Saint Paul, Minn.- On Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed SF 3272, a bill that exempts wastewater treatment and industrial facilities from future water quality standards if they design, construct and fully operate a Biological Nutrient Removal treatment facility. The bill allows Biological Nutrient Removal systems to stay as the primary system for breaking down phosphates and nitrates in wastewater treatments even if water standards and technology change.
Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South Saint Paul) voted against final passage of the bill and released the following statement:
"This could be the most long-standing and environmentally harmful bill we pass during the 2016 legislative session, because it has the potential to be in effect until 2051. It allows entities to lock in just one type of technology and possibly not comply with future pollution standards for decades. It also gives discretion to the MPCA commissioner to say whether or not adequate treatment is being reached. Exempting businesses and governments from future pollution standards, and allowing future political appointees to decide who meets the standards, isn't prudent public policy. I'm disappointed that we passed this bill."
Rep. Rick Hansen is the DFL-Lead on the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee.
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