HF713 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Stormwater runoff structural practices implemented relating to permeable synthetic turf.
Related bill: SF1406
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill adds permeable synthetic turf as an approved structural practice for managing stormwater runoff. It aims to be as effective as permeable pavement in reducing runoff and directs the state’s stormwater guidance to include this turf option.
Main Provisions
- Permeable synthetic turf as a structural practice
- The commissioner must include permeable synthetic turf as a recommended best management practice (BMP) for stormwater in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual.
- The turf must meet specific requirements to be used for stormwater control.
- Technical standards for permeable synthetic turf
- Must be fully permeable with a minimum water passage rate of 25 inches per hour.
- Must pass the pill flammability test (ASTM D2859-16, 2021 Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials).
- Must contain no PFAS (as defined in Minnesota law).
- Not to be installed in residential projects where rubber infill is used.
- Must be manufactured to replicate natural turf for outdoor use, include ultraviolet stabilization, and have drainable backings.
- Intended installation over aggregate bases in all climates and within the United States.
- Exclusions and scope
- Indoor-outdoor carpeting intended to be installed over concrete (e.g., patios) is not considered permeable synthetic turf and must not be used to control stormwater runoff.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the set of approved structural practices for stormwater management to explicitly include permeable synthetic turf.
- Establishes minimum performance, safety, and material standards for turf to be used as a BMP.
- Requires the state Stormwater Manual to describe permeable synthetic turf as an option for controlling stormwater runoff.
- Creates specific restrictions (e.g., PFAS-free, no use with residential rubber infill) and manufacturing criteria (UV stabilization, drainable backings) that must be met for turf used in stormwater applications.
Implementation and Compliance Considerations
- The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency is responsible for ensuring turf specifications are included in the state Stormwater Manual and that projects follow the defined standards.
- Projects must not rely on indoor-outdoor carpeting over concrete to manage stormwater; only compliant permeable synthetic turf qualifies as a BMP.
Potential Impacts
- Provides an additional tool for managing stormwater runoff, potentially offering alternatives to permeable pavement.
- May influence product design and manufacturing practices to meet the new standards.
- Could affect residential planning where turf with rubber infill is common, by restricting use in those contexts.
Relevant Terms - permeable synthetic turf - stormwater runoff - best management practices (BMP) - Minnesota Stormwater Manual - fully permeable (25 inches per hour) - PFAS - pill flammability test (ASTM D2859-16) - ultraviolet stabilization - drainable backings - aggregate bases - outdoor use / replicate natural turf - indoor-outdoor carpeting - residential projects - permeable pavement - urban stormwater management
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 13, 2025 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy | |
| March 05, 2025 | House | Action | Author added | ||
| April 10, 2025 | House | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill references Minnesota Statutes section 116.943 for the definition of PFAS in the context of permeable synthetic turf as a best management practice for stormwater runoff.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "116.943",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee