MPCA seeking public comment of draft fish call protocol

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has released a statewide, multi-agency protocol regarding how fish kills are handled amongst various state agencies and is now seeking public comment on the draft protocol.

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law mandating the development of a fish kill response protocol. A fish kill is the unexpected, sudden death of large numbers of fish in a certain area. The fish kills addressed in the new protocol include those related to the discharge or runoff of pollutants from the land through incidents like toxic spills; runoff of manure, pesticides, or fertilizers; and high-temperature wastewater or stormwater discharges.

The new guidance includes investigation process, communications expectations, and strategies for reducing fish kills. The protocol is open for review and comment through May 10. A virtual public meeting will be hosted by the MPCA at 10 a.m. April 16.

To find more information and the link to comment, go to MPCA shares proposed multi-agency protocol for fish kills | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us)