Red Tape May Be Strangling Minnesota Nitrate Policies

As Minnesota struggles against high nitrate levels, its policies in this arena may not be helping.

That's one takeaway from a recent article published by a Times Writers Group columnist.

"I decided to investigate why there are review periods and not clear consequences for violations and non-compliance. I found reasoned answers encumbered by layers of bureaucratic red tape, rules and statutes," she wrote.

She cited various examples of red tape and government slowness. For instance, the approval process can take two years if recommendations are brought to the legislature. In addition, proving non-compliance with nitrates rules is difficult and costly, she said.

She provided some recommendations: "While some favor regulations, the path forward may involve greater cooperation and compliance by Minnesotans with different shades of green — less fertilizer and not-so-intense green leaves; consistent yields of alfalfa, corn and potato crops; and fewer contaminants and less green water," she wrote.

The backdrop is that state officials have been promising to crack down on nitrates.

"Minnesotans are spending millions of dollars to deal with nitrate contamination in their water, and the state agriculture department says it's time to insist that farmers do more to prevent the problem," MPR News reported.

A study by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MCPA) turned up high nitrate levels. The study found that "several Minnesota streams exceed standards established to protect potential drinking water sources. Minnesota also contributes to the oxygen-depleted zone in the Gulf of Mexico. That 'dead zone' is currently the size of Massachusetts," according to the agency.

"The state's agriculture department, the main agency responsible for regulating nitrates, estimates about 280 townships - one-tenth of the state's area -- have problems with the chemical in groundwater," MPR News reported.

MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine expressed concern.

“I believe Minnesota farmers are committed to conservation, stewardship and water quality protection,” he said. "But collectively, too much nitrate is ending up in streams and rivers. We have to do better.”

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