Environmental Groups Take Legal Action Against Minnesota Agencies Over Nitrate Pollution Crisis

Environmental groups in southeast Minnesota are taking action against state agencies to tackle the issue of nitrate contamination in the area. They have filed a lawsuit in Ramsey County District Court against the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Agriculture. The main claim is that these agencies haven’t done enough to protect water resources from nitrate pollution caused by farming.

The lawsuit demands that the agencies revisit regulations about animal manure and commercial fertilizer. These two are major contributors to nitrate problems in groundwater and local waterways.

John Lenczewski, the executive director of Minnesota Trout Unlimited, expressed concern, saying, “The rules regarding nitrogen use and manure management aren’t working. We won’t achieve clean water without better regulations.”

Southeast Minnesota has a unique geography. Its karst landscape, with its loose soils and cracked bedrock, makes it especially prone to nitrate contamination. Over 90,000 residents in this region depend on private wells for their drinking water. High levels of nitrates in water can be dangerous, particularly for infants, who risk developing a serious condition known as blue baby syndrome.

This year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlighted the need for Minnesota to take stronger action to safeguard drinking water from nitrates. Minnesota has made strides—such as increasing free water testing and reinforcing permits for large animal feedlots—but challenges remain. Carly Griffith, the water program director for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, noted that it’s crucial to keep making progress, especially with changes in federal administration.

Griffith emphasized the importance of tightening standards for feedlots and fertilizer usage since they’re the primary sources of nitrogen pollution in the state. Cherie Hales from the Winona County Clean Water Coalition added that the state’s efforts have not been urgent or sufficiently funded to ensure safe drinking water for everyone.

“Agriculture is vital in southeast Minnesota,” Hales said. “However, it’s essential that we find a way to protect our drinking water.”

In response to these concerns, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Agriculture stated that the recent development of feedlot permits involved input from various stakeholders, including both farmers and environmental advocates. They believe the new permits strike a balance between environmental protection and supporting agricultural practices. As they work on updating the feedlot rules, they assure the public that they will maintain a transparent and inclusive process.

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