The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is opening the rule that regulates about 17,000 animal feedlots. 

This rulemaking will: 

• Consider changes to improve land application of manure to address nitrates and fish kills. 

• Establish additional technical standards to protect water quality and avoid fish kills. 

• Address modern changes to livestock and poultry operations and business practices, account for new agency data services, and repeal outdated rule language. 

These changes are necessary to protect human health and the environment. At this early stage, the agency does not have a draft rule. 

In recent years, the MPCA has developed an improved understanding about the source and extent of nitrate pollution in ground and surface waters. At the same time, agricultural practices have evolved. The last major revision of feedlot rules in Minnesota was in 2000. 

The MPCA will have a comment period to offer the public the opportunity to comment on the rule update. Early comments provide the agency more time to address issues that may come up and help ensure informed decision-making. If the proposed rule affects you in any way, the MPCA encourages you to participate in the rulemaking process. 

Comments may be submitted in writing to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) via the rulemaking e-Comments website.