Minnesota H2O: who's in charge?

It's been quite awhile since we've had any rain around here. From what I can read, it's much worse west and south of here. Meanwhile, many states, including Minnesota, continue to let agriculture pollute the crap (sorry, couldn't resist) into their surface and groundwaters. In Minnesota, and a number of other  states, we compound the problem by failing to adopt and apply rigorous discharge and design standards for mining activities. The last time I took a look, the Great Lakes Compact states were interpreting and applying policy kind of loosely deciding who's eligible to tap into that fresh  water resource.

who's responsible for protecting Minnesota waters

Photo by J. Harrington

Once upon a time, both Will Rogers and Mark Twain shared a sentiment about the value of buying land. Fresh water in potable, swimmable, or fishable condition is an even rarer resource. So, back in 2011, the Water Resources Center responded to a 2009 directive from the Minnesota Legislature by developing and publishing The MINNESOTA WATER SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK.

The Framework identifies ten major issues that present the challenges, and solutions to those challenges, that must be addressed if water sustainability is to be achieved in Minnesota. These issues (labeled A – J) fall within the three areas that define sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. 

One of those major issues proposes a desired future described as "Governments, institutions, and communities working together to implement an overarching water sustainability policy that is aligned with all other systems policies (land use, energy, economic development, transportation, food and fiber production) through laws, ordinances, and actions that promote resilience and sustainability." The problem is that:

Minnesota’s waters are governed by hundreds of laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances involving more than 20 federal agencies, seven state agencies, and hundreds of local units of government. 

I doubt very seriously that we're much, if any, closer to the desired future proposed than at the time the Framework was drafted. In fact, what we're seeing more and more of is the Minnesota Legislature attempting to act as both the legislative and the executive branch of government. Check it's actions in regard to mining and environmental regulations; the governor's emergency powers; mutual aid support among local units of government; and, no doubt, other issues legislators find critical to their reelection (Clean Cars, anyone?).

Meanwhile, if anyone can point me toward specific legislative action taken in support of implementing the Water Sustainability Framework that body directed be prepared, I'll be pleasantly surprised. Do you remember the old advice about the time to lock the barn door? Perhaps we should require candidates for elective office to sign a pledge at least acknowledging their familiarity with that advice before they can be considered a legitimate candidate for any office.

Water

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

The water understands 

Civilization well; 

It wets my foot, but prettily, 

It chills my life, but wittily, 

It is not disconcerted, 

It is not broken-hearted: 

Well used, it decketh joy, 

Adorneth, doubleth joy: 

Ill used, it will destroy, 

In perfect time and measure 

With a face of golden pleasure 

Elegantly destroy.

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