Environmental Regulation

Hornady Manufacturing Company - Hazardous Waste Enforcement

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy filed a complaint against Hornady Manufacturing Company on April 17, 2020, alleging violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for improper hazardous waste management. A consent decree was entered on November 5, 2020, requiring remediation, and the case concluded with satisfaction of judgement filed February 5, 2021.

SRB Feeding Operation / Lagoon Pumping & Dredging Livestock Waste Violation

Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy filed a judicial complaint in District Court of Seward County against SRB Feeding Operation and Lagoon Pumping & Dredging, Inc. for violations under the Livestock Waste Control program. Case No. 3459 was filed on June 17, 2022. The enforcement action targets alleged violations at a livestock feeding operation identified by FID 64285.

C & I Cattle Company and Ken A. Kohlhof - Environmental Enforcement Action

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) filed a complaint against C & I Cattle Company and Ken A. Kohlhof in the District Court of Hall County (Case No. CI 19-593) on July 19, 2019. The enforcement action resulted in a Consent Decree and Consent Order, requiring the respondents to address environmental violations.

Preferred Pump & Equipment d/b/a Pulstar Manufacturing RCRA Enforcement Action

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) initiated an enforcement action against Preferred Pump & Equipment d/b/a Pulstar Manufacturing for alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The District Court of Dodge County issued a Complaint and approved a Consent Decree on June 4, 2018. Case Number CI 18-305. This represents a judicial enforcement action under RCRA hazardous waste management requirements.

DEQ recommends well testing for Saratoga area private owners

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WY DEQ), Water Quality Division, issued a public health advisory recommending private well owners in the greater Saratoga area test their wells for arsenic. Elevated arsenic levels (24-32 μg/L) were detected in the Cow Creek Station Subdivision, exceeding the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 μg/L. Private well owners are responsible for testing and treating their own water since private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Wyoming DEQ Grant Proposals for NOx Emissions Reduction

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WY DEQ) announced the opening of a competitive grant application period for NOx emissions reduction projects. DEQ will allocate $1,500,000 in Volkswagen Settlement Funds to eligible applicants whose projects reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicles under the state's VW Mitigation Plan. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2025.

Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy tracks progress, maps path to water quality goals

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released the 2025 Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy update, reporting that water flowing out of Minnesota through the Mississippi River now carries 32% less phosphorus and 6% less nitrogen compared to baseline levels. The strategy, developed by over 100 experts from state, federal, and local agencies, updates the original 2014 Minnesota NRS and maps a path to meet 2040 water quality goals through expanded voluntary and regulatory programs.

Conservation Officer Profile and We Are Water MN Traveling Exhibit

MPCA published a feature story on Conservation Officer Phil George and the We Are Water MN traveling exhibit hosted at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo in Byron, Minnesota. The story highlights the role of conservation officers in protecting Minnesota's public waters and promotes the free exhibit running through April 20, 2026.

Climate Action Framework update builds on past successes, calls for accelerating climate action

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released the 2026 Climate Action Framework on February 11, 2026, an update to the original 2022 framework developed with input from hundreds of Minnesotans. The framework outlines over 400 specific actions across seven goal areas to meet state climate targets of 50% GHG reduction by 2030 and 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. Near-term priorities include achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, accelerating electric vehicle adoption, reducing building emissions, and cutting agriculture emissions.

Lake of the Woods water quality improving, fewer algal blooms

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released findings from MPCA-funded research showing Lake of the Woods is experiencing improved water quality conditions. Total phosphorus and chlorophyll levels are trending downward, with data suggesting a potential 23%-29% reduction in total phosphorus in the lake's active sediment. The lake remains on Minnesota's impaired waters list pending completion of a Total Maximum Daily Load study.