Laserfiche WebLink
Non-Flushable Wipes Bill Moves Forward <br /> The Senate Environment and Energy Committee discussed legislation concerning the <br /> damages non-flushable personal wipes (which are sometimes labeled as"flushable"or"septic <br /> safe") cause to municipal wastewater treatment systems. SF 2525, authored by Sen. Vicki <br /> Jensen (DFL-Owatonna) would require non-flushable personal wipes to be labeled "Do Not <br /> Flush." This bill is an initiative of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which <br /> highlighted the monetary costs these wipes are imposing on municipal wastewater systems. <br /> They noted that the public needs to be educated that the products should not be flushed. <br /> This legislation is also supported by several organizations,including the League of Minnesota <br /> Cities (LMC), Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, and MMUA. The LMC noted that this <br /> bill would help to stem costly wastewater facility repairs and upgrades to the benefit of <br /> municipal ratepayers, property tax payers, and state public finance agencies. <br /> The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce expressed their concern with a state-specific <br /> regulation on product marketing and believed public education is a better approach. INDA <br /> (the wipes industry national association) noted that only 7% of wipes are flush-friendly and <br /> made of biodegradable material. They also agreed that education is the solution and they are <br /> working on universal product symbols to indicate flushable/non-flushable. <br /> The bill was re-referred to the Commerce Committee. <br /> 222 <br />