Water

Water shortages and problems around Minnesota — and the country — have many wondering what is the true cost of clean and reliable water. This reporting is supported in part by The Water Main, a project of American Public Media.

Minnesota utility regulators give key approvals to Line 3 pipeline project
Months after a court decision threw its future into question, the Line 3 pipeline replacement project is moving closer to regaining the permits it needs to begin construction.
For state utility regulators, it’s Line 3 all over again
More than a year and a half after regulators at the state Public Utilities Commission first approved the oil pipeline replacement project, they’re being asked to consider it again. A state court overturned the project's environmental review last summer, and the PUC now has to decide whether to approve a revised assessment.
Minnesota considers raising water permit fees
Cities, industries and some livestock farmers could pay more for water quality permit fees under a proposal by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. But some cities and farmers are objecting, saying the money should come from the state's general fund instead.
As regulations roll back, could clean water protection business dry up?
The Trump administration is stripping clean water protections put in place by President Obama, and some in the industry worry that the regulatory changes will threaten their business.
Regulators revisit environmental review for Line 3 pipeline
Most of Friday's testimony strayed well beyond the narrow official scope of the proceedings into the broader questions of whether the project should even be built.
State regulators to hear public comments on Line 3 pipeline project once again
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the project, which would replace an aging Enbridge Energy oil pipeline across northern Minnesota, in June 2018. But last summer, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that the project first needed a revised environmental study in order to move forward. On Friday, the PUC will hear public comments on the new study.
3M has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in connection to discharges from a chemical plant in northern Alabama that may not have complied with permit requirements.
Study: Young walleye are smaller in MN lakes with zebra mussels, spiny waterflea
A new University of Minnesota study has found that when lakes were infested with the two common aquatic invasive species, young walleye didn’t grow as large as quickly, as they did before the invaders arrived.
As court case continues, MPCA defends handling of PolyMet permit, citing efficiency
In the third day of an unusual court hearing investigating alleged “procedural irregularities” in the way a mine permit was issued, former MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine testified his agency asked the EPA to delay submitting critical comments because his staff was stretched too thin responding to other comments.