SF 2298

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/05/2014 08:59am

A bill for an act
relating to water; requiring groundwater management area advisory teams and
approval of groundwater management area plans; amending Minnesota Statutes
2013 Supplement, section 103G.287, subdivision 4.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 103G.287, subdivision 4,
is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Groundwater management areas.

(a) The commissioner may designate
groundwater management areas and limit total annual water appropriations and uses within
a designated area to ensure sustainable use of groundwater that protects ecosystems, water
quality, and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Water appropriations
and uses within a designated management area must be consistent with a new text begin groundwater
management area new text end plan approved by the commissioner that addresses water conservation
requirements and water allocation priorities established in section 103G.261. new text begin Before
implementing a groundwater management area plan developed under this subdivision, the
commissioner must receive approval of the plan from the advisory team established in
paragraph (c) and from the legislature as required under paragraph (d).
new text end

(b) Notwithstanding section 103G.271, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), and Minnesota
Rules, within designated groundwater management areas, the commissioner may require
general permits as specified in section 103G.271, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), for water
users using less than 10,000 gallons per day or 1,000,000 gallons per year and water
suppliers serving less than 25 persons for domestic purposes. The commissioner may
waive the requirements under section 103G.281 for general permits issued under this
paragraph, and the fee specified in section 103G.301, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), does
not apply to general permits issued under this paragraph. new text begin The commissioner shall not
implement permit requirements under this paragraph unless the requirements have been
included in a groundwater management area plan that has been approved as required
under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (c) When designating a groundwater management area, the commissioner shall
assemble an advisory team to assist in developing the boundaries and a groundwater
management area plan for the area. The advisory team shall include at least one
representative from each city, county, and township having land within the boundaries
of the proposed groundwater management area. Local units of government shall
comprise half of the members. The other half of the advisory team members shall
include representatives from state agencies. The advisory team may also include
nonvoting members from the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities, and federal agencies.
new text end

new text begin (d) A groundwater management area plan developed under this subdivision must be
approved by the legislature before implementation.
new text end