Minnesota Administrative Rules

7050.0415 DESIGNATED BENEFICIAL USES OF WATERS AND WETLANDS.

Subpart 1.

Multiple classifications.

All surface waters of the state are classified in more than one beneficial use class and all the water quality standards for each of the beneficial use classes apply. If the water quality standard for a particular parameter is different among applicable classes, the most restrictive of the standards applies.

Subp. 2.

Determining beneficial use classification.

All waters of the state, except wetlands, are generally classified as class 2B, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters. Wetlands are generally classified as class 2D, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters. Specific beneficial use classifications are described in subparts 3 and 4.

Subp. 3.

Listed waters and wetlands.

The waters of the state listed in part 7050.0470 are classified as specified in that part. Those waters of the state, including wetlands, that are specifically listed in part 7050.0470 have the beneficial use classifications listed in part 7050.0470. Part 7050.0470 reflects any changes to the beneficial use classifications of a water body that differ from the default classifications under subpart 4, based on a specific review of a water body's existing or attainable uses.

Subp. 4.

Unlisted waters and wetlands.

A.

Except as provided in subitems (1) and (2), all surface waters of the state that are not listed in part 7050.0470 and that are not wetlands as defined in part 7050.0186, subpart 1a, are classified as class 2B, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters. Unlisted lotic waters are also assigned the beneficial use subclass designator "g" to the class 2B designator.

(1)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness:

(a)

All streams in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness [11/5/84P] not listed in part 7050.0470 are classified as class 1B, 2Bdg, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters.

(b)

All lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness [11/5/84P] not listed in part 7050.0470 are classified as class 1B, 2Bd, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters.

(c)

All wetlands in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness [11/5/84P] are classified as class 2D, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters.

(2)

Voyageurs National Park:

(a)

All streams in Voyageurs National Park [11/5/84P] not listed in part 7050.0470 are classified as class 2Bg, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters.

(b)

All lakes in Voyageurs National Park [11/5/84P] not listed in part 7050.0415 are classified as class 2B, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters.

(c)

All wetlands in Voyageurs National Park [11/5/84P] are classified as class 2D, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters.

B.

Those waters of the state that are wetlands as defined in part 7050.0186, subpart 1a, and that are not listed in part 7050.0470 are classified as class 2D, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 115.03; 115.44

History:

46 SR 5

Published Electronically:

July 23, 2021