Regulations and Permits Related to Infested Waters

Nathan OlsonAquatic Invasive Species Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources218-739-7576 ext. 259

nathan.olson@state.mn.us

AIS Prevention: Regulations and Permits

Today’s Topics:• What are infested waters?

• What are the regulations related to infested waters and water appropriation?

• What is the process to obtain permits?

• Questions

AIS Prevention: Regulations and PermitsWhat is a designated “infested water”?• The DNR designates waters that (1) contain aquatic invasive species that could spread to other waters if use of the water and related activities are not regulated to prevent spread, and (2) waters connected to designated infested waters.• Common carp and curly-leaf pondweed excluded.

Spiny waterflea

AIS Prevention: Regulations and PermitsHow do you know if a water body is a designated “infested waters”?• Signs at accesses or stream• Fishing regs booklet• State Register (official)• DNR Web site (official)• Call Invasive Species Specialist

AIS Prevention: Regulations and PermitsWhat are the regulations related to “infested waters”?

M.R. 6216 - Water from designated infested waters may not be diverted to other waters, transported on a public road, or transported or appropriated off property riparian to infested waters except: … under permit or emergencies

AIS Prevention: Regulations and PermitsWhat are the “draining” regs?

M.S. 84D - “When leaving waters of the state a person must drain water-related equipment holding water and live wells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the water-related equipment off the water access site or riparian property.”

“Drain plugs,… valves, … must be removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment.”

Example Infested Waters Permits

MPCA Water quality sampling

Infested Waters Permit: To take water samples from infested watersConditions: Label containers; treat water by boiling before discharge

FROM

AIS

INFESTED WATERS

Example Infested Waters Permits

Sucker Lake to Snail Lake

Infested Waters Permit: To pump water from infested lake to raise Snail Lake Condition: Filter water to 25 microns

Example Infested Waters Permits

Union Lake to wetland

Permit Condition:Required filtration of water to 500 microns

Example Infested Waters Condition

Pesticide Mixes

Potential permit conditions:• Require to filter water (size varies by species)• Clean off and flush hoses used in infested waters• Dispose leftover water at least 300 feet from other waters

Photo credit: Forest Resources

Options for Taking Water from Surface Waters

1. Recommended: Use an uninfested waterbody – a) No permit, if less that 10,00 gallons per day or 1

million per year / per waterbodyb) Use general permit if temporary activity (<1 YR);c) Apply for appropriation permit if more than

10,000 gallons per day or 1 million per year / per waterbody.

2. If no uninfested water is nearby and available –a) apply for infested waters permit*;b) Same as b) and c) above if meet threshold** May take up to 90 days for any of these permits

AIS Prevention: Regulations and Permits

AIS Prevention: Regulations and PermitsWhat is the process to obtain permits?

Visit DNR Web site at:www.dnr.state.mn.us/permits/invasive_species/index.htmlwww.dnr.state.mn.us/permits/water/index.html

What is the process to obtain permits?

1. Obtain application form online2. Complete application3. Submit application4. Wait for decision on application5. Print, sign and provide copy of permit to those

working under the permit6. Keep copies in vehicles taking water

AIS Prevention: Regulations and Permits

One more thing …take precautions to avoid spreading terrestrial invasive species during your work. • arrive with clean gear• leave with clean gear• visit www.playcleango.org

AIS Prevention: Regulations and Permits

Questions?