Minnesota pollution fines for 2009 on pace to top '08

State fines related to pollution in Minnesota are on course to top what they were in 2008.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency assessed more than $500,000 in fines from April to June for stormwater, hazardous waste, water quality and air quality violations. It brings the total fine amount to about $1.5 million for 2009.

For all of 2008, an agency spokesman said the fines assessed totaled $1.6 million.

Construction companies, city governments and public colleges were among the entities fined for 77 incidents. the largest single fine was $35,000.

Most of the fines are considered final, but a small number could be forgiven if certain corrective actions were taken within a month.