6.1.A. ERMUSR 04-12-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Non-Flushable Wipes Bill Advances The bill to provide for the proper labeling of non-flushable wipes(SF 2525)received its second hearing on Wednesday, this time in the Senate Commerce Committee. The bill aims to address the problems and expenses that these wipes cause to municipal wastewater facilities when flushed. The bill author, Sen. Vicki Jensen (DFL-Owatonna) worked on an amendment with the MPCA, League of Minnesota Cities, MMUA and industry interests to clarify the definition of flushability and the labeling requirements. The amendment was adopted and the bill received unanimous support. SF 2525 was re-referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, because the legislation includes a penalty for violations of the labeling requirement. The progress of this bill is notable. Nationally, this is furthest that any legislation to require the labeling of non-flushable wipes has advanced through the legislative process. Regulatory Certainty Discussed in House Committee On Thursday, the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee discussed legislation to offer municipalities and industrial permit holders regulatory certainty if they choose to voluntarily install biological nutrient removal systems to reduce nitrogen levels in wastewater. HF 3409 is authored by Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau) and is an initiative of the MPCA. The agency explained that many wastewater systems are currently in need of upgrades to meet the recently-adopted phosphorus standard, and a nitrogen standard will be coming down the pike in the future. If a city or industrial permit holder is building a facility to comply with the phosphorus standard, they could voluntarily choose to build for nitrogen (which is site- specific) and the MPCA would not give the permit holder a more stringent standard for nitrogen throughout the useful life of the equipment. Under the bill, the MPCA would determine whether or not to provide regulatory certainty before the permit is approved and the terms of the agreement would become part of the permit. Regulatory certainty would extend for the useful life of the system, up to 20 years. The MPCA stated this proposal would provide an environmental benefit by starting to remove nitrogen early, and provide a cost benefit to cities by building systems now when costs are cheaper. Plus, the Governor is proposing significant bonding support for municipal wastewater system upgrades such as these. The League of Minnesota Cities offered their support for the legislation. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities expressed conceptual support,but wanted to continue working with the author to ensure that the EPA couldn't undo the regulatory certainty provided by the MPCA. MMUA has participated with limited legislative drafting assistance to MPCA and discussions with the other municipal organizations. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus. 224