Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/27/2024 Met Council creates water supply planning atlas The Met Council has developed a new water supply planning atlas to help local planners and elected officials in their decision making around water supply. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/16/2023 EPA awards Met Council’s water efficiency program The award honors our Water Efficiency Grant Program and community outreach through the “Turfgrass Trailer.” Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 9/21/2023 Consolidating wastewater surveillance Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota’s Medical School are consolidating all wastewater monitoring in the state through the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/24/2023 Getting clean water out of wastewater pipes We're developing a grant program that will help property owners pay for work that ensures their sewers convey only wastewater. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/6/2023 Wastewater treatment plants achieve 100% permit limit compliance Two of our plants — Hastings and St. Croix Valley — are among the top five performing wastewater treatment plants in the nation. Read more
Posted In: Date: 5/24/2023 Met Council proposes wastewater rate increase for 2024 The regional wastewater charge and industrial permit fee will each rise 6.8% next year; industrial waste strength charge by 6.2%, and the sewer availability charge will remain at $2,485. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/17/2023 Ring lost in sewer reunited with owner In March, crews working on a piece of machinery at the Rogers Wastewater Treatment Plant spotted a sparkle coming from the muck. It turned out to be a lost diamond ring. Read more
Posted In: Date: 5/16/2023 Fats and oils and grease, oh my! Our waste discharge rules prohibit excessive discharge of fats, oils, and grease that cause obstructions in sewers as well as operational problems at our wastewater treatment plants. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 4/12/2023 Discovery of diamond ring was a longshot The discovery of a diamond ring in some wastewater solids at the Rogers Wastewater Treatment Plant in March was like finding a needle in a haystack. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 2/23/2023 Met Council works to prevent unsafe discharges into regional sewer system Industries that provide important services and products are monitored so any inappropriate or illegal discharges are brought into compliance or otherwise remedied. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 2/14/2023 Partnership with dental offices reduces mercury in wastewater To date, we have measured a 67% reduction in the amount of mercury entering the massive Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant in Saint Paul. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 12/20/2022 New task force will address inflow and infiltration from private property Inflow and infiltration of clear water into the wastewater system, especially during major storm events, can overload the system and cause sewer backups and sewage overflows into rivers and lakes. Read more
Posted In: Date: 11/29/2022 Met Council renews support for U of M business intern program Interns in the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) work on projects that promote pollution prevention, energy efficiency, and water conservation. Read more
Posted In: Date: 11/28/2022 Wastewater biosolids enrich local crop soil Our Empire Wastewater Treatment Plant employs a comprehensive, multi-step process to turn wastewater into biosolids that are transported to nearby farms as a powerful organic fertilizer. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 9/27/2022 Task force to explore education campaign about what shouldn’t go down the drain Fats, oils, grease, and rags that are washed or flushed down the drain disrupt the flow of wastewater through the sanitary sewer system, leading to costly maintenance and equipment repairs. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/30/2022 Met Council and MPCA safeguarding Minnesotans against sewer hazards Officials outline actions to enhance monitoring, inspections, and early detection. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/25/2022 New report finds rising chloride levels in local streams Excess salt in our waterbodies threatens our environment. It damages infrastructure, compromises drinking water, and threatens pets, wildlife, and aquatic organisms. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/3/2022 Search continues for source in sewer system near University of Minnesota Two recent incidents have prompted evacuations at the University’s Twin Cities campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/27/2022 Proposed water conservation program to save water and cut costs A grant agreement with Saint Paul Regional Water Services will use advanced metering infrastructure equipment to identify significant leaks faster and more accurately than current methods. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/25/2022 Private property sewer repairs protect public health and water quality Private property owners will soon have access to funding to repair sewer pipes that come out of their property and ultimately connect to the regional wastewater system. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/1/2022 Residents cautioned: Do not put gas or other flammable materials down the sewer Yesterday’s explosion on the University of Minnesota campus is a stark reminder that the only thing that should go down the sewer besides human waste is toilet paper. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/20/2022 Met Council proposes wastewater rate increase for 2023 The 111 municipalities served by the regional wastewater collection and treatment system pay the Met Council based on the volume of wastewater they send to our wastewater treatment plants. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/9/2022 Council awards nearly $1 million in water efficiency grants 37 cities and townships will offer rebates or grants to residents to purchase replacement water-efficient toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation controllers, and more. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/23/2022 Help shape Met Council’s new Priority Waters List We're seeking feedback from those most impacted by and interested in our waterbodies, including water resources professionals, planners, engineers, elected officials, and engaged residents. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 2/22/2022 Council receives loan to finance wastewater capital projects A $50 million loan from the Minnesota Clean Water Revolving Fund will finance capital improvement projects at wastewater treatment plants and in the interceptor sewer system during 2022-2023. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 1/25/2022 Water efficiency grants available for municipalities Grants up to $50,000 can help reduce costs for residents, commercial properties, and government facilities that purchase and install replacement water-efficient products. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 12/20/2021 On the lookout for the Omicron variant Research scientists at the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant continue to monitor levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus entering the plant, now including the newest variant, Omicron, in their study. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/30/2021 Council earns Minnesota Public Works Project of the Year Award The award recognizes the successful construction of a project to rehabilitate an aging sewer near Minnehaha Park in south Minneapolis. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/10/2021 Hastings Wastewater Treatment Plant to be relocated The facility needs to be replaced because significant plant upgrades — required to handle future growth and potential regulatory changes — are not feasible at the present site. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/28/2021 Off the clock, Met Council scientist promotes awareness of native nongame fish In his day job, Tyler Winter monitors water quality in area rivers. When off-duty, he fishes these same waters and educates people about certain fish that have been much maligned through history. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/8/2021 Council earns national award for water conservation collaborations The award recognizes our agency’s dedication to helping consumers and businesses save water, despite the challenges and disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Posted In: Date: 7/29/2021 Met Council adopts 2022 wastewater rates The total municipal wastewater charge will increase by 4%; increases to individual municipalities will vary based on their overall 2020 wastewater flow. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/26/2021 117 years of perfect performance for clean water Our nine wastewater treatment plants continue to earn high honors for compliance with their federal clean water discharge permits. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/26/2021 Council proposes 2022 wastewater rates The Met Council proposes to raise wholesale wastewater rates to cities and townships by 4% in January 2022, while the sewer availability charge will remain flat for the eighth consecutive year. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 4/19/2021 Video fun: Teach kids about wastewater treatment We’ve updated a popular presentation and created an animated video about the water cycle and what happens at a wastewater treatment plant. Both work well for both in-person and virtual learning. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/19/2021 Cities adopt point-of-sale programs to prevent inflow and infiltration Wastewater traffic jams in sewers don’t cause a standstill; the water keeps coming from homes and businesses and the water levels keep rising. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 1/29/2021 What wastewater might tell us about COVID-19 infections Metro Plant scientists say research they’re doing with colleagues at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center could help predict COVID-19 outbreaks even before testing can identify cases. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/23/2020 Water supply partnerships benefit region A new report describes the many positive outcomes from the Minnesota Legislature’s decision in 2005 to give regional water supply planning responsibilities to the Met Council. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/23/2020 Wastewater treatment performance among top in nation All nine of our wastewater treatment plants were recognized for excellence in operational performance and permit compliance during 2019. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/17/2020 Wastewater agreements aim at better water quality in Lake Independence A trio of agreements have facilitated the most cost-effective way for the City of Loretto to be served by the regional wastewater collection and treatment system. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/12/2020 Metropolitan Council Environmental Services among "transformational" water agencies MCES is among 65 entities recognized this year for stewardship, resource recovery, partnership, and engagement. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 9/22/2020 Brooklyn Park sewer project protects river, improves service Originally anticipated to be completed in summer 2021, this project is currently on track to be finished in November 2020. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/23/2020 Council sets 2021 wastewater rates The overall municipal wastewater charge for 2021 is $240.3 million, just 2% more than 2020. The sewer availability charge will remain flat at $2,485 for the seventh consecutive year. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 6/23/2020 New sewer in Waconia serves regional growth We’re replacing an aging regional sewer pipe to ensure that Waconia, Victoria, and Laketown Township are able to keep growing. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 6/23/2020 Wastewater may yield clues to COVID-19 infection rates Samples of Metro Plant wastewater are being researched to determine if SARS-CoV-2 genetic material can be reliably quantified and related to the prevalence of COVID-19 in the plant’s service area. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/27/2020 Council proposes 2% wastewater rate increase for 2021 Environmental Services will transfer additional funds from the SAC reserve fund to help pay directly for capital improvements, as well as draw $2 million from its general reserve fund. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 4/29/2020 Protecting our health and water quality 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, through the COVID-19 pandemic, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services workers are on the job to protect public health and environment. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 4/7/2020 Minnehaha Regional Park area sewer construction continues Wastewater conveyance pipes and construction vehicles line the landscape near the popular park in south Minneapolis. For area residents and park visitors, it’ll mean some disruptions. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/18/2020 Wastewater solids processing improvements to begin this spring The multi-year program at the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant in Saint Paul will preserve existing solids processing infrastructure and optimize performance. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 2/14/2020 Helping businesses conserve water Businesses seeking to save money by conserving water and reducing wastewater discharges, energy use, or industrial waste: apply to the Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) Intern Program. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 1/8/2020 Videos explore what to expect during sewer construction In cities across the region, we are repairing or replacing aging sewer pipes and upgrading treatment plants. Take a humorous look at what you might experience near a construction site. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 12/11/2019 Council receives loan to finance wastewater treatment capital improvement projects Since 1990, Minnesota’s Clean Water Revolving Fund has awarded more than 565 loans for $3.1 billion, providing more than $691 million in interest savings to local governments and taxpayers. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/13/2019 Council grants aim to increase residential water efficiency Residents of 40 cities and townships will be eligible for rebates to purchase water-efficient toilets, clothes washers, irrigation controllers, and irrigation spray heads over the next three years. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/9/2019 Met Council awards stormwater grants to local governments The grants will support projects at redevelopment sites. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 9/24/2019 Construction starts on Minnehaha Park area sewer improvements The two-year, $25 million construction project will mean some inconveniences and disruptions that will require the patience and understanding of area residents and park visitors. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 9/16/2019 Project will show effectiveness of reducing I/I from private property Up to 80% of excess comes from private property. Addressing those sources is critical to protecting public health and ensuring the wastewater system has enough capacity to handle population growth. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 9/16/2019 Five-year study to understand impacts of growth, rain on wastewater flow through Minneapolis The study is expected to provide valuable data for the effort to reduce excessive inflow and infiltration (I/I) of stormwater and groundwater into the system. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/6/2019 Vintage sandstone tunnel makes for challenging sewer cleaning project An Environmental Services regional interceptor cleaning project has been an interesting mix of technology, geology, and sewer design and construction dating back to the mid-1930s. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/6/2019 Soccer stadium features innovative rainwater reuse system The new rainwater reuse system is expected to recycle more than 2 million gallons of rainwater every year. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/24/2019 Council approves 2020 wastewater rates The municipal wastewater charge will rise 3.6% overall, although any given city or town’s charge will vary based on its flow relative to total regional flow volume. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/22/2019 Council’s wastewater operations earn management, environmental awards Metropolitan Council Environmental Services was recognized during a national conference held in Minneapolis earlier this month. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/19/2019 Council offers water efficiency grants to municipal water suppliers Grants can be used for rebates to residents who replace inefficient water-using devices with approved devices that use substantially less water, or for irrigation system audits. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 6/25/2019 New website gives local governments easy access to wastewater flow data, I/I program information “We developed this tool in answer to a request from our most recent community task force on inflow and infiltration,” explained Anna Bessel, Assistant Manager for Engineering Programs. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 6/12/2019 Construction to start this summer on Minnehaha Park Area Sewer Improvement Project The aging regional sanitary sewer tunnel is under Minnehaha Creek near East Minnehaha Parkway. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/29/2019 College students help guide Council’s landscaping, water quality work A partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the Met Council is benefitting students and the natural environment. The work may, in some cases, result in long-term savings. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/22/2019 Council offers stormwater management grants for redevelopment projects Shovel-ready projects will be eligible for grants of between $10,000 and $100,000. The Council has a total of $500,000 available. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 4/29/2019 Treatment plants recognized for outstanding permit compliance The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recognized seven of eight Metropolitan Council wastewater treatment plants. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/22/2019 Wastewater treatment staff prepare for spring flooding The clock has started ticking on flood preparations at the massive Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/21/2019 Floods at Pigs Eye Island Pig’s Eye Island was an ideal site for a sewage treatment plant, but it was only about 12 feet above the normal level of the river and therefore susceptible to flooding. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/6/2019 Metropolitan Council to acquire Rogers Wastewater Treatment Plant The Council plans to operate the Rogers plant for about 10 years, then decommission the facility after a new Crow River Plant is built in western Hennepin County. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 1/8/2019 New Chaska Lift Station means more wastewater pumping capacity Over the last three years, MCES built a new, larger wastewater lift station that blended in so well with the surrounding community that its mission stumped even some local residents. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 1/2/2019 Council opens new web portal for SAC determinations The portal makes it easier to submit information and materials for a sewer availability charge (SAC) determination Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 12/13/2018 Growth in northwest metro prompts wastewater investment Following a public hearing in January and Council review and approval in February, the Council would acquire the new Crow River wastewater treatment plant in Rogers, to launch in 2030. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 12/12/2018 Council advances proposed wastewater reuse facility for southeast metro The Council will provide reclaimed water to Enerkem’s proposed waste-to-biofuels facility in Dakota County. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/26/2018 Sewer Availability Charge for industries will change in January Industrial customers of the Council’s wastewater treatment services will have another option to pay SAC for their process wastewater flows. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/1/2018 Council wastewater rates are very competitive In 2016, households in the Twin Cities paid about $274 per year for wastewater collection and treatment service. That’s 41% less than households in our peer regions across the country. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/24/2018 Regional sanitary sewer project works around a Saint Paul eagle nest Work on the Beltline Interceptor Sewer is covered under a special federal permit for construction taking place near an eagle nest. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/11/2018 New report: River water quality sees big improvement, some declines in last 40 years Generally, concentrations of sediment, bacteria and phosphorus decreased from 1976 to 2015, but nitrogen and chloride increased. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 10/4/2018 Council digs in to keep region’s wastewater system in tip-top shape Investments in wastewater infrastructure pay off in water quality, public health, livability. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 8/29/2018 Sewer separation, inflow and infiltration reduction efforts are paying off The Metropolitan Council and City of Minneapolis have reached another milestone in joint efforts to protect public health and water quality. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 8/14/2018 Hopkins area sewer improvements: onward and upward The renewed wastewater infrastructure will reliably protect public health and the environment—and support the region’s economic growth—for decades to come. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/27/2018 Council sets 2019 wastewater rates; SAC rate stays flat for fifth year running The overall municipal wastewater charge to the 109 communities served by the Metropolitan Council’s regional wastewater collection and treatment system will go up 3.5% in 2019. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/23/2018 National advocates unite to address serious water challenges Council collaborates with partners to ensure plentiful, clean water for all. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/18/2018 Council adds $5 million to Municipal I/I Grant Program The additional funding is good news for the 79 communities in the region eligible for municipal inflow and infiltration grants: Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/18/2018 Council offers $500,000 for local project to reduce inflow and infiltration from private property Local communities are invited to apply for up to $500,000 to demonstrate effective ways of reducing inflow and infiltration into the regional wastewater system from private property sources. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/17/2018 Council launches public outreach website on inflow and infiltration Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) has launched a website with resources for local governments and property owners. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/11/2018 Public hearing Aug. 30 on adding solids processing capacity at the Metro Plant A fourth incinerator would provide solids processing capacity during maintenance and meet the wastewater treatment needs of the 500,000 new residents expected in the plant’s service area by 2050. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 6/27/2018 Council adopts facility plan for wastewater reuse project in Inver Grove Heights and Rosemount The proposed project advances the reuse of wastewater once it’s been treated by the Council. Read more
Posted In: Parks, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/27/2018 Proposed sewer improvement project in Minnehaha Regional Park would address risk of aging sewer failure A 1930s-era sewer tunnel beneath the creek, near Hiawatha Avenue and the METRO Blue Line, is in serious need of repair. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/21/2018 Improvements at Seneca Wastewater Treatment Plant will boost odor control and energy efficiency, and lower emissions Upgrades to the plant will preserve and renew aging equipment and facilities, increase energy efficiency, and help MCES operate the plant efficiently and cost-effectively into the future. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 5/14/2018 Council approves policies for wastewater reuse Treating and reusing wastewater for industrial, irrigation, and other uses may benefit the regional wastewater system and sustain the seven-county region’s water resources for future generations. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/23/2018 Sewer improvements in Mound and Minnetrista begin this spring Major infrastructure improvements are coming to Mound and Minnetrista, thanks to collaborative efforts with the Metropolitan Council, local government and CenterPoint Energy. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/22/2018 Council eases SAC burden for business Task force of city and business representatives recommended the changes, which go into effect July 1, 2018. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/15/2018 Council grants help growing communities use water more efficiently Property owners across the region are saving an estimated 52 million gallons of water annually, thanks to the Council's Water Efficiency Grant Program. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 2/9/2018 Council proposes additional policies for wastewater reuse The Metropolitan Council is considering new policies related to wastewater reuse, as an outgrowth of a community-based customer task force. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 12/1/2017 Partners in water quality monitoring: Developing leadership in the next generation Since 1993, the Council has enlisted citizen volunteers to bolster its own monitoring work on lakes in the seven-county region. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 11/22/2017 Partnership with U of M promotes water savings Survey found lawn irrigation systems overwater, waste water and money, and lawns aren’t necessarily better for it. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 11/22/2017 Engineer recalls fragmented, polluting sewage system Dr. Russ Susag reflects on how collaboration created our award-winning wastewater treatment system that treats 250 million gallons of wastewater a day from 2.6 million residents. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 11/20/2017 Council launches innovative program with local companies to improve water quality, save money New partnership with two local food producers will focus on treating the wastewater being produced by the two companies more efficiently and sustainably. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 10/16/2017 Council water supply team earns kudos from U of M A Met Council and U of M partnership earns kudos for helping metro area businesses and organizations find ways to conserve water and save money. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/29/2017 Alene Tchourumoff joins students at Children's Water Festival The Council sponsors the water education event with 25 other regional sponsors. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/28/2017 Council “green infrastructure” grants support local water initiatives In September, the Council awarded $1 million to five metro cities looking to improve water quality and encourage conservation. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/28/2017 Council holds overall municipal wastewater charge increase to 3.7% Expanding and rehabilitating sewer interceptor pipes and other wastewater collection and treatment facilities is the biggest driver of the increase. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/26/2017 Council funds “U” research on lawn irrigation, drought resistance of grasses Council funds University of Minnesota study of lawn irrigation practices to help homeowners and communities save money and conserve water. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 6/15/2017 Human noses critical for odor control at wastewater facilities The “nasal rangers” at the Metropolitan Council’s Odor Lab wish they were smelling flowers, but that’s not what they were hired to do. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/8/2017 Local government sun-sharing partners earn environmental award Collaboration is at the heart of a solar garden initiative that is getting a lot of attention for “harnessing the power of partnerships.” Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/5/2017 Council helps manage prairie with prescribed burn The use of native plant species and the active management of the site with fire demonstrates MCES’s commitment toward being a valued leader and partner in water sustainability. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/2/2017 Council awards $1 million for stormwater management projects Funding will support eight projects across the region that will improve water quality and reuse stormwater for irrigation. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 5/9/2017 Grant program seeks integrated solutions to water problems The Council is accepting applications for a pilot grant program that will fund integrated solutions to water-related problems in the Twin Cities metro area. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 4/17/2017 Council and partners earn Clean Water Champion Award The award recognized the partners for their work to help communities in the metro area to reduce or offset their demands on groundwater. Read more
Posted In: Housing, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/7/2017 Council offers grant to assist manufactured housing to hook up to regional wastewater system The Council is offering a grant of up to $250,000 as part of a pilot program to assist a manufactured home park in the region to connect to the regional wastewater collection and treatment system. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/23/2017 Council appoints Wastewater Reuse Task Force The Council has appointed a Wastewater Reuse Task Force to review the Council’s existing wastewater reuse policies and recommend clarifications needed to respond to opportunities for wastewater reuse. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 3/16/2017 Council partners with U of M to study phosphorus in ash as a crop fertilizer Ash resulting from wastewater treatment may be a good source of phosphorus for crops. If proven viable for fertilizing crops, the ash would be cost-competitive with traditional fertilizers. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/7/2017 Council offers stormwater grants The Metropolitan Council invites watershed management organizations, watershed districts, and soil and water conservation districts to apply for stormwater management grants. Apply by April 14. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 2/22/2017 New report outlines challenges to sustaining long-range water supply The Twin Cities has a good supply of water – and will for a long time – but new challenges will threaten the abundance of clean water if we don’t plan to sustain the resource. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 12/7/2016 Physical challenges of sewer repair can be daunting In the region’s northern suburbs, the Council's Environmental Services group is rehabilitating the aging pipes in the massive interceptor sewer network. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 12/1/2016 New SAC Task Force to reexamine outdoor seating, ways to simplify SAC application process The Metropolitan Council has appointed a new 17-member task force to discuss and make recommendations on several issues related to the sewer availability charge, or SAC. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/21/2016 Cities in Dakota County explore water conservation and stormwater reuse Many ideas grew out of Council studies of regional drinking water supply, water reuse and groundwater recharge in the southeast metro. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 8/3/2016 Council approves wastewater rates for 2017 In 2017, the Metropolitan Council will increase charges to municipal customers for wastewater collection and treatment an average of 5.4%. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/20/2016 Council saves energy, helps the planet The Council's Environmental Services group's efficient operations are reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting alternative energy, and protecting the environment. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 2/8/2016 Rehabbing regional sewer pipes protects a valuable public asset The Council is working hard to keep the region's aging sewer interceptor system strong and reliable – and to meet the needs of a growing population. Read more
Posted In: Wastewater & Water Date: 7/15/2015 ‘Flushable’ wipes clogging up sewer pumps Wipes that are marketed as flushable are increasingly clogging up city and regional sewers. While they might flush down your toilet, they don’t biodegrade like toilet paper does. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/14/2015 Council approves grants for innovative stormwater reuse The projects in Waconia and at the Minnesota Zoo are the latest examples of the Council’s longstanding commitment to find solutions to reduce stormwater runoff and improve surface water quality. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 2/6/2015 Innovative system will capture rainwater to keep new Saint Paul baseball field green CHS Field also will host a sustainability feature that captures rainwater from the rooftop of Metro Transit’s adjacent METRO Green Line Operations and Maintenance Facility. Read more