Tribal governments added to wastewater pollutant discharge notification

The Pollution Control Agency must be notified of all discharges, accidental or otherwise, of any substance or material under its control that, if not recovered, may cause pollution of state waters.

If the discharge comes from a publicly owned treatment works or a publicly or privately owned domestic sewer system, the owner must notify the potentially affected public and any downstream drinking water facility that may be affected by the discharge.

A new law, effective Aug. 1, 2026, adds downstream tribal governments to the list of those to be promptly notified.

Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL-Maplewood) and Sen. Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) sponsor the law.

HF4224*/SF4525/CH79

HF4224* / SF4525 / CH79