Minnesota’s water benefited in the1990s from new efforts aimed at promoting conservation, protecting wetlands, preventing pollution from on-site wastewater treatment systems and correcting problems from leaking tanks and unsealed wells. Soundings: A Minnesota Water Plan Assessment, just released by the Environmental Quality Board, reports progress in carrying out the 14 objectives relating to integrating water management, protecting and conserving water resources and focusing on lakes, wetlands, rivers and ground water contained in the 1991 Minnesota Water Plan.
“Minnesota’s population, land use and water use are constantly changing,” says board Chair Rodney Sando. “This is why the Legislature charged the Environmental Quality Board with developing a statewide water plan every 10 years.”
Progress is focused in key areas.
- New approaches that use sustainable development principles, ecosystem
- Local water planning is progressing and is an integral part of most water efforts.
- Coordination is increasing and reflects a growing expertise at the local level.
- Computers are changing methods of educating, information sharing and accessing data with almost instant access through web sites and listservers.
- New or refocused monitoring is providing better information.
- Added legislation, enforcement and funding are enhancing pollution prevention and correction actions.
Soundings also identifies state water needs and recommends directions. For example, some new funding is earmarked for specific needs, such as feedlots or wetland protection, but without coordination and better priority setting and evaluation, it is not clear if this funding will go to the highest priorities.
Soundings will be used by the EQB Water Resources Committee and those interested in water management in Minnesota as a tool to shape the next water plan due in September 2000.
The Environmental Quality Board, staffed by Minnesota Planning, draws together five citizens and the heads of 10 state agencies that play a vital role in Minnesota’s environment and development. The board develops policy, creates long-range plans and reviews proposed projects that would significantly affect Minnesota’s environmental, economic and social well-being.