Water appropriations permits requirements appropriation

SF 3423 amends Minnesota's water permit rules to require applicants seeking groundwater use permits to conduct new aquifer tests at their own cost. These tests must assess potential impacts on nearby wells and water resources at the requested pumping rate. The bill also tightens timelines, requiring the commissioner to act on complete applications within 150 days (or 120 days after test results), and mandates written justifications for requiring new tests. This directly affects businesses, farms, or municipalities applying for groundwater permits by adding testing costs and streamlining review processes.