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What is nitrate?

Southeast Minnesota Groundwater

Minnesota Petition Frequently Asked Questions for Nitrates 

Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some food. Plants and animals require nitrates for their survival and growth, and the human body also produces this compound. In industry, nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops and lawns. Additionally, nitrates are used in food preservation, certain pharmaceutical medications, as well as the manufacture of munitions and explosives. EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is set to protect against blue-baby syndrome.

EPA in Minnesota

  • Hot Topics in Minnesota
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  • Air Standards Delegations in Minnesota
    • Minnesota (Part 63) MACT Standards Delegations
    • Minnesota (Part 60) NSPS and (Part 61) NESHAP Delegations
  • Southeast Minnesota Groundwater
  • PolyMet (now NewRange Copper Nickel, LLC)
    • Documents related to EPA’s PolyMet NorthMet 401(a)(2) Notification
    • Documents submitted by PolyMet Mining, Inc.
    • Documents submitted to EPA by the Fond du Lac Band
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Last updated on March 10, 2025
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