6.7. SR 12-21-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.DEC.11.199@ S:~6PM MPCA WQD MA/WA SECT HO.B88 P.B/5 P~e: 2 applied in the past decade, these facilities on average have achieved about a 9g% compliance rate. We have told the Stax Tribune that these facilities are constructed and operated to achieve a compliance rate of 95% to account for uncontrollable events such as drastic changes in temperature, water levels in the discharge river, equipment malfunctions and operator errors. Inspe,etions and Enforcement Aetio.~ The database seems to indicate a decline in the number of inspectior~ conducted at these permitted facilities and the number of enforcement actions taken, Thc reporters also seemed to think that the agency has moved too slowly in taking enforcement actions when they are warranted. It is precisely because some enforcement actions do take so much stafftime that we explore other solutions Sst. We have explained that to ensure that the facilities understand their environmental commitments we have shied resources to training and outreach activities rather than solely relying on enforcement activities to gain compliance, Therefore, many of these staff contacts with facilities are not legally defined as "inspections" and so are not recorded in the database, As well as emphasizing compliance rather than enforcement, over thc past decade thc agency began shifting resources from ad&casing point source threats to water quality to nonpoint source threats, This focus on pollution from feedlots, stormwater runoff, failing septic systems and others problems is consistent across the country and has been fully supported by the EPA and most environmental groups. We plan to hold to the gains we've achieved in reducing pollution from wastewater treatment facilities but Imow that there is unchartered ground to cover with newly emerging threats to our lakes, rivers and streams. A look at thc total number of enforcement actions taken among all of our water quality programs shows an increase in activity, not & decline (see attached graph). Lastly, we lmve shared with the Star Tribune that in recent years, the pohlt source program staff has spent considerable time implementing process improvement practices recommended by the 1995 Report of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Funding Minnesota's Water Quality Programs, designing and entering compliance data in the agency's new computer database (DELTA), and participating in redesign of the agency's organization (GOAL 21). These investments of time may have affected productivity in the last few years but will have a positive effect on the program's efficiency and effectiveness in the near future. Involwment of Environmental_Orouvs in Pemait~ing Activities Perhaps most alarming to us is the Star Tribune's apparent support of one environmental group's insistence that they are doing the MPCA's job in demanding stricter limits or additional controls be placed in water quality permits. We at the MPCA axe proud of the efforts we mice to ensure that our permits and other activities are conducted with active public part/cipation. Rather than be scorned for their willingness to listen to all affected parties when draftSng pemaits, MPCA staff should be commended for their open-mindedness. When there isn't scientific certainty to guide staffin setting standards or permit limits, and when outside expertise is freely offered, this open approach is guaranteed to provide a better environmental outcome than if staff worked in isolation.