Navigating the Complexities of Wastewater Management & Environmental Protection with Katrina Kessler, P.E. – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner
Today, we delve into the complexities of wastewater management, the role of Pollution Control Agency, and the challenges faced in maintaining water quality standards. It highlights the importance of community engagement, the impact of agricultural runoff, and the intersection of AI with environmental stewardship. The discussion emphasizes the need for individual responsibility in addressing pollution and the significance of understanding local water sources and infrastructure.
Our guest is Katrina Kessler, P.E.—Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, former MPCA assistant commissioner, and former director of Minneapolis’s Surface Water & Sewers Division. With 16+ years in environmental leadership, Katrina:
- Leads 900+ MPCA staff working to ensure healthy air, clean water, sustainable lands, and a better climate across Minnesota.
- Strengthens partnerships with Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations and collaborates with businesses, local governments, and community stakeholders.
- Chairs the Governor’s Climate Change Subcabinet to reduce emissions, boost resilience, and advance equitable climate solutions.
- Represents Minnesota on the Environmental Council of States, the Great Lakes Commission, and EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force.
Signature initiatives:
- Developed Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint to prevent, manage, and clean up “forever chemicals.”
- Co-created flexible, protective industry regulations that safeguard the environment and local jobs.
- Built ag–urban partnerships to improve water quality statewide.
Katrina holds a BA in environmental science and an MS in environmental engineering.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Combined Sewer Systems
02:58 The Role of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
05:44 Permitting and Water Quality Standards
09:04 Challenges in Water Infrastructure
11:52 The Importance of Minnesota's Water Resources
15:03 Economic Impacts of Water Quality
17:47 Addressing Agricultural Runoff
20:54 Future of Wastewater Treatment
23:37 Collaboration for Water Quality Improvement
28:35 Exploring Air Quality Regulations
31:10 Addressing Methane Emissions
35:16 Individual Actions for Environmental Impact
39:34 The Intersection of AI and Environmental Stewardship
46:39 Collaboration Between Engineers and Environmental Agencies
wastewater, pollution control, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, water quality, environmental stewardship, AI, community engagement, agricultural runoff, air quality, infrastructure
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