Minnesota senate to fund $3M for nitrate pollution solution

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Senate is poised to pass a significant funding initiative designed to tackle the pressing issue of nitrate pollution in southeastern Minnesota. This initiative is part of a broader agriculture, energy, and environment omnibus bill debated on the Senate floor.

The proposed $3 million one-time funding aims to mitigate the effects of nitrate pollution, primarily resulting from agricultural fertilizer runoff. Of this, $2 million will be allocated to the Minnesota Department of Health.

This funding will be used in eight specific counties—Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona—to test water, repair and replace contaminated wells, and install reverse osmosis filtration systems.

An additional $750,000 will support the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in providing in-home water treatment systems. This fund will also cover outreach and education to further enhance community awareness and engagement in pollution reduction practices.

The legislation includes a $500,000 boost to a soil health financial assistance program in the same region. This program is designed to cover up to half the cost of new equipment for farmers committed to adopting practices that reduce fertilizer runoff, thereby enhancing soil health.

Senator Torrey Westrom from Alexandria, who leads the Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, expressed strong support for the agriculture components of the omnibus bill. He noted that the inclusion of these measures in a broader, more controversial bill could complicate the voting process for some legislators.

Following a brief discussion on the agricultural aspects, the Senate's attention shifted to a more contentious debate regarding licensing requirements for selling copper wire.

This legislative package represents a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions to enhance water quality and agricultural practices in Minnesota.

Photo Credit -minnesota-department-of-agriculture