1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to natural resources; appropriating money for 
  1.3             studies relating to harvesting of peat; requiring 
  1.4             reports. 
  1.5   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.6      Section 1.  [APPROPRIATIONS FOR PEAT STUDIES.] 
  1.7      Subdivision 1.  [RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION OF 
  1.8   PEATLANDS.] $....... is appropriated to the natural resources 
  1.9   research institute for a study of reclamation and restoration 
  1.10  options for harvested peatlands.  By October 1, 1997, the 
  1.11  natural resources research institute shall report on the study 
  1.12  to the chairs of the senate and house environment and natural 
  1.13  resources committees.  The report must include recommendations, 
  1.14  if any, for changes to existing state laws and rules relating to 
  1.15  reclamation and restoration of harvested peatlands. 
  1.16     Subd. 2.  [WATER QUALITY IMPACTS OF PEAT MINING.] (a) 
  1.17  $....... is appropriated to the natural resources research 
  1.18  institute for a study of water quality impacts and permitting 
  1.19  requirements related to peat harvesting operations.  The study 
  1.20  must include: 
  1.21     (1) a review of existing water quality permitting 
  1.22  requirements and the ability of peat producers to comply with 
  1.23  these requirements; 
  1.24     (2) establishment and monitoring of representative 
  1.25  background control and downstream sampling locations at selected 
  2.1   peat harvesting operations; 
  2.2      (3) an evaluation of the use of innovative best management 
  2.3   practices to minimize downstream water quality impacts; and 
  2.4      (4) development of a model water quality permit for peat 
  2.5   harvesting operations in this state. 
  2.6      (b) By October 1, 1997, the natural resources research 
  2.7   institute shall report on the results of the study to the chairs 
  2.8   of the senate and house environment and natural resources 
  2.9   committees.  The report must include recommendations, if any, 
  2.10  for changes to existing state laws and rules relating to water 
  2.11  quality permitting requirements for peat harvesting operations.