Under the Clean Water Act, states such as Minnesota are “delegated” authority from EPA to administer the water permitting program.  While the program is state-run, it still must comply with the federal requirements of the Clean Water Act and federal regulations.  If a state program fails to live up to these requirements, EPA can call for corrective actions and, ultimately, “de-delegate” the state’s authority.

In 2009, MCEA filed a petition with EPA requesting that it mandate certain corrective actions in Minnesota and de-delegate the state if it failed to act.  MCEA’s Petition is focused primarily on the failure of the MPCA to address nutrient pollution (eutrophication). 

EPA is currently conducting an investigation in response to the Petition.

Click here for more information on the De-Delegation Petition and MCEA’s water quality work.

MCEA Documents

Petition