The Department of Natural Resources Administrative Penalty Order (APO) Plan describes how the DNR will implement its APO authority for water appropriation occurring without a required permit. The document outlines a set of actions DNR may take to ensure that water users comply with water appropriation laws.
A water appropriation permit is required for any use of surface water or groundwater that exceeds 10,000 gallons per day or 1 million gallons per year.
The goal of the APO is to enhance the protection of Minnesota’s water resources by encouraging compliance with the state’s water appropriation laws.
Stakeholder inputs informed the plan
Changes to language in Minnesota Statute 103G.299 during the 2023 legislative session required the DNR to revise the APO plan. The DNR shared the plan revisions with stakeholders and held a 30-day informal public comment period to solicit input and feedback on the changes. Public participation and input is an important part of serving the public and developing thoughtful regulatory programs at the DNR. The final APO plan, provided below, was improved by giving careful consideration to each of the comments received.
Contacts
If you have questions regarding the APO Plan, please contact DNR water use consultant, Dan Miller at [email protected] or 651-259-5731.