About Metropolitan Council Environmental Services

MCES is one of three divisions of the Metropolitan Council. MCES collects and treats wastewater at its eight regional treatment plants. It also develops plans to preserve and manage the region's water resources.

The division provides these services in ways that support the Council's regional growth strategy and protect public health and the environment.

Services provided by MCES ensure that:

Sufficient sewer capacity exists to serve planned development,
Sufficient capital investments are made to preserve water quality in the region,
Wastewater collection and treatment services are provided in a cost- and quality-competitive manner,
Local plans provide for adequate water supply and nonpoint pollution prevention in the region.

MCES conducts region-wide surface and groundwater planning and non-point source pollution abatement (the pollution that comes from urban runoff, etc, but not from a pipe). The division also conducts industrial wastewater management, and air and water quality monitoring and reporting. The division manages water resources in compliance with all regulatory requirements and in ways that help ensure environmental sustainability. MCES helps keep the region's rivers and lakes clean.

MCES treatment plants process 300 million gallons of wastewater every day from more than two million residents. Some 600 miles of large sewer pipes collect wastewater from 104 communities. The plants have been operating at 99 percent compliance with their permit requirements. The performance of the plants shows results. Water quality in the region's rivers--where the treated wastewater is discharged--is improving. Area rivers support a diversity of aquatic life and the waters are once again suitable for boating, fishing and, in certain areas, swimming.

General Manager: Bill Moore
MCES Information: 651 602-1096