Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program begins

Four Minnesota watersheds were recently selected as pilot areas for a new program, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. Farm operations participating in the program will volunteer to meet unspecified water quality protections in exchange for a 10-year exemption on any new water quality regulations.

Agriculture continues to be the largest source of pollution to Minnesotas lakes, rivers and streams, and it is clear that more must be done to address farm runoff. However, FMR remains concerned about the direction of this program.

After 75 years of relying unsuccessfully on voluntary methods to reduce agricultural water pollution FMR has expressed concern that this program may not have the proper design to accomplish the significant reductions in agricultural pollution that are needed to restore our rivers to health.

Despite our concerns, FMR will continue to monitor this program and engage with Agency leadership during its implementation. We remain hopeful that the pilot phase of the program will yield some positive results for Minnesotas water quality.

Source: Star Tribune