Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Overview

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) monitors environmental quality, offers technical and financial assistance, and enforces environmental regulations. The MPCA finds and cleans up spills or leaks that can affect our health and environment. Staff develop statewide policy, and support environmental education. The MPCA works with many partners — citizens, communities, businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators — to prevent pollution and conserve resources.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency protects our air by monitoring pollutants, making rules and enforcing laws to maintain air quality, and issuing permits to facilities to control air pollution.

Water is one of Minnesota's most abundant and precious resources. The MPCA helps protect our water by monitoring its quality, setting standards and controlling what may go into it.

Waste is an expensive and sometimes unavoidable result of human activity. It occurs in our homes, offices and factories. However, we can prevent or reduce waste. The MPCA works with industry, government and citizens to reduce and manage waste.

Environmental rules and regulations are essential tools used to protect Minnesota's environment. These rules and regulations set standards for environmental quality and limits on pollutants. The MPCA helps protect our environment by writing rules and enforcing regulations.

The MPCA's main office is located in St. Paul with regional offices in Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Mankato, Marshall, Rochester and Willmar.