~plans~~ plan, or watershed management plan, developed or amended, adopted and approved, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D.

Subd. 4. Contracts. A local unit of government may contract to implement programs. An explanation of the program responsibilities proposed to be contracted must accompany grant requests. A local unit of government that contracts is responsible for ensuring that state funds are properly expended and for providing an annual report to the board describing expenditures of funds and program accomplishments.

Subd. 5. Financial assistance. A base grant may be awarded to a county that provides a match utilizing a water implementation tax or other local source. A water implementation tax that a county intends to use as a match to the base grant must be levied at a rate determined by the board. The minimum amount of the water implementation tax shall be a tax rate times the adjusted net tax capacity of the county for the preceding year. The rate shall be the rate, rounded to the nearest .001 of a percent, that, when applied to the adjusted net tax capacity for all counties, raises the amount of $1,500,000. The base grant will be in an amount equal to $37,500 less the amount raised by the local match. If the amount necessary to implement the local water plan for the county is less than $37,500, the amount of the base grant shall be the amount that, when added to the match amount, equals the amount required to implement the plan. For counties where the tax rate generates an amount equal to or greater than $18,750, the base grant shall be in an amount equal to $18,750. The board may award performance-based grants to local units of government that are responsible for implementing elements of applicable portions of watershed management plans, comprehensive plans, local water management plans, or comprehensive watershed management plans, developed or amended, adopted and approved, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D. Upon request by a local government unit, the board may also award performance-based grants to local units of government to carry out TMDL implementation plans as provided in chapter 114D, if the TMDL implementation plan has been incorporated into the local water management plan according to the procedures for approving comprehensive plans, watershed management plans, local water management plans, or comprehensive watershed management plans under chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D, or if the TMDL implementation plan has undergone a public review process. Notwithstanding section 16A.41, the board may award performance-based grants on an advanced basis.

Subd. 6. ~~Limitations~~ Conditions. (a) Grants provided to implement programs under this section must be reviewed by the state agency having statutory program authority to assure compliance with minimum state standards. At the request of the state agency commissioner, the board shall revoke the portion of a grant used to support a program not in compliance.

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(b) Grants may be provided to develop ~~or revise~~, amend, or implement local water management plans ~~may not be awarded for a time longer than two years~~, comprehensive plans, watershed management plans, or comprehensive watershed management plans, approved and adopted, according to chapter 103B, 103C, 103D, or 114D.

(c) A local unit of government may not request or be awarded grants for project implementation unless a comprehensive plan, local water management ~~water~~ plan ~~has been adopted~~, watershed management plan, or comprehensive watershed management plan has been developed or amended, adopted and approved, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D.

Subd. 7. Performance criteria. The board shall develop and utilize performance-based criteria for local water resources restoration, protection, and management programs and projects. The criteria may include, but are not limited to, science-based assessments, organizational capacity, priority resource issues, community outreach and support, partnership potential, potential for multiple benefits, and program and project delivery efficiency and effectiveness.

Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.355, is amended to read:

103B.355 APPLICATION.

Sections 103B.301 to 103B.335 and 103B.341 to 103B.355 do not apply in areas subject to the requirements of sections 103B.201 to 103B.255 under section 103B.231, subdivision 1, and in areas covered by an agreement under section 103B.231, subdivision 2, except as otherwise provided in section 103B.311, subdivision 4, clause (4).

Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103F.211, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Removal of logs; dead trees and branches. The removal of logs and dead trees and branches from the shoreland is exempt from any permit requirements, unless required by a local government unit. Before a person removes logs or dead trees and branches from publicly owned land or land owned by another, the person must obtain permission from the land owner or manager. Public entities are encouraged to allow for the removal of logs and dead trees and branches that present a safety hazard on land managed by the public entity.

Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103F.321, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Removal of logs; dead trees and branches. The removal of logs and dead trees and branches from the shoreland is exempt from any permit requirements when the logs or dead trees and branches present safety hazards, unless required by a local government unit. Before a person removes logs or dead trees and branches from publicly owned land or land owned by another, the person must obtain permission from the land owner or manager. Public entities are encouraged to allow for the removal of logs and dead trees and branches that present a safety hazard on land managed by the public entity.

Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 103G.222, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Requirements. (a) Wetlands must not be drained or filled, wholly or partially, unless replaced by restoring or creating wetland areas of at least equal public value under a replacement plan approved as provided in section 103G.2242, a replacement plan under a local governmental unit's comprehensive wetland protection and management plan approved by the board under section 103G.2243, or, if a permit to mine is required under section 93.481, under a mining reclamation plan approved by the commissioner under the permit to mine. For project-specific wetland replacement completed prior to wetland impacts authorized or conducted under a permit to mine within the Great Lakes and Rainy River watershed basins, those basins shall be considered a single watershed for purposes of determining wetland replacement ratios. Mining reclamation plans shall apply the same principles and standards for replacing wetlands by restoration or creation of wetland areas that are applicable to mitigation plans

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approved as provided in section 103G.2242. Public value must be determined in accordance with section 103B.3355 or a comprehensive wetland protection and management plan established under section 103G.2243. Sections 103G.221 to 103G.2372 also apply to excavation in permanently and semipermanently flooded areas of types 3, 4, and 5 wetlands.

(b) Replacement must be guided by the following principles in descending order of priority:

(1) avoiding the direct or indirect impact of the activity that may destroy or diminish the wetland;

(2) minimizing the impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the wetland activity and its implementation;

(3) rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected wetland environment;

(4) reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the activity;

(5) compensating for the impact by restoring a wetland; and

(6) compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute wetland resources or environments.

For a project involving the draining or filling of wetlands in an amount not exceeding 10,000 square feet more than the applicable amount in section 103G.2241, subdivision 9, paragraph (a), the local government unit may make an on-site sequencing determination without a written alternatives analysis from the applicant.

(c) If a wetland is located in a cultivated field, then replacement must be accomplished through restoration only without regard to the priority order in paragraph (b), provided that ~~a deed restriction is placed on~~ the altered wetland ~~prohibiting~~ is not converted to a nonagricultural use for at least ten years.

(d) If a wetland is replaced under paragraph (c), or drained under section 103G.2241, subdivision 2, ~~paragraphs~~ paragraph (b) ~~and~~ or (e), the local government unit may require a deed restriction that prohibits nonagricultural use for at least ten years ~~unless the drained wetland is replaced as provided under this section~~. The local government unit may require the deed restriction if it determines the wetland area drained is at risk of conversion to a nonagricultural use within ten years based on the zoning classification, proximity to a municipality or full service road, or other criteria as determined by the local government unit.

(e) Restoration and replacement of wetlands must be accomplished in accordance with the ecology of the landscape area affected and ponds that are created primarily to fulfill storm water management, and water quality treatment requirements may not be used to satisfy replacement requirements under this chapter unless the design includes pretreatment of runoff and the pond is functioning as a wetland.

(f) Except as provided in paragraph (g), for a wetland or public waters wetland located on nonagricultural land, replacement must be in the ratio of two acres of replaced wetland for each acre of drained or filled wetland.

(g) For a wetland or public waters wetland located on agricultural land or in a greater than 80 percent area, replacement must be in the ratio of one acre of replaced wetland for each acre of drained or filled wetland.

(h) Wetlands that are restored or created as a result of an approved replacement plan are subject to the provisions of this section for any subsequent drainage or filling.

(i) Except in a greater than 80 percent area, only wetlands that have been restored from previously drained or filled wetlands, wetlands created by excavation in nonwetlands, wetlands created by dikes or dams along public or private drainage ditches, or wetlands created by dikes or dams associated with the restoration of previously drained

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or filled wetlands may be used in a statewide banking program established in rules adopted under section 103G.2242, subdivision 1. Modification or conversion of nondegraded naturally occurring wetlands from one type to another are not eligible for enrollment in a statewide wetlands bank.

(j) The Technical Evaluation Panel established under section 103G.2242, subdivision 2, shall ensure that sufficient time has occurred for the wetland to develop wetland characteristics of soils, vegetation, and hydrology before recommending that the wetland be deposited in the statewide wetland bank. If the Technical Evaluation Panel has reason to believe that the wetland characteristics may change substantially, the panel shall postpone its recommendation until the wetland has stabilized.

(k) This section and sections 103G.223 to 103G.2242, 103G.2364, and 103G.2365 apply to the state and its departments and agencies.

(l) For projects involving draining or filling of wetlands associated with a new public transportation project, and for projects expanded solely for additional traffic capacity, public transportation authorities may purchase credits from the board at the cost to the board to establish credits. Proceeds from the sale of credits provided under this paragraph are appropriated to the board for the purposes of this paragraph. For the purposes of this paragraph, "transportation project" does not include an airport project.

(m) A replacement plan for wetlands is not required for individual projects that result in the filling or draining of wetlands for the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of a currently serviceable existing state, city, county, or town public road necessary, as determined by the public transportation authority, to meet state or federal design or safety standards or requirements, excluding new roads or roads expanded solely for additional traffic capacity lanes. This paragraph only applies to authorities for public transportation projects that:

(1) minimize the amount of wetland filling or draining associated with the project and consider mitigating important site-specific wetland functions on site;

(2) except as provided in clause (3), submit project-specific reports to the board, the Technical Evaluation Panel, the commissioner of natural resources, and members of the public requesting a copy at least 30 days prior to construction that indicate the location, amount, and type of wetlands to be filled or drained by the project or, alternatively, convene an annual meeting of the parties required to receive notice to review projects to be commenced during the upcoming year; and

(3) for minor and emergency maintenance work impacting less than 10,000 square feet, submit project-specific reports, within 30 days of commencing the activity, to the board that indicate the location, amount, and type of wetlands that have been filled or drained.

Those required to receive notice of public transportation projects may appeal minimization, delineation, and on-site mitigation decisions made by the public transportation authority to the board according to the provisions of section 103G.2242, subdivision 9. The Technical Evaluation Panel shall review minimization and delineation decisions made by the public transportation authority and provide recommendations regarding on-site mitigation if requested to do so by the local government unit, a contiguous landowner, or a member of the Technical Evaluation Panel.

Except for state public transportation projects, for which the state Department of Transportation is responsible, the board must replace the wetlands, and wetland areas of public waters if authorized by the commissioner or a delegated authority, drained or filled by public transportation projects on existing roads.

Public transportation authorities at their discretion may deviate from federal and state design standards on existing road projects when practical and reasonable to avoid wetland filling or draining, provided that public safety is not unreasonably compromised. The local road authority and its officers and employees are exempt from liability

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for any tort claim for injury to persons or property arising from travel on the highway and related to the deviation from the design standards for construction or reconstruction under this paragraph. This paragraph does not preclude an action for damages arising from negligence in construction or maintenance on a highway.

(n) If a landowner seeks approval of a replacement plan after the proposed project has already affected the wetland, the local government unit may require the landowner to replace the affected wetland at a ratio not to exceed twice the replacement ratio otherwise required.

(o) A local government unit may request the board to reclassify a county or watershed on the basis of its percentage of presettlement wetlands remaining. After receipt of satisfactory documentation from the local government, the board shall change the classification of a county or watershed. If requested by the local government unit, the board must assist in developing the documentation. Within 30 days of its action to approve a change of wetland classifications, the board shall publish a notice of the change in the Environmental Quality Board Monitor.

(p) One hundred citizens who reside within the jurisdiction of the local government unit may request the local government unit to reclassify a county or watershed on the basis of its percentage of presettlement wetlands remaining. In support of their petition, the citizens shall provide satisfactory documentation to the local government unit. The local government unit shall consider the petition and forward the request to the board under paragraph (o) or provide a reason why the petition is denied.

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.2241, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Agricultural activities. A replacement plan for wetlands is not required for:

(1) activities in a wetland that was planted with annually seeded crops, was in a crop rotation seeding of pasture grass or legumes, or was required to be set aside to receive price support or other payments under United States Code, title 7, sections 1421 to 1469, in six of the last ten years prior to January 1, 1991;

(2) activities in a type 1 wetland on agricultural pasture land that remains in the same use, except for bottomland hardwood type 1 wetlands, and activities in a type 2 or type 6 wetland that is less than two acres in size and located on agricultural pasture land that remains in the same use;

(3) activities in a wetland conducted as part of normal farming practices. For purposes of this clause, "normal farming practices" means farming, silvicultural, grazing, and ranching activities such as plowing, seeding, cultivating, and harvesting for the production of feed, food, and fiber products, but does not include activities that result in the draining of wetlands;

(4) soil and water conservation practices approved by the soil and water conservation district, after review by the Technical Evaluation Panel;

(5) aquaculture activities including pond excavation and construction and maintenance of associated access roads and dikes authorized under, and conducted in accordance with, a permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, United States Code, title 33, section 1344, but not including construction or expansion of buildings;

(6) wild rice production activities, including necessary diking and other activities authorized under a permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, United States Code, title 33, section 1344; or

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(7) agricultural activities on agricultural land that is subject to the swampbuster provisions of the federal farm program restrictions that meet minimum state standards under this chapter and sections 103A.202 and 103B.3355 and that have been approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources, the commissioners of natural resources and agriculture, and the Pollution Control Agency consistent with a memorandum of understanding and related agreements between the board and the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.2241, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. De minimis. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs ~~(b) and (c)~~ (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) , a replacement plan for wetlands is not required for draining or filling the following amounts of wetlands as part of a project outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone:

(1) 10,000 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland, excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, ~~outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone~~ in a greater than 80 percent area;

(2) 5,000 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland, excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, ~~outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone~~ in a 50 to 80 percent area, except within the 11-county metropolitan area;

(3) 2,000 square feet of type 1, 2, or 6, or 7 wetland, ~~outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone~~ excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, in a less than 50 percent area, except within the 11-county metropolitan area; or

(4) 100 square feet of type 3, 4, 5, or 8 wetland or white cedar and tamarack wetland ~~types not listed in clauses (1) to (3) outside of the building setback zone of the shoreland wetland protection zones in all counties;~~ .

(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i), a replacement plan for wetlands is not required for draining or filling the following amounts of wetlands as part of a project within the shoreland wetland protection zone beyond the shoreland building setback zone:

~~(5)~~ (1) 400 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland ~~types listed in clauses (1) to (3), beyond the building setback zone, as defined in the local shoreland management ordinance, but within the shoreland wetland protection zone.~~; or

(2) 100 square feet of type 3, 4, 5, or 8 wetland or white cedar and tamarack wetland.

In a greater than 80 percent area, ~~the local government unit may increase~~ the de minimis amount allowed under clause (1) may be increased up to 1,000 square feet if the wetland is isolated and is determined to have no direct surficial connection to the public water or if permanent water runoff retention or infiltration measures are established in proximity as approved by the shoreland management authority.

(c) Except as provided in paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i), a replacement plan for wetlands is not required for draining or filling up to 20 square feet of wetland as part of a project within the shoreland building setback zone, as defined in the local shoreland management ordinance. The amount in this paragraph may be increased to 100 square feet if permanent water runoff retention or infiltration measures are established in proximity as approved by the shoreland management authority.

~~To the extent that a local shoreland management ordinance is more restrictive than this provision, the local shoreland ordinance applies;~~

~~(6) up to 20 square feet of wetland, regardless of type or location;~~

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(d) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i), a replacement plan is not required for draining or filling amounts of wetlands as part of a project:

~~(7)~~ (1) 2,500 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland, excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone in a 50 to 80 percent area within the 11-county metropolitan area; or

~~(8)~~ (2) 1,000 square feet of type 1, 2, or 6 wetland, outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone in a less than 50 percent area within the 11-county metropolitan area.

For purposes of this ~~paragraph~~ subdivision, the 11-county metropolitan area consists of the counties of Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright.

~~(b)~~ (e) The amounts listed in ~~paragraph~~ paragraphs (a), ~~clauses (1) to (8),~~ (b), and (c) may not be combined on a project.

~~(c)~~ (f) This exemption no longer applies to a landowner's portion of a wetland when the cumulative area drained or filled of the landowner's portion since January 1, 1992, is the greatest of:

(1) the applicable area listed in paragraph (a) , (b), or (c) , if the landowner owns the entire wetland;

(2) five percent of the landowner's portion of the wetland; or

(3) 400 square feet.

~~(d)~~ (g) This exemption may not be combined with another exemption in this section on a project.

~~(e)~~ (h) Property may not be divided to increase the amounts listed in paragraph (a).

(i) If a local ordinance or similar local control is more restrictive than this subdivision, the local standard applies.

Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.2242, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Replacement completion. Replacement of wetland values must be completed prior to or concurrent with the actual draining or filling of a wetland, or unless an irrevocable bank letter of credit or other security acceptable to the local government unit ~~must be~~ or the board is given to the local government unit or the board to guarantee the successful completion of the replacement. The board may establish, sponsor, or administer a wetland banking program, which may include provisions allowing monetary payment to the wetland bank for impacts to wetlands on agricultural land, for impacts that occur in greater than 80 percent areas, and for public road projects. The board shall coordinate the establishment and operation of a wetland bank with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the commissioners of natural resources, agriculture, and the Pollution Control Agency.

Sec. 45. [103G.2375] ASSUMPTION OF SECTION 404 OF FEDERAL CLEAN WATER ACT.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, in consultation with the commissioners of natural resources, agriculture, and the Pollution Control Agency, may adopt or amend rules establishing a program for regulating the discharge of dredged and fill material into the waters of the state as necessary to obtain approval from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to administer, in whole or part, the permitting and wetland banking programs under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, United States Code, title 33, section 1344. The rules may not be more restrictive than the program under section 404 or state law.

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Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.245, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Exceptions. A public waters work permit is not required for:

(1) work in altered natural watercourses that are part of drainage systems established under chapter 103D or 103E if the work in the waters is undertaken according to chapter 103D or 103E; or

(2) a drainage project for a drainage system established under chapter 103E that does not substantially affect public waters. ; or

(3) removal of debris, including logs that are at or near the water surface, dead trees and branches, and trash, that does not alter the original alignment, slope, or cross section of the waters.

Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.245, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Permit application. Application for a public waters work permit must be in writing to the commissioner on forms prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may issue a state general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public ~~for classes of activities having minimal impact upon public waters~~ under which more than one project may be conducted under a single permit.

Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.261, is amended to read:

103G.261 WATER ALLOCATION PRIORITIES.

(a) The commissioner shall adopt rules for allocation of waters based on the following priorities for the consumptive appropriation and use of water:

(1) first priority, domestic water supply, excluding industrial and commercial uses of municipal water supply, and use for power production that meets the contingency planning provisions of section 103G.285, subdivision 6;

(2) second priority, a use of water that involves consumption of less than 10,000 gallons of water per day;

(3) third priority, agricultural irrigation, and processing of agricultural products involving consumption in excess of 10,000 gallons per day;

(4) fourth priority, power production in excess of the use provided for in the contingency plan developed under section 103G.285, subdivision 6;

(5) fifth priority, uses, other than agricultural irrigation, processing of agricultural products, and power production, involving consumption in excess of 10,000 gallons per day; and

(6) sixth priority, nonessential uses.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "consumption" means water withdrawn from a supply that is lost for immediate further use in the area.

(c) Appropriation and use of surface water from streams during periods of flood flows and high water levels must be encouraged subject to consideration of the purposes for use, quantities to be used, and the number of persons appropriating water.

(d) Appropriation and use of surface water from lakes of less than 500 acres in surface area must be discouraged.

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(e) The treatment and reuse of water for nonconsumptive uses shall be encouraged.

~~(f) Diversions of water from the state for use in other states or regions of the United States or Canada must be discouraged.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.265, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a. Legislative approval for diversion. Legislative approval required in subdivision 2, clause (2), shall be based on the following considerations:

(1) the requested diversion of waters of the state is reasonable;

(2) the diversion is not contrary to the conservation and use of waters of the state; and

(3) the diversion is not otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.271, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Permit required. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the state, a person, partnership, or association, private or public corporation, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state may not appropriate or use waters of the state without a water use permit from the commissioner.

(b) This section does not apply to use for a water supply by less than 25 persons for domestic purposes.

(c) The commissioner may issue a state general permit for appropriation of water to a governmental subdivision or to the general public ~~for classes of activities that have minimal impact upon waters of the state~~. The general permit may authorize more than one project and the appropriation or use of more than one source of water. Water use permit processing fees and reports required under subdivision 6 and section 103G.281, subdivision 3, are required for each project or water source that is included under a general permit, except that no fee is required for uses totaling less than 15,000,000 gallons annually.

Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.282, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Monitoring equipment. The commissioner may require the installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment to evaluate water resource impacts from permitted appropriations and proposed projects that require a permit. Monitoring for water resources that supply more than one appropriator must be designed to minimize costs to individual appropriators. The cost of drilling additional monitoring wells must be shared proportionally by all permit holders that are directly affecting a particular water resources feature.

Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Permit application and notification fees. (a) A ~~permit application~~ fee to defray the costs of receiving, recording, and processing ~~the application~~ must be paid for a permit application authorized under this chapter ~~and~~, except for a general permit application, for each request to amend or transfer an existing permit, and for a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit. Fees established under this subdivision, unless specified in paragraph (c), shall be compliant with section 16A.1285.

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(b) Proposed projects that require water in excess of 100 million gallons per year must be assessed fees to recover the costs incurred to evaluate the project and the costs incurred for environmental review. Fees collected under this paragraph must be credited to an account in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner.

(c) The fee to apply for a permit to appropriate water, in addition to any fee under paragraph (b) ; , and for a permit to construct or repair a dam that is subject to dam safety inspection~~; or a state general permit~~ is $150. The application fee for a permit to work in public waters or to divert waters for mining must be at least $150, but not more than $1,000. The fee for a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit is $100.

Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Refund of fees prohibited. A permit application, general permit notification, or field inspection fee may not be refunded for any reason, even if the application or request is denied or withdrawn.

Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. State and federal agencies exempt from fee. A permit application, general permit notification, or field inspection fee may not be imposed on any state agency, as defined in section 16B.01, or federal governmental agency applying for a permit.

Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a. Town fees limited. Notwithstanding this section or any other law, no permit application, general permit notification, or field inspection fee charged to a town in connection with the construction or alteration of a town road, bridge, or culvert shall exceed $100.

Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.611, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. General permits. The commissioner may issue a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more projects described in subdivision 1. A fee of $100 may be charged for each aeration system used under a general permit.

Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 103G.615, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Issuance; validity. (a) The commissioner may issue a state general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more projects described in this subdivision. The commissioner may issue permits, with or without a fee, to:

(1) gather or harvest aquatic plants, or plant parts, other than wild rice from public waters;

(2) transplant aquatic plants into public waters;

(3) destroy harmful or undesirable aquatic vegetation or organisms in public waters under prescribed conditions to protect the waters, desirable species of fish, vegetation, other forms of aquatic life, and the public.

(b) Application for a permit and a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit must be accompanied by a ~~permit~~ fee, if required.

(c) An aquatic plant management permit is valid for one growing season and expires on December 31 of the year it is issued unless the commissioner stipulates a different expiration date in rule or in the permit.

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(d) A general permit may authorize a project for more than one growing season.

Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 103G.615, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Fees. (a) The commissioner shall establish a fee schedule for permits to control or harvest aquatic plants other than wild rice. The fees must be set by rule, and section 16A.1283 does not apply, but the rule must not take effect until 45 legislative days after it has been reported to the legislature. The fees shall not exceed $2,500 per permit and shall be based upon the cost of receiving, processing, analyzing, and issuing the permit, and additional costs incurred after the application to inspect and monitor the activities authorized by the permit, and enforce aquatic plant management rules and permit requirements.

(b) A fee for a permit for the control of rooted aquatic vegetation for each contiguous parcel of shoreline owned by an owner may be charged. This fee may not be charged for permits issued in connection with purple loosestrife control or lakewide Eurasian water milfoil control programs.

(d) A fee for a permit for the control of rooted aquatic vegetation in a public water basin that is 20 acres or less in size shall be one-half of the fee established under paragraph (a).

(e) The money received for the permits under this subdivision shall be deposited in the treasury and credited to the water recreation account.

(f) The fee for processing a notification to request authorization for work under a general permit is $30, until the commissioner establishes a fee by rule as provided under this subdivision.

Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103H.175, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Report. ~~In each even-numbered year~~ Every five years, the Pollution Control Agency, in cooperation with other agencies participating in the monitoring of water resources, shall provide a draft report on the status of groundwater monitoring to the Environmental Quality Board for review and then to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture as part of the report in section 103A.204.

Sec. 60. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Citizen monitoring of water quality. (a) The agency may encourage citizen monitoring of ambient water quality for public waters by:

(1) providing technical assistance to citizen and local group water quality monitoring efforts;

(2) integrating citizen monitoring data into water quality assessments and agency programs, provided that the data adheres to agency quality assurance and quality control protocols; and

(3) seeking public and private funds to:

(i) collaboratively develop clear guidelines for water quality monitoring procedures and data management practices for specific data and information uses;

(ii) distribute the guidelines to citizens, local governments, and other interested parties;

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(iii) improve and expand water quality monitoring activities carried out by the agency; and

(iv) continue to improve electronic and Web access to water quality data and information about public waters that have been either fully or partially assessed.

(b) This subdivision does not authorize a citizen to enter onto private property for any purpose.

(c) By January 15 ~~of each odd-numbered year~~, 2017, and every four years thereafter, the commissioner shall report to the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over environmental policy and finance on activities under this section.

Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.42, is amended to read:

115.42 POLICY; LONG-RANGE PLAN; PURPOSE.

It is the policy of the state to provide for the prevention, control, and abatement of pollution of all waters of the state, so far as feasible and practical, in furtherance of conservation of such waters and protection of the public health and in furtherance of the development of the economic welfare of the state. The agency shall prepare a long-range plan and program for the effectuation of said policy~~, and shall make a report of progress thereon to the legislature by November 15 of each even-numbered year, with recommendations for action in furtherance of such program during the ensuing biennium~~. It is the purpose of sections 115.41 to 115.53 to safeguard the waters of the state from pollution by: (a) preventing any new pollution; and (b) abating pollution existing when sections 115.41 to 115.53 become effective, under a program consistent with the declaration of policy above stated.

Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.55, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Local standards. (a) Existing systems. Counties may adopt by ordinance local standards that are less restrictive than the agency's rules in order to define an acceptable existing system. The local standards may include soil separation, soil classification, vegetation, system use, localized well placement and construction, localized density of systems and wells, extent of area to be covered by local standards, groundwater flow patterns, and existing natural or artificial drainage systems. The local standards and criteria shall be submitted to the commissioner for comment prior to adoption to demonstrate that, based on local circumstances in that jurisdiction, they adequately protect public health and the environment.

(b) New or replacement systems. Counties, after providing documentation of conditions listed in this paragraph to the commissioner, may adopt by ordinance local standards that are less restrictive than the agency's rules for new system construction or replacement in areas of sustained and projected low population density where conditions render conformance to applicable requirements difficult or otherwise inappropriate. Documentation may include a map delineating the area of the county to be served by the local standards, a description of the hardship that would result from strict adherence to the agency's rules, and evidence of sustained and projected low population density. The local standards must protect human health and the environment and be based on considerations that may include, but need not be limited to, soil separation, soil classification, vegetation, system use, localized well placement and construction, localized density of systems and wells, extent of area to be covered by local standards, groundwater flow patterns, and existing natural or artificial drainage systems. The local standards must provide cost-effective and long-term treatment alternatives. The draft ordinance incorporating the local standards must be submitted with justification to the commissioner 30 days before adoption for review and comment.

(c) New or replacement systems; local ordinances. A local unit of government may adopt and enforce ordinances or rules affecting new or replacement subsurface sewage treatment systems that are more restrictive than the agency's rules. A local unit of government may not adopt or enforce an ordinance or rule if its effect is to prevent or delay recording with the county recorder or registrar of titles of a deed or other instrument that is otherwise entitled to be recorded.

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(d) Local standards; conflict with state law. Local standards adopted under paragraph (a) or (b) must not conflict with any requirements under other state laws or rules or local ordinances, including, but not limited to, requirements for:

(1) systems in shoreland areas, regulated under sections 103F.201 to 103F.221;

(2) well construction and location, regulated under chapter 103I; and

(3) systems used in connection with food, beverage, and lodging establishments, regulated under chapter 157.

Alternative local standards for new or replacement residential systems with flow of 2,500 gallons per day or less may be applied to systems listed in clause (1), provided the alternative standards are no less stringent than provisions of Minnesota Rules, chapter 7080, that went into effect on April 3, 2006. In addition, alternative local standards for new or replacement systems with flow of 2,500 gallons per day or less may be applied to systems listed in clause (3), provided the alternative standards are no less stringent than provisions of Minnesota Rules, chapter 7080, that went into effect on April 3, 2006, except that the waste strength must meet the standards established in Minnesota Rules, part 7080.2150, subpart 3, item K. If additional treatment of waste is needed to meet this standard, the treatment must be in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 7080.2150, subpart 3, item A. The local standards must include references to applicable requirements under other state laws or rules or local ordinances. Nothing in this paragraph prevents a local subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance from including provisions of the current rule as part of the alternative local standards.

Sec. 63. [115A.121] TOXICS AND POLLUTION PREVENTION EVALUATION; CONSOLIDATED REPORT.

The commissioner shall prepare and adopt a report on pollution prevention activities required in chapters 115A, 115D, and 325E. The report must include activities required under section 115A.1320. The commissioner must submit the report to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources by December 31, 2013, and every four years thereafter.

Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 115A.1320, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Duties of the agency. (a) The agency shall administer sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.

(b) The agency shall establish procedures for:

(1) receipt and maintenance of the registration statements and certifications filed with the agency under section 115A.1312; and

(2) making the statements and certifications easily available to manufacturers, retailers, and members of the public.

(c) The agency shall annually review the value of the following variables that are part of the formula used to calculate a manufacturer's annual registration fee under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1:

(1) the proportion of sales of video display devices sold to households that manufacturers are required to recycle;

(2) the estimated per-pound price of recycling covered electronic devices sold to households;

(3) the base registration fee; and

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(4) the multiplier established for the weight of covered electronic devices collected in section 115A.1314, subdivision 1, paragraph (d). If the agency determines that any of these values must be changed in order to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330, the agency shall submit recommended changes and the reasons for them to the chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over solid waste policy.

(d) By January 15 each year, beginning in 2008, the agency shall calculate estimated sales of video display devices sold to households by each manufacturer during the preceding program year, based on national sales data, and forward the estimates to the department.

(e) ~~On or before December 1, 2010, and each year thereafter,~~ The agency shall provide a report to the governor and the legislature on the implementation of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330. For each program year, the report must discuss the total weight of covered electronic devices recycled and a summary of information in the reports submitted by manufacturers and recyclers under section 115A.1316. The report must also discuss the various collection programs used by manufacturers to collect covered electronic devices; information regarding covered electronic devices that are being collected by persons other than registered manufacturers, collectors, and recyclers; and information about covered electronic devices, if any, being disposed of in landfills in this state. The report must include a description of enforcement actions under sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330. The agency may include in its report other information received by the agency regarding the implementation of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330. The report must be done in conjunction with the report required under section 115D.10.

(f) The agency shall promote public participation in the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330 through public education and outreach efforts.

(g) The agency shall enforce sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 in the manner provided by sections 115.071, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and 116.072, except for those provisions enforced by the department, as provided in subdivision 2. The agency may revoke a registration of a collector or recycler found to have violated sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.

(h) The agency shall facilitate communication between counties, collection and recycling centers, and manufacturers to ensure that manufacturers are aware of video display devices available for recycling.

(i) The agency shall develop a form retailers must use to report information to manufacturers under section 115A.1318 and post it on the agency's Web site.

(j) The agency shall post on its Web site the contact information provided by each manufacturer under section 115A.1318, paragraph (e).

Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.15, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Reports. ~~(a)~~ By January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the commissioner of administration shall submit a report to the governor and to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and environment and natural resources finance summarizing past activities and proposed goals of the program for the following biennium. The report shall include at least:

(1) a summary list of product and commodity purchases that contain recycled materials;

(2) the results of any performance tests conducted on recycled products and agencies' experience with recycled products used;

(3) a list of all organizations participating in and using the cooperative purchasing program; and

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(4) a list of products and commodities purchased for their recyclability and of recycled products reviewed for purchase.

(b) By July 1 of each even-numbered year, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner of commerce through the State Energy Office shall submit recommendations to the commissioner regarding the operation of the program.

Sec. 66. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.411, is amended to read:

115A.411 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY; CONSOLIDATED REPORT.

Subdivision 1. Authority; purpose. The commissioner shall prepare and adopt a report on solid waste management policy and activities under this chapter. The report must be submitted by the commissioner to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources ~~and environment and natural resources finance~~ by December ~~1 of each odd-numbered year~~ 31, 2015, and every four years thereafter and shall include reports required under sections ~~115A.55, subdivision 4, paragraph (b);~~ 115A.551, subdivision 4; 115A.557, subdivision 4; 473.149, subdivision 6; 473.846; and 473.848, subdivision 4.

Subd. 2. Contents. (a) The report ~~must~~ may also include:

(1) a summary of the current status of solid waste management, including the amount of solid waste generated and reduced, the manner in which it is collected, processed, and disposed, the extent of separation, recycling, reuse, and recovery of solid waste, and the facilities available or under development to manage the waste;

(2) an evaluation of the extent and effectiveness of implementation ~~and~~ of section 115A.02, including an assessment of progress in accomplishing state policies, goals, and objectives, including those listed in paragraph (b);

(3) identification of issues requiring further research, study, and action, the appropriate scope of the research, study, or action, the state agency or political subdivision that should implement the research, study, or action, and a schedule for completion of the activity; and

(4) recommendations for establishing or modifying state solid waste management policies, authorities, responsibilities, and programs.; and

~~(b)~~ (5) a report on progress made toward implementation of the objectives of B~~eginning in 1997, and every sixth year thereafter, the report shall be expanded to include~~ the metropolitan area solid waste policy plan as required in section 473.149, subdivision 1, and strategies for the agency to advance the goals of this chapter, to manage waste as a resource, to further reduce the need for expenditures on resource recovery and disposal facilities, and to further reduce long-term environmental and financial liabilities 6.

(b) The ~~expanded~~ report must include strategies for:

(1) achieving the maximum feasible reduction in waste generation;

(2) encouraging manufacturers to design products that eliminate or reduce the adverse environmental impacts of resource extraction, manufacturing, use, and waste processing and disposal;

(3) educating businesses, public entities, and other consumers about the need to consider the potential environmental and financial impacts of purchasing products that may create a liability or that may be expensive to recycle or manage as waste, due to the presence of toxic or hazardous components;

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(4) eliminating or reducing toxic or hazardous components in compost from municipal solid waste composting facilities, in ash from municipal solid waste incinerators, and in leachate and air emissions from municipal solid waste landfills, in order to reduce the potential liability of waste generators, facility owners and operators, and taxpayers;

(5) encouraging the source separation of materials to the extent practicable, so that the materials are most appropriately managed and to ensure that resources that can be reused or recycled are not disposed of or destroyed; and

(6) maximizing the efficiency of the waste management system by managing waste and recyclables close to the point of generation, taking into account the characteristics of the resources to be recovered from the waste and the type and capacity of local facilities.

Sec. 67. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.551, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a. Supplementary recycling goals. ~~(a)~~ By December 31, 1996, each county will have as a goal to recycle the following amounts:

(1) for a county outside of the metropolitan area, 35 percent by weight of total solid waste generation;

(2) for a metropolitan county, 50 percent by weight of total solid waste generation.

Each county will develop and implement or require political subdivisions within the county to develop and implement programs, practices, or methods designed to meet its recycling goal. Nothing in this section or in any other law may be construed to prohibit a county from establishing a higher recycling goal.

(b) For a county that, by January 1, 1995, is implementing a solid waste reduction program that is approved by the commissioner, the commissioner shall apply up to three percentage points toward achievement of the recycling goals in this subdivision. In addition, the commissioner shall apply demonstrated waste reduction that exceeds three percent reduction toward achievement of the goals in this subdivision.

(c) No more than five percentage points may be applied toward achievement of the recycling goals in this subdivision for management of yard waste. The five percentage points must be applied as provided in this paragraph. The commissioner shall apply three percentage points for a county in which residents, by January 1, 1996, are provided with:

~~(1) an ongoing comprehensive education program under which they are informed about how to manage yard waste and are notified of the prohibition in section 115A.931; and~~

~~(2) the opportunity to drop off yard waste at specified sites or participate in curbside yard waste collection.~~

The commissioner shall apply up to an additional two percentage points toward achievement of the recycling goals in this subdivision for additional activities approved by the commissioner that are likely to reduce the amount of yard waste generated and to increase the on-site composting of yard waste.

Sec. 68. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.551, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Interim monitoring. The commissioner shall monitor the progress of each county toward meeting the recycling goals in subdivisions 2 and 2a. The commissioner shall report to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources ~~and environment and natural resources finance on the progress of the counties by July 1 of each odd-numbered year~~ as part of the report required under section 115A.411. If the commissioner finds that a county is not progressing toward the goals in subdivisions 2 and

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2a, the commissioner shall negotiate with the county to develop and implement solid waste management techniques designed to assist the county in meeting the goals, such as organized collection, curbside collection of source-separated materials, and volume-based pricing.

~~The progress report shall be included in the report required under section 115A.411.~~

Sec. 69. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.557, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Report. ~~By July 1 of each odd-numbered year,~~ The commissioner shall report on how the money was spent and the resulting statewide improvements in solid waste management to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over ways and means, finance, environment and natural resources, and environment and natural resources finance. The report shall be included in the report required under section 115A.411.

Sec. 70. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.904, is amended to read:

115A.904 LAND DISPOSAL PROHIBITED.

The disposal of waste tires in the land is prohibited after July 1, 1985, except for beneficial uses of tire-derived products designated by the commissioner. This does not prohibit the storage of unprocessed waste tires at a collection or processing facility.

Sec. 71. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115D.08, is amended to read:

115D.08 PROGRESS REPORTS.

Subdivision 1. Requirement to submit progress report. (a) All persons required to prepare a toxic pollution prevention plan under section 115D.07 shall submit an annual progress report to the commissioner of public safety that may be drafted in a manner that does not disclose proprietary information. Progress reports are due on ~~October~~ July 1 of each year. The first progress reports are due in 1992.

(b) At a minimum, each progress report must include:

(1) a summary of each objective established in the plan, including the base year for any objective stated in numeric terms, and the schedule for meeting each objective;

(2) a summary of progress made during the past year, if any, toward meeting each objective established in the plan including the quantity of each toxic pollutant eliminated or reduced;

(3) a statement of the methods through which elimination or reduction has been achieved;

(4) if necessary, an explanation of the reasons objectives were not achieved during the previous year, including identification of any technological, economic, or other impediments the facility faced in its efforts to achieve its objectives; and

(5) a certification, signed and dated by the facility manager and an officer of the company under penalty of section 609.63, attesting that a plan meeting the requirements of section 115D.07 has been prepared and also attesting to the accuracy of the information in the progress report.

Subd. 2. Review of progress reports. (a) The commissioner of public safety shall review all progress reports to determine if they meet the requirements of subdivision 1. If the commissioner of public safety determines that a progress report does not meet the requirements, the commissioner of public safety shall notify the facility in writing and shall identify specific deficiencies and specify a reasonable time period of not less than 90 days for the facility to modify the progress report.

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(b) The commissioner of public safety shall be given access to a facility plan required under section 115D.07 if the commissioner of public safety determines that the progress report for that facility does not meet the requirements of subdivision 1. Twenty-five or more persons living within ten miles of the facility may submit a petition to the commissioner of public safety that identifies specific deficiencies in the progress report and requests the commissioner of public safety to review the facility plan. Within 30 days after receipt of the petition, the commissioner of public safety shall respond in writing. If the commissioner of public safety agrees that the progress report does not meet requirements of subdivision 1, the commissioner of public safety shall be given access to the facility plan.

(c) After reviewing the plan and the progress report with any modifications submitted, the commissioner of public safety shall state in writing whether the progress report meets the requirements of subdivision 1. If the commissioner of public safety determines that a modified progress report still does not meet the requirements of subdivision 1, the commissioner of public safety shall schedule a public meeting. The meeting shall be held in the county where the facility is located. The meeting is not subject to the requirements of chapter 14.

(d) The facility shall be given the opportunity to amend the progress report within a period of not less than 30 days after the public meeting.

(e) If the commissioner of public safety determines that a modified progress report still does not meet the requirements of subdivision 1, action may be taken under section 115.071 to obtain compliance with sections 115D.01 to 115D.12.

Sec. 72. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.011, is amended to read:

116.011 ~~ANNUAL~~ POLLUTION REPORT.

A goal of the Pollution Control Agency is to reduce the amount of pollution that is emitted in the state. By April 1 of each even-numbered year, the Pollution Control Agency shall report the best estimate of the agency of the total volume of water and air pollution that was emitted in the state in the previous two calendar ~~year~~ years for which data are available. The agency shall report its findings for both water and air pollution:

(1) in gross amounts, including the percentage increase or decrease over the ~~previous~~ previously reported two calendar ~~year~~ years; and

(2) in a manner which will demonstrate the magnitude of the various sources of water and air pollution.

Sec. 73. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.0714, is amended to read:

116.0714 NEW OPEN AIR SWINE BASINS.

The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency or a county board shall not approve any permits for the construction of new open air swine basins, except that existing facilities may use one basin of less than 1,000,000 gallons as part of a permitted waste treatment program for resolving pollution problems or to allow conversion of an existing basin of less than 1,000,000 gallons to a different animal type, provided all standards are met. This section expires June 30, ~~2012~~ 2017.

Sec. 74. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.10, is amended to read:

116.10 POLICY; LONG-RANGE PLAN; PURPOSE.

Consistent with the policy announced herein and the purposes of Laws 1963, chapter 874, the Pollution Control Agency shall~~, before November 15 of each even-numbered year,~~ prepare a long-range plan and program for the effectuation of said policy, and shall make a report also of progress on abatement and control of air and land pollution during each biennium to the legislature with recommendations for action in furtherance of the air and land pollution and waste programs.

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Sec. 75. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116C.833, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. ~~Biennial~~ Quadrennial report. In addition to other duties specified in sections 116C.833 to 116C.843, the commissioner shall report by January 31, ~~1997~~ 2013, and ~~biennially~~ every four years thereafter, to the governor and the legislature concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission. The report shall include any recommendations the commissioner deems necessary to assure the protection of the interest of the state in the proper functioning of the compact. The commissioner also shall report to the governor and the legislature any time there is a change in the status of a host state or other party states in the compact.

Sec. 76. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, as amended by Laws 2012, chapter 150, article 2, section 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a. When prepared. Where there is potential for significant environmental effects resulting from any major governmental action, the action shall be preceded by a detailed environmental impact statement prepared by the responsible governmental unit. The environmental impact statement shall be an analytical rather than an encyclopedic document which describes the proposed action in detail, analyzes its significant environmental impacts, discusses appropriate alternatives to the proposed action and their impacts, and explores methods by which adverse environmental impacts of an action could be mitigated. The environmental impact statement shall also analyze those economic, employment and sociological effects that cannot be avoided should the action be implemented. To ensure its use in the decision-making process, the environmental impact statement shall be prepared as early as practical in the formulation of an action.

(a) The board shall by rule establish categories of actions for which environmental impact statements and for which environmental assessment worksheets shall be prepared as well as categories of actions for which no environmental review is required under this section. A mandatory environmental assessment worksheet shall not be required for the expansion of an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), or the conversion of an ethanol plant to a biobutanol facility or the expansion of a biobutanol facility as defined in section 41A.105, subdivision 1a, based on the capacity of the expanded or converted facility to produce alcohol fuel, but must be required if the ethanol plant or biobutanol facility meets or exceeds thresholds of other categories of actions for which environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared. The responsible governmental unit for an ethanol plant or biobutanol facility project for which an environmental assessment worksheet is prepared shall be the state agency with the greatest responsibility for supervising or approving the project as a whole.

A mandatory environmental impact statement shall not be required for a facility or plant located outside the seven-county metropolitan area that produces less than 125,000,000 gallons of ethanol, biobutanol, or cellulosic biofuel annually, if the facility or plant is: an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b); a biobutanol facility, as defined in section 41A.105, subdivision 1a, clause (1); or a cellulosic biofuel facility, as defined in section 41A.10, subdivision 1, paragraph (d).

(b) The responsible governmental unit shall promptly publish notice of the completion of an environmental assessment worksheet ~~in a~~ by publishing the notice in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the geographic area where the project is proposed, by posting the notice on a Web site that has been designated as the official publication site for publication of proceedings, public notices, and summaries of a political subdivision in which the project is proposed or in any other manner ~~to be~~ determined by the board and shall provide copies of the environmental assessment worksheet to the board and its member agencies. Comments on the need for an environmental impact statement may be submitted to the responsible governmental unit during a 30-day period following publication of the notice that an environmental assessment worksheet has been completed. The responsible governmental unit's decision on the need for an environmental impact statement shall be based on the environmental assessment worksheet and the comments received during the comment period, and shall be made within 15 days after the close of the comment period. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15 additional days upon the request of the responsible governmental unit.

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(c) An environmental assessment worksheet shall also be prepared for a proposed action whenever material evidence accompanying a petition by not less than 100 individuals who reside or own property in the state, submitted before the proposed project has received final approval by the appropriate governmental units, demonstrates that, because of the nature or location of a proposed action, there may be potential for significant environmental effects. Petitions requesting the preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet shall be submitted to the board. The chair of the board shall determine the appropriate responsible governmental unit and forward the petition to it. A decision on the need for an environmental assessment worksheet shall be made by the responsible governmental unit within 15 days after the petition is received by the responsible governmental unit. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15 additional days upon request of the responsible governmental unit.

(d) Except in an environmentally sensitive location where Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, subpart 29, item B, applies, the proposed action is exempt from environmental review under this chapter and rules of the board, if:

(1) the proposed action is:

(i) an animal feedlot facility with a capacity of less than 1,000 animal units; or

(ii) an expansion of an existing animal feedlot facility with a total cumulative capacity of less than 1,000 animal units;

(2) the application for the animal feedlot facility includes a written commitment by the proposer to design, construct, and operate the facility in full compliance with Pollution Control Agency feedlot rules; and

(3) the county board holds a public meeting for citizen input at least ten business days prior to the Pollution Control Agency or county issuing a feedlot permit for the animal feedlot facility unless another public meeting for citizen input has been held with regard to the feedlot facility to be permitted. The exemption in this paragraph is in addition to other exemptions provided under other law and rules of the board.

(e) The board may, prior to final approval of a proposed project, require preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet by a responsible governmental unit selected by the board for any action where environmental review under this section has not been specifically provided for by rule or otherwise initiated.

(f) An early and open process shall be utilized to limit the scope of the environmental impact statement to a discussion of those impacts, which, because of the nature or location of the project, have the potential for significant environmental effects. The same process shall be utilized to determine the form, content and level of detail of the statement as well as the alternatives which are appropriate for consideration in the statement. In addition, the permits which will be required for the proposed action shall be identified during the scoping process. Further, the process shall identify those permits for which information will be developed concurrently with the environmental impact statement. The board shall provide in its rules for the expeditious completion of the scoping process. The determinations reached in the process shall be incorporated into the order requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement.

(g) The responsible governmental unit shall, to the extent practicable, avoid duplication and ensure coordination between state and federal environmental review and between environmental review and environmental permitting. Whenever practical, information needed by a governmental unit for making final decisions on permits or other actions required for a proposed project shall be developed in conjunction with the preparation of an environmental impact statement. When an environmental impact statement is prepared for a project requiring multiple permits for which two or more agencies' decision processes include either mandatory or discretionary hearings before a hearing officer prior to the agencies' decision on the permit, the agencies may, notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, conduct the hearings in a single consolidated hearing process if requested by the proposer. All agencies

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having jurisdiction over a permit that is included in the consolidated hearing shall participate. The responsible governmental unit shall establish appropriate procedures for the consolidated hearing process, including procedures to ensure that the consolidated hearing process is consistent with the applicable requirements for each permit regarding the rights and duties of parties to the hearing, and shall utilize the earliest applicable hearing procedure to initiate the hearing. The procedures of section 116C.28, subdivision 2, apply to the consolidated hearing.

(h) An environmental impact statement shall be prepared and its adequacy determined within 280 days after notice of its preparation unless the time is extended by consent of the parties or by the governor for good cause. The responsible governmental unit shall determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement, unless within 60 days after notice is published that an environmental impact statement will be prepared, the board chooses to determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement. If an environmental impact statement is found to be inadequate, the responsible governmental unit shall have 60 days to prepare an adequate environmental impact statement.

(i) The proposer of a specific action may include in the information submitted to the responsible governmental unit a preliminary draft environmental impact statement under this section on that action for review, modification, and determination of completeness and adequacy by the responsible governmental unit. A preliminary draft environmental impact statement prepared by the project proposer and submitted to the responsible governmental unit shall identify or include as an appendix all studies and other sources of information used to substantiate the analysis contained in the preliminary draft environmental impact statement. The responsible governmental unit shall require additional studies, if needed, and obtain from the project proposer all additional studies and information necessary for the responsible governmental unit to perform its responsibility to review, modify, and determine the completeness and adequacy of the environmental impact statement.

Sec. 77. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116D.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 15. Duplicative permit information; environmental assessment worksheets. To the extent practicable and so as not to conflict with other requirements of this section, the board shall not require, unless necessary, information in an environmental assessment worksheet for a proposed action when the information is also required as part of any necessary permitting process for the proposed action.

Sec. 78. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, subdivision 8, as added by Laws 2012, chapter 150, article 1, section 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Minnesota Business First Stop. (a) The commissioner of employment and economic development shall, through the multiagency collaboration called "Minnesota Business First Stop," ensure the coordination, implementation, and administration of state permits, including:

(1) establishing a mechanism in state government that will coordinate administrative decision-making procedures and related quasijudicial and judicial review pertaining to permits related to the state's air, land, and water resources;

(2) providing coordination and understanding between federal, state, and local governmental units in the administration of the various programs relating to air, water, and land resources;

(3) identifying all existing state permits and other approvals, compliance schedules, or other programs that pertain to the use of natural resources and protection of the environment; and

(4) recommending legislative or administrative modifications to existing permit programs to increase their efficiency and utility.

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(b) A person proposing a project may apply to Minnesota Business First Stop for assistance in obtaining necessary state permits and other approvals. Upon request, the commissioner shall to the extent practicable:

(1) provide a list of all federal, state, and local permits and other required approvals for the project;

(2) provide a plan that will coordinate federal, state, and local administrative decision-making practices, including monitoring, analysis and reporting, public comments and hearings, and issuances of permits and approvals;

(3) provide a timeline for the issuance of all federal, state, and local permits and other approvals required for the project;

(4) coordinate the execution of any memorandum of understanding between the person proposing a project and any federal, state, or local agency;

(5) coordinate all federal, state, or local public comment periods and hearings; and

(6) provide other assistance requested to facilitate final approval and issuance of all federal, state, and local permits and other approvals required for the project.

(c) Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, as necessary, the commissioner may negotiate a schedule to assess the project proposer for reasonable costs that any state agency incurs in coordinating the implementation and administration of state permits, and the proposer shall pay the assessed costs to the commissioner. Money received by the ~~environmental permits coordinator~~ commissioner must be credited to an account in the special revenue fund and is appropriated to the commissioner to cover the assessed costs incurred.

(d) The coordination of implementation and administration of state permits is not governmental action under section 116D.04.

Sec. 79. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 216C.055, is amended to read:

216C.055 KEY ROLE OF SOLAR AND BIOMASS RESOURCES IN PRODUCING THERMAL ENERGY.

The ~~annual~~ biennial legislative proposals required to be submitted by the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency under section 216H.07, subdivision 4 3, must include proposals regarding the use of solar energy and the combustion of grasses, agricultural wastes, trees, and other vegetation to produce thermal energy for heating commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and for industrial processes if the commissioners determine that such policies are appropriate to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emissions-reduction goals. No legal claim against any person is allowed under this section. This section does not apply to the combustion of municipal solid waste or refuse-derived fuel to produce thermal energy. For purposes of this section, removal of woody biomass from publicly owned forests must be consistent with the principles of sustainable forest management.

Sec. 80. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 216H.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Biennial ~~reduction progress~~ report. (a) By January 15 of each odd-numbered year, the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency shall jointly report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary policy jurisdiction over energy and environmental issues the most recent and best available evidence identifying the level of reductions already achieved and the level necessary to achieve the reductions timetable in section 216H.02.

(b) The report must be in easily understood nontechnical terms.

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Sec. 81. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.149, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Policy plan; general requirements. The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency ~~may~~ shall revise the metropolitan long range policy plan for solid waste management adopted ~~and revised by the Metropolitan Council prior to the transfer of powers and duties in Laws 1994, chapter 639, article 5, section 2~~ in 2011 by December 31, 2016, and every sixth year thereafter. The plan shall be followed in the metropolitan area. ~~Until the commissioner revises it, the plan adopted and revised by the council on September 26, 1991, remains in effect.~~ The plan shall address the state policies and purposes expressed in section 115A.02. In revising the plan the commissioner shall follow the procedures in subdivision 3. The plan shall include goals and policies for solid waste management, including recycling consistent with section 115A.551, and household hazardous waste management consistent with section 115A.96, subdivision 6, in the metropolitan area.

The plan shall include criteria and standards for solid waste facilities and solid waste facility sites respecting the following matters: general location; capacity; operation; processing techniques; environmental impact; effect on existing, planned, or proposed collection services and waste facilities; and economic viability. The plan shall, to the extent practicable and consistent with the achievement of other public policies and purposes, encourage ownership and operation of solid waste facilities by private industry. For solid waste facilities owned or operated by public agencies or supported primarily by public funds or obligations issued by a public agency, the plan shall include additional criteria and standards to protect comparable private and public facilities already existing in the area from displacement unless the displacement is required in order to achieve the waste management objectives identified in the plan. In revising the plan, the commissioner shall consider the orderly and economic development, public and private, of the metropolitan area; the preservation and best and most economical use of land and water resources in the metropolitan area; the protection and enhancement of environmental quality; the conservation and reuse of resources and energy; the preservation and promotion of conditions conducive to efficient, competitive, and adaptable systems of waste management; and the orderly resolution of questions concerning changes in systems of waste management. Criteria and standards for solid waste facilities shall be consistent with rules adopted by the Pollution Control Agency pursuant to chapter 116 and shall be at least as stringent as the guidelines, regulations, and standards of the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Sec. 82. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.149, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Report to legislature. The commissioner shall report on abatement to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over ways and means, finance, environment and natural resources committees of the senate and house of representatives, the Finance Division of the senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house of representatives Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance by July 1 of each odd-numbered year policy, and environment and natural resources finance. The report must include an assessment of whether the objectives of the metropolitan abatement plan have been met and whether each county and each class of city within each county have achieved the objectives set for it in the plan. The report must recommend any legislation that may be required to implement the plan. The report shall be included in the report required by section 115A.411. If in any year the commissioner reports that the objectives of the abatement plan have not been met, the commissioner shall evaluate and report on the need to reassign governmental responsibilities among cities, counties, and metropolitan agencies to assure implementation and achievement of the metropolitan and local abatement plans and objectives.

The report must include a report on the operating, capital, and debt service costs of solid waste facilities in the metropolitan area; changes in the costs; the methods used to pay the costs; and the resultant allocation of costs among users of the facilities and the general public. The facility costs report must present the cost and financing analysis in the aggregate and broken down by county and by major facility.

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Sec. 83. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.846, is amended to read:

473.846 ~~REPORT~~ REPORTS TO LEGISLATURE.

The agency shall submit to the senate ~~Finance Committee, the~~ and house of representatives Ways and Means Committee, and the Environment and Natural Resources Committees of the senate and house of representatives, the Finance Division of the senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house of representatives Committee on committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources ~~finance~~ separate reports describing the activities for which money for landfill abatement has been spent under sections 473.844 and 473.845. The agency shall report by November 1 of each year on expenditures during its previous fiscal year. The commissioner shall report on expenditures during the previous calendar year and must incorporate its report The report for section 473.844 expenditures shall be included in the report required by section 115A.411, ~~due July 1 of each odd-numbered year. the commissioner shall make~~ and shall include recommendations to the Environment and Natural Resources Committees of the senate and house of representatives, the Finance Division of the senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house of representatives Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance on the future management and use of the metropolitan landfill abatement account. By December 31 of each year, the commissioner shall submit the report for section 473.845 on contingency action trust fund activities.

Sec. 84. Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2009, chapter 37, article 1, section 60, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Land and Mineral Resources Management

11,747,000

11,272,000

Appropriations by Fund

General	6,633,000	6,230,000
Natural Resources	3,551,000	3,447,000
Game and Fish	1,363,000	1,395,000
Permanent School	200,000	200,000

$475,000 the first year and $475,000 the second year are for iron ore cooperative research. Of this amount, $200,000 each year is from the minerals management account in the natural resources fund and $275,000 each year is from the general fund. $237,500 the first year and $237,500 the second year are available only as matched by $1 of nonstate money for each $1 of state money. The match may be cash or in-kind.

$86,000 the first year and $86,000 the second year are for minerals cooperative environmental research, of which $43,000 the first year and $43,000 the second year are available only as matched by $1 of nonstate money for each $1 of state money. The match may be cash or in-kind.

$2,800,000 the first year and $2,696,000 the second year are from the minerals management account in the natural resources fund for use as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 93.2236, paragraph (c).

$200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year are from the state forest suspense account in the permanent school fund to accelerate land exchanges, land sales, and commercial leasing of

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school trust lands and to identify, evaluate, and lease construction aggregate located on school trust lands. This appropriation is to be used for securing maximum long-term economic return from the school trust lands consistent with fiduciary responsibilities and sound natural resources conservation and management principles.

$15,000 the first year is for a report by February 1, 2008, to the house and senate committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources on proposed minimum legal and conservation standards that could be applied to conservation easements acquired with public money.

$1,201,000 the first year and $701,000 the second year are to support the land records management system. Of this amount, $326,000 the first year and $326,000 the second year are from the game and fish fund and $375,000 the first year and $375,000 the second year are from the natural resources fund. The unexpended balances are available until June 30, 2011. ~~The commissioner must report to the legislative chairs on environmental finance on the outcomes of the land records management support.~~

$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year are for land asset management. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 85. Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Renewable Energy

-0-

3,364,000

(a) Algae for Fuels Pilot Project

$900,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to demonstrate an innovative microalgae production system utilizing and treating sanitary wastewater to produce biofuels from algae. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

(b) Sustainable Biofuels

$221,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to determine how fertilization and irrigation impact yields of grass monoculture and high diversity prairie biofuel crops, their storage of soil carbon, and susceptibility to invasion by exotic species. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

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$600,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to restore high quality native habitats and expand market opportunities for ~~utilizing postharvest restoration as a~~ using the woody by-product material for bioenergy ~~source.~~ or other products. The commissioner may provide grants or otherwise transfer some or all of this money to other public or private entities to accomplish these purposes. The commissioner may sell the material from public or private property to any viable market, provided that all of the proceeds are spent to further the purposes of this appropriation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

(d) Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs)

$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows: $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities. Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.

Sec. 86. Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 3, section 8, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Administration. The commissioner of natural resources shall administer the area according to Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 3, subject to existing rules and regulations for state recreation areas, except the following is permitted: hunting, fishing, and trapping of protected species during designated seasons and dogs under control for hunting purposes during regular hunting seasons. La Salle Lake State Recreation Area shall be administered as a satellite unit of Itasca State Park.

Sec. 87. LEGISLATIVE REPORT ON STATE PARKS, RECREATION AREAS, TRAILS, AND STATE FOREST DAY USE AREAS.

(a) By January 15, 2013, the commissioner of natural resources shall prepare and submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance concerning the long-term funding, use, expansion, and administration of Minnesota's system of state parks, recreation areas, trails, and state forest day use areas.

(b) At a minimum, the report shall include:

(1) long-term funding options to reduce reliance on general fund appropriations for maintaining and operating state parks, recreation areas, trails, and forest day use areas;

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(2) criteria and considerations for optimizing the system of state parks, recreation areas, trails, and state forest day use areas to ensure investment focuses on Minnesota's most important natural resources and the highest quality recreational opportunities; and

(3) recommendations for innovative programs and initiatives to increase outdoor recreation participation among Minnesotans and visitors to the state.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 88. ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND; APPROPRIATION EXTENSION.

(a) The availability of the appropriation is extended to June 30, 2013, for:

(1) Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (c), cooperative habitat research in deep lakes; and

(2) Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), controlling the movement of invasive fish species.

(b) The availability of the appropriation is extended to June 30, 2014, for Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), metropolitan regional park system acquisition.

(c) The availability of the appropriation is extended to June 30, 2015, for Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph (a), Minnesota Conservation Apprenticeship Academy.

Sec. 89. BENEFICIAL USE OF WASTEWATER; GRANTS IN FISCAL YEARS 2010 AND 2011.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116.195, grants issued during fiscal years 2010 and 2011 may be amended to replace surface water with wastewater effluent that increases the reuse of wastewater effluent and reduces the use of surface water.

Sec. 90. RULEMAKING; NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET.

The Environmental Quality Board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to amend Minnesota Rules to conform with the amendments to Minnesota Statutes, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, contained in this act. Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.

Sec. 91. 2009 LOTTERY-IN-LIEU APPROPRIATION EXTENSION.

The appropriation in Laws 2009, chapter 37, article 1, section 4, subdivision 5, from the natural resources fund from the revenue deposited under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (4), for local grants is available until June 30, 2013.

Sec. 92. FOREST RESOURCES COUNCIL STUDY.

By January 15, 2013, the Forest Resources Council shall submit a report to the environment and natural resources policy and finance committees and the tax committees of the house of representatives and senate on the status of private forest land management and the policy of the state to promote healthy and robust forests. The study shall evaluate existing and potential financial incentives for private forest land management and include recommendations for state policies that will ensure that private forest lands are sustainable and continue to contribute to Minnesota's economic vitality as well as provide access to the public to hunting and fishing resources.

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Sec. 93. METROPOLITAN WASTE DISPOSAL RESTRICTIONS REPORT.

By August 1, 2012, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall prepare a report on how compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 473.848, may be achieved. The commissioner must allow interested parties at least 30 days to review and comment on the report. Written comments received from interested parties and the commissioner's responses to the comments must be included in the report. By October 1, 2012, the report, comments, and responses shall be submitted to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over environmental policy and finance. The agency may not require compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 473.848, before February 15, 2013.

Sec. 94. PROTECT AQUATIC HABITAT FROM ASIAN CARP.

Prior to entering into a contract pursuant to the appropriation in S. F. No. 2493, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (h), if enacted, the commissioner shall consult with the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over natural resources and energy.

Sec. 95. MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY CITIZEN'S BOARD REVIEW.

The evaluation of environmental governance under Executive Order 11-32 must include a review of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board's role in reviewing permits, environmental assessment worksheets, and environmental impact statements. The evaluation should include, but is not limited to, an examination of the benefits and drawbacks of the board versus the agency's commissioner making final decisions on all or various subsets of permits and environmental reviews, along with how these matters are referred to the board versus the commissioner. Any recommendations must be reported to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over the environment and natural resources.

Sec. 96. RULEMAKING.

The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must amend Minnesota Rules to conform to section 62. The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), and Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply, except as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.

Sec. 97. CONTINGENT AMENDMENT AND REPEAL; 2012 LAW.

If H. F. 2171 or its equivalent is not enacted in 2012 and S. F. 2493 or its equivalent is enacted in 2012, then S. F. 2493, article 4, section 2, or its equivalent is repealed and the appropriation in article 4, section 3, of that act is reduced by $1,000,000.

Sec. 98. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.946, subdivision 3; 86A.12, subdivision 5; 89.06; 90.042; 97A.4742, subdivision 4; 103G.705; 115.447; 115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.965, subdivision 7; and 216H.07, subdivision 4, Laws 2011, chapter 107, section 105, and Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, and 3; and 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, and 7, are repealed.

(b) Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 86B.508; and 86B.811, subdivision 1a, are repealed."

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Delete the title and insert:

"A bill for an act relating to natural resources; providing for certain advisory inspections; providing for apprentice riders; modifying aquatic invasive species provisions; modifying local government trail authority; modifying enforcement provisions; providing for public grazing program; modifying prior appropriations; modifying and eliminating certain reporting, plan, and meeting requirements; eliminating loan program; modifying La Salle Lake State Recreation Area administration; modifying Water Law; modifying disposition of certain receipts; modifying local standard provisions for subsurface sewage treatment systems; modifying waste management provisions; modifying certain environmental review requirements; modifying certain environmental law; extending prohibition on new open air swine basins; authorizing and clarifying the use of general permits; modifying state park permit provisions; requiring reports and studies; providing civil penalties; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.0895, subdivision 7; 84.67; 84.91, subdivision 1; 84D.05, subdivision 1; 85.018, subdivision 2; 85.052, subdivision 3; 85.053, subdivision 7; 85.20, subdivision 1; 85.46, subdivision 1; 86B.331, subdivision 1; 93.2236; 97A.401, subdivision 1; 97A.421, subdivision 4a; 103A.43; 103B.101, subdivisions 2, 7, 10, by adding subdivisions; 103B.311, subdivision 4; 103B.3363, by adding a subdivision; 103B.3369; 103B.355; 103F.211, by adding a subdivision; 103F.321, by adding a subdivision; 103G.2241, subdivisions 1, 9; 103G.2242, subdivision 3; 103G.245, subdivisions 2, 3; 103G.261; 103G.265, by adding a subdivision; 103G.271, subdivision 1; 103G.282, subdivision 1; 103G.301, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 5a; 103G.611, by adding a subdivision; 103H.175, subdivision 3; 115.06, subdivision 4; 115.42; 115.55, subdivision 7; 115A.15, subdivision 5; 115A.411; 115A.551, subdivisions 2a, 4; 115A.557, subdivision 4; 115A.904; 115D.08; 116.011; 116.0714; 116.10; 116C.833, subdivision 2; 116D.04, by adding a subdivision; 116J.035, subdivision 8, as added; 216C.055; 216H.07, subdivision 3; 473.149, subdivisions 1, 6; 473.846; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 84D.01, subdivision 15a; 84D.03, subdivision 3; 84D.09, subdivision 2; 84D.10, subdivisions 1, 4; 84D.105, subdivision 2; 84D.108, subdivision 1; 84D.13, subdivision 5; 97C.341; 103G.222, subdivision 1; 103G.615, subdivisions 1, 2; 115A.1320, subdivision 1; 116D.04, subdivision 2a, as amended; Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 3, section 8, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 15; 84; 86B; 103B; 103G; 115A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.946, subdivision 3; 86A.12, subdivision 5; 89.06; 90.042; 97A.4742, subdivision 4; 103G.705; 115.447; 115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.965, subdivision 7; 216H.07, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 86B.508; 86B.811, subdivision 1a; Laws 2011, chapter 107, section 105; Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, 3; 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, 7."

We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.

House Conferees: Denny McNamara, Paul Anderson, Tom Hackbarth, Paul Torkelson and David Dill.

Senate Conferees: Bill G. Ingebrigtsen, Gary H. Dahms, Paul Gazelka and John C. Pederson.

McNamara moved that the report of the Conference Committee on H. F. No. 2164 be adopted and that the bill be repassed as amended by the Conference Committee. The motion prevailed.

H. F. 2164, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; providing for apprentice riders; modifying aquatic invasive species provisions; modifying local government trail authority; modifying enforcement provisions; modifying certain bait provisions; modifying prior appropriations; modifying and eliminating certain reporting, plan, and meeting requirements; eliminating loan program; modifying La Salle Lake State Recreation Area administration; prohibiting commissioner of natural resources from purchasing land at more than 20 percent above estimated market value; modifying waste management provisions; clarifying certain environmental review;

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eliminating certain fees; modifying toxic pollution prevention requirements; modifying certain standards for stationary sources; extending prohibition on new open air swine basins; modifying local water management; modifying acid deposition control requirements; modifying sewage sludge management; modifying Wetland Conservation Act; providing for continued operation of the Minnesota Zoological Garden, and state parks and recreation areas when biennial appropriations have not been enacted; requiring the availability of game and fish licenses by electronic transaction; creating citizen's board; authorizing and clarifying the use of general permits; modifying mineral lease provisions; modifying authority of Executive Council; modifying provisions for Three Rivers Park District; prohibiting sale of children's products containing formaldehyde; modifying state park permit provisions; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 9.071; 84.027, subdivision 15; 84.0272, subdivision 1; 84.0895, subdivision 7; 84.631; 84.67; 84.91, subdivision 1; 84D.05, subdivision 1; 85.018, subdivision 2; 85.052, subdivision 3; 85.053, subdivision 7; 85.055, subdivision 2; 85.20, subdivision 1; 85.46, subdivision 1; 85A.04, subdivision 1; 86B.331, subdivision 1; 90.031, subdivision 4; 92.45; 92.50, subdivision 1; 93.17, subdivision 3; 93.1925, subdivision 1; 93.20, subdivisions 2, 30, 38; 93.2236; 93.25, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 97A.401, subdivision 1; 97A.421, subdivision 4a; 103A.43; 103B.101, subdivisions 2, 7, 10, by adding subdivisions; 103B.311, subdivision 4; 103B.3363, by adding a subdivision; 103B.3369; 103B.355; 103G.2241, subdivision 9; 103G.2242, subdivision 3; 103G.245, subdivision 3; 103G.271, subdivision 1; 103G.301, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 5a; 103G.611, by adding a subdivision; 103H.175, subdivision 3; 115.01, by adding a subdivision; 115.06, subdivision 4; 115.073; 115.42; 115A.15, subdivision 5; 115A.411; 115A.551, subdivisions 2a, 4; 115A.557, subdivision 4; 115D.08; 116.011; 116.02, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; 116.03, subdivision 1; 116.06, subdivision 22; 116.0714; 116.10; 116C.833, subdivision 2; 116D.04, by adding a subdivision; 216C.055; 216H.07, subdivision 3; 383B.68, subdivisions 1, 4, by adding a subdivision; 473.149, subdivisions 1, 6; 473.846; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 84.027, subdivision 14a; 84D.01, subdivision 15a; 84D.03, subdivision 3; 84D.09, subdivision 2; 84D.10, subdivisions 1, 4; 84D.105, subdivision 2; 84D.13, subdivision 5; 97C.341; 103G.222, subdivision 1; 103G.615, subdivisions 1, 2; 115A.1320, subdivision 1; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116D.04, subdivision 2a; Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 3, section 8, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 84; 86B; 92; 103B; 103G; 115; 115A; 116; 161; 574; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.946, subdivision 3; 86A.12, subdivision 5; 89.06; 90.042; 97A.4742, subdivision 4; 103G.705; 115.447; 115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.965, subdivision 7; 116.02, subdivisions 7, 8; 216H.07, subdivision 4; 383B.68, subdivisions 2, 3; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 86B.508; 86B.811, subdivision 1a; Laws 2011, chapter 107, section 105; Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, 3; 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, 7.

The bill was read for the third time, as amended by Conference, and placed upon its repassage.

The question was taken on the repassage of the bill and the roll was called. There were 77 yeas and 52 nays as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative were: