A new toolkit will walk you through possible options to make the cleanup process an opportunity for future environmental and economic benefit. Find out more about this intriguing project, supported by a grant from the EPA, visit the MPCA's Remediation Web page . The MPCA has published a guidance document for operators of stabilization pond wastewater treatment plants that emphasizes problems associated with discharge to ice-covered receiving waters. Ice-covered streams, rivers and ditches don't have the ability to aerate the waste, so the oxygen demand exerted by the discharge could deplete receiving waters of oxygen. Avoid discharges between December 16 and March 31, but don't worry about ice-out time.
Cold water carries oxygen better than warmer spring waters, and it also minimizes algae growth.
Higher spring flows from snowmelt dilute discharges as well. Read the guidance on the Scheduled Maintenance Bypassing Guidelines page on the MPCA's Web site for other great ideas on how to minimize the impacts of stabilization pond discharges on the environment. Phase II stormwater rules. Interns can help you improve your use of raw materials, investigate new technology, reduce waste and save money - at no cost to you. The result is a must-read fact sheet that offers strategies to reduce pollution while saving money or improving efficiency at the same time.