HF3399

Purpose

The bill aims to change how water-use permits are issued for the City of Lake Elmo. It would allow the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue new permits and to amend existing permits so the city can increase the amount of water it may withdraw, as long as the increase fits a city water supply plan approved by the DNR. The changes must also apply a set of conservation and planning requirements.

Main Provisions

• The DNR may issue permits needed for Lake Elmo to build and operate a new municipal water supply well(s) and may amend existing water-use permits to increase the allowed water withdrawals to match what the city plans to need each year, based on a water supply plan approved under Minnesota law (103G.291.1).
• Any new or amended water-use permits issued to Lake Elmo must include the same water-use conservation and planning requirements that apply to municipal wells located within five miles of White Bear Lake.
• The section is temporary and expires on June 30, 2027.

Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Laws 2023 chapter 60 article 4 section 105 to authorize issuing and adjusting permits as described above.
• Aligns Lake Elmo’s permit requirements with the conservation and planning measures currently required near White Bear Lake.
• References the process for approving a water supply plan under Minnesota Statutes section 103G.291.1.

Sunset/Effective Date

• The authority and requirements created by this section expire June 30, 2027.

Potential Implications

• The bill provides the DNR with a streamlined pathway to increase Lake Elmo’s water withdrawals, subject to approved planning and conservation measures.
• It ties Lake Elmo’s permit requirements to the stricter standards used near White Bear Lake, aiming to protect water resources while supporting the city’s water needs.
• Because the provision is temporary, it will lapse unless renewed or extended by future legislation.

Relevant Terms - water-use permits - City of Lake Elmo - municipal water supply wells - increase the authorized volume of water - water supply plan - Minnesota Statutes section 103G.291.1 - conservation measures - planning measures - five-mile radius of White Bear Lake - expiration June 30, 2027 - commissioner of natural resources - not withstanding any other provision of law - amended permits