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SF 1898

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to environment; creating an ombudsman in the Pollution Control Agency
for water pollution education and assistance; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [116.20] OMBUDSMAN FOR WATER POLLUTION EDUCATION
AND ASSISTANCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Appointment. new text end

new text begin The Pollution Control Agency shall appoint an
ombudsman for groundwater pollution education and assistance in the classified service.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The ombudsman's duties include, but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) providing education and assistance to the general public on any aspect of
groundwater pollution;
new text end

new text begin (2) disseminating information on the financing and program funding sources for
cleanup and restoration of groundwater pollution;
new text end

new text begin (3) monitoring, reviewing, and providing comments and recommendations to
federal, state, and local groundwater quality authorities on laws and regulations;
new text end

new text begin (4) providing information to federal, state, and local groundwater quality authorities
and the public on the requirements of the Clean Water Act;
new text end

new text begin (5) disseminating information concerning proposed state groundwater quality
regulations, control technologies, and other information to small businesses, property
owners, and other interested parties;
new text end

new text begin (6) participating in and sponsoring meetings and conferences concerning
groundwater quality laws and regulations with state and local regulatory officials, industry
groups, and the public;
new text end

new text begin (7) investigating and assisting in the resolution of complaints and disputes from the
public against state or local groundwater quality authorities or responsible parties;
new text end

new text begin (8) arranging for and assisting in the preparation of groundwater quality program
guideline documents to ensure that the language is readily understandable by the lay
person;
new text end

new text begin (9) establishing cooperative programs with trade associations and small businesses
to promote and achieve voluntary compliance with federal and state groundwater quality
laws and regulations; and
new text end

new text begin (10) performing the ombudsman's duties in cooperation and coordination with
governmental entities and private organizations as appropriate so as to eliminate overlap
and duplication to the extent practicable.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Independence of action. new text end

new text begin In carrying out the duties under this section, the
ombudsman may act independently of the agency in providing testimony to the legislature,
contacting and making periodic reports to federal and state officials as necessary to carry
out the duties under this section, and addressing problems of concern to the public.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Qualifications. new text end

new text begin The ombudsman must be knowledgeable about federal
and state water quality laws and regulations, control technologies, and federal and state
legislative and regulatory processes. The ombudsman must be experienced in dealing
with both private enterprise and governmental entities, arbitration and negotiation,
interpretation of laws and regulations, investigation, record keeping, report writing, public
speaking, and management.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Office support. new text end

new text begin The agency shall provide the ombudsman with the
necessary office space, supplies, equipment, and clerical support to effectively perform the
duties under this section.
new text end