DNR revamps system for water permits and compliance

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DNR, with eye on groundwater, rolls out new system to track water permits and complianceArticle by: Associated Press Updated: May 16, 2014 - 6:25 AM

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is rolling out a new system for managing water use permits as part of its continued effort to assure the sustainability of precious groundwater.

The DNR has created an Internet-based system to make it easier for people to apply for permits or seek changes in current permits. The system will also be used for reporting compliance data.

The agency says the change will be more efficient. The DNR says it will save about $255,000 annually, and will free up staff to do more work to field work to improve the environment.

The system also gives applicants access to maps and allows them to track their application status.

The DNR says it gets more than 10,000 permit applications or related transactions yearly.