MDA releases proposed Groundwater Protection Rule
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) released the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule – previously referred to as the Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule – this morning. The proposed rule, the statement of need and reasonableness, appendixes for the statement of need and reasonableness and the notice of public hearings in July are all listed on the MDA website, which can be viewed here.
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and its grower leaders will be carefully reviewing the more than 400 pages of documents over the coming days. Stay tuned to our social channels (Facebook and Twitter) and our blog for additional updates.
The Groundwater Protection Rule will be formally published in the Minnesota State Register on April 30th, followed by an 80-day comment period. The Office of Administrative Hearings will be holding public hearings throughout Minnesota in July (Details can be found on MDA’s website). Farmers are encouraged to attend. Testimony will be taken at the hearings before the Administrative Law Judge. Farmers can also submit written comments during the public comment period.
Today’s news follows a public letter by MCGA to Governor Mark Dayton in March requesting the immediate release of the rule and GIS maps, followed by an extended comment period. The goal of these requests was to provide farmers with adequate time to review the rule during the busiest time of their year. MCGA appreciates the work of MDA staff to release the rule prior to the mid-May timeline previously proposed, in addition to the 80-day comment period. Detailed GIS maps can also be accessed here.
For a full timeline of the Groundwater Protection Rule (previously the Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule), click here.
