Meghan Hodges
Minnesota has made significant strides in reducing pollution and currently meets federal standards. However, there is still room for improvement, especially in addressing the various sources of pollution that impact the state's air, water, and natural environment. Minnesota's pollution stems from a range of factors, including combustion sources, agricultural practices, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and residential wood burning. The state has set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, with a focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources and implementing sustainable practices. While Minnesota faces challenges in tackling pollution, the efforts of the state government, nonprofits, and individuals demonstrate a collective commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents and protecting the state's natural resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution levels | Have decreased over the years and currently meet federal standards |
| --- Air pollution sources | Vehicles and heavy-duty equipment, including cars, trucks, trains, boats, snowmobiles, farming and construction equipment |
| --- Air pollution in 2020 | Every city registered in Minnesota had a PM2.5 reading that fell within the World Health Organization's target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less |
| --- Most polluted month in 2020 | December in Rochester, with a PM2.5 reading of 14.9 μg/m³ |
| --- Main air pollutants | Black carbon and volatile organic compounds |
| --- Water pollutants | Chloride from road salts, mercury from electric utilities, taconite mining, and discarded products |
| --- Water bodies that fail to meet quality standards | 305 water bodies with 417 impairments added in 2022, totalling 2,904 water bodies with 6,168 impairments in Minnesota |
| --- Wetlands | Added in recent years, but many are undergoing conversion from natural wetlands to cultivated wetlands, reducing their ecological value |
| --- Impact of pollution | Played a role in 10% of deaths in the Twin Cities metro area in 2015; higher in communities with low incomes and people of color |
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What You'll Learn
Minnesota's air pollution
Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", is the 22nd most populous state in the USA, with over 5.63 million inhabitants. The state's economy was historically centred around industries such as agriculture, railways, and timber, but it has since shifted towards modernised industries like finance and services. These industries can impact air quality, as they tend to have a larger pollutive fallout and attract people from out of state.
Minnesota maintains a respectable level of air quality throughout its cities, with occasional spikes in PM2.5 that can cause the air to become more dangerous to breathe at certain times of the year. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter and can pose major health risks when inhaled due to its small size and composition of various materials. Sources of PM2.5 pollutants include combustion sources such as vehicular engines, boilers in factories and power plants, and forest fires. The state's large population also contributes to air pollution, with hundreds of thousands of cars on the road at any given time, releasing exhaust fumes containing hazardous particulate matter.
In 2020, every city in Minnesota met the World Health Organization's (WHO) target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less for PM2.5 levels, indicating good air quality. However, there were months with significantly higher PM2.5 counts, indicating pollutive issues within the state. For example, the city of Minnetrista had a yearly PM2.5 average of 9.5 μg/m³, placing it just within the WHO's target goal.
Despite overall decreasing trends in air pollution, it continues to impact the health of Minnesotans. In 2015, air pollution played a role in about 10% of all deaths (approximately 1,600 people) in the Twin Cities metro area, and it was a factor in nearly 500 hospitalisations for heart and lung problems. Communities with higher percentages of people of colour had more than five times the rate of asthma emergency room visits related to air pollution than predominantly white areas. Additionally, mercury from electric utilities, though decreased in recent years, still affects the state's air quality and ecosystems.
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Minnesota's water pollution
Minnesota has made significant progress in improving its water quality, particularly by reducing pollutants such as phosphorus, ammonia, and bacteria. However, water pollution remains a pressing issue, with approximately 2,904 water bodies facing 6,168 impairments, according to a 2022 report. The state's water resources are of global significance, as it is the headwaters of three of the largest watersheds in North America: the Mississippi, the Great Lakes, and Hudson Bay. Therefore, protecting and restoring Minnesota's water quality is a crucial task.
One of the key issues contributing to water pollution in Minnesota is the impact of human alterations to natural water systems. About half of the state's 83,000 stream miles have been physically altered by channelizing, ditching, and damming projects, which can lead to higher pollutant levels and degraded habitats. Additionally, impervious surfaces like pavement and buildings can disrupt water flow, causing flooding and pollution issues in surrounding areas. The transportation system also plays a role in water pollution, as salt used on roads and parking lots can contaminate surface water bodies.
Agricultural practices are another significant source of water pollution in Minnesota. More than 70% of nitrate pollution in the state's waters comes from cropland, and the use of drain tiles contributes to this issue by allowing rainwater to carry excess nutrients into surface waters. The Minnesota River and its tributaries, for example, face issues with elevated sediment and nutrient concentrations, as well as high bacteria counts, which can harm aquatic life.
Groundwater contamination is also a concern in Minnesota, as it serves as the drinking water source for approximately 75% of the state's population and is crucial for crop irrigation. Improperly managed landfills, leaking underground tanks at gas stations, and other sources can contaminate groundwater. To address these issues, Minnesota has organizations like the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), which works to drive long-term systemic change and protect the state's water resources for future generations.
Overall, while Minnesota has made strides in improving water quality, there is still work to be done. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) plays a vital role in assessing and restoring impaired waters, and the state's water-related organizations emphasize the importance of collaboration between various sectors to ensure clean water for everyone.
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Greenhouse gas emissions
Minnesota has set goals to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The 2007 Next Generation Energy Act set benchmarks to reduce GHG emissions by 15% from 2005 levels by 2015, 30% by 2025, and 80% by 2050. The state made progress towards these goals, with a 23% reduction in GHG emissions from 2005 to 2020. However, there was a rebound in emissions as Minnesotans returned to pre-pandemic routines, with a 6.4% increase in emissions between the end of 2020 and 2022. Despite this rebound, emissions in sectors like transportation, electricity generation, and agriculture remain below 2019 levels.
Transportation is the largest source of GHG emissions in Minnesota, accounting for about 25% to 29% of the state's emissions. Within the transportation sector, light- and heavy-duty trucks are the largest sources of GHG emissions. To address this, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is implementing its Carbon Reduction Strategy (CRS) to increase the use of electric vehicles and improve travel options. The second-largest source of emissions is agriculture, contributing about 25% of the state's GHGs. While net emissions from agriculture have remained stable since 2005, improved efficiency and sustainable practices have prevented emissions from rising despite increased production.
The residential sector is the fifth-largest source of GHG emissions, with natural gas use for heating and appliances being the largest contributor. Emissions from this sector have increased by 38% over the past 17 years. The commercial sector, including buildings for businesses and public entities, is the sixth-largest source, accounting for about 7% of emissions. Burning natural gas for heating is the main driver of emissions in this sector, which have increased by 48% since 2005.
Minnesota has taken steps towards reducing its GHG emissions and preparing for climate change. The state's Climate Action Framework sets more ambitious goals, targeting a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, the land use, land-use change, and forestry sector has become a carbon sink, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it releases. This sector offset 8.4% of all other emissions in the state in 2022, with the rate of net sequestration increasing by about 20% since 2005 due to the growth of Minnesota's forests.
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Mercury emissions
Minnesota has been actively working to reduce mercury emissions and keep the toxic heavy metal out of the environment. The state has set a goal of limiting mercury air emissions to 789 pounds per year from Minnesota sources by December 31, 2025. This target was outlined in the statewide mercury Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study, which was approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in March 2007.
Mercury is a highly toxic substance that poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment. Even in small amounts, mercury can cause serious harm. In Minnesota, mercury emissions have been a particular concern due to their impact on the state's abundant natural resources, including its famous lakes and wetlands. Mercury emitted into the air can mix with rainfall, eventually finding its way into these water bodies. As a result, fish in these waters can accumulate high levels of mercury, making them unsafe for human consumption. This is especially true for larger fish, such as bass and walleye, which require lower mercury emissions to be considered safe to eat.
To address this issue, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has taken several measures. Firstly, they prepared a comprehensive report that evaluated the sources of mercury and identified the necessary reductions to meet water-quality standards. This report, known as the TMDL: Mercury Reduction Plans, includes strategies to maintain mercury levels in water discharges below 24 pounds per year and mercury air emissions below the statewide goal of 789 pounds per year. The MPCA also requires certain facilities, particularly those with air-quality permits that emit mercury above certain thresholds, to submit mercury reduction plans. For instance, American Crystal Sugar proposed limiting mercury emissions from its boilers to less than 10 pounds per year, while Gerdau Ameristeel, an iron and steel producer, aims to reduce mercury emissions to less than 35 milligrams per ton of iron/steel produced.
Additionally, Minnesota has specific laws and regulations in place to control mercury emissions. These laws cover the sale, use, labelling, and disposal of all forms of mercury. For instance, elemental mercury and compounds can only be sold for specified uses, and all products must be appropriately labelled to inform users about the presence of mercury. Furthermore, the federal government has enacted standards for mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and banned the use of mercury in latex paints and agricultural fungicides.
The state has also set specific targets for different industries. For instance, ferrous mining or processing facilities are required to reduce mercury emissions by 72% from 2008/2010 emission levels by January 1, 2025. Similarly, taconite processing facilities and direct-reduced iron facilities must ensure that mercury emissions from their furnaces do not exceed 28% of the mercury emitted in 2008 or 2010, whichever is greater. To achieve these goals, owners or operators of mercury emission sources must submit plans to the commissioner, demonstrating the use of optimized air pollution control equipment, improved work practices, or alternative fuels and raw materials to reduce mercury emissions by at least 70%. Overall, these efforts reflect Minnesota's commitment to minimizing mercury emissions and protecting the health and well-being of its citizens and natural environment.
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Pollution from vehicles
Minnesota has a large number of main pollutants in its air, including black carbon (the main component of soot) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be released from vehicle engines, factories, and the burning of wood or other organic matter. On-road motor vehicles make up approximately 28% of the state's overall emissions, while off-road vehicles and equipment contribute an additional 19%. Despite this, the total amount of emissions from highway vehicles has decreased significantly over the past 20 years, with a nearly 50% reduction in pollutants since 1990. This downward trend is encouraging, but more work is needed to ensure these gains continue.
To reduce transportation emissions, Minnesota has implemented clean car standards that set limits on tailpipe pollution for auto manufacturers. These standards require manufacturers to deliver new light- and medium-duty vehicles with lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants to the Minnesota market. The auto industry has successfully met these standards since 2012, and all new vehicles sold in Minnesota from 2012 to 2020 have been LEV-certified. Additionally, Minnesota has adopted the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard, which requires manufacturers to deliver an increasing number of vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions each year.
To support the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce transportation emissions, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is investing in EV charging infrastructure across the state. In 2019, the MPCA awarded $1.4 million in grants to install 22 EV fast-charging stations along highway corridors, and from 2020 to 2023, the agency will invest an additional $3.5 million in EV charging stations, expanding the charging network by over 2,500 miles. The MPCA has also launched an electric school bus pilot project, providing grants to school districts to replace old diesel-powered buses with electric alternatives, which can reduce GHG emissions by at least 29 tons per vehicle.
While Minnesota has made progress in reducing vehicle emissions, there are still concerns about the impact of combustion engines on air quality. Emissions from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles are a significant source of air pollution in the state, and tampering with vehicle emissions control systems is illegal. Tires are also a significant source of pollution, releasing tons of microscopic rubber particles due to wear and tear. As Minnesota continues to address transportation emissions, it is important to consider not only tailpipe pollution but also other sources of pollution related to vehicles, such as tire wear and road pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Minnesota's air pollution levels have decreased over the past few decades and currently meet federal standards. However, there are still health risks associated with the pollution levels in the state.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota, accounting for about 29% of the state's emissions. The commercial sector is the sixth-largest source, with emissions mainly driven by burning natural gas to heat buildings.
Air pollution played a role in 10% of all deaths in the Twin Cities metro area in 2015, and it was a major factor in nearly 500 hospitalizations for heart and lung problems. In Greater Minnesota cities, the percentage of deaths ranged from 8% in Duluth to 10% in Rochester and 8% in St. Cloud.
The state government and various nonprofits are working to reduce pollution through initiatives such as clean car standards, clean transportation investments, and land-based cleanup programs. Individual Minnesotans can also help by reducing landfill emissions, minimizing food waste, and recycling or composting trash.
