Floods can create environmental problems if precautions are not taken to minimize pollution and health risks. Use the links to the right to get information on what Minnesota residents can do to protect their businesses, homes and families from environmental problems caused by floods.
If your home or business is flooded this year, be sure to read the recommendations for cleaning up after a flood.
Homeowners and businesses with other questions about preparing for floods or cleaning up afterward should contact the nearest MPCA office at the numbers listed below.
- Detroit Lakes Office….218-847-1519
- Duluth Office…………218-723-4660
- Brainerd Office……….218-828-2492
- Mankato Office………507-389-5977
- Marshall Office……….507-537-7146
- Rochester Office………507-285-7343
- Saint Paul Office………651-296-6300
- Willmar Office…………320-214-3786
- Toll-free………………800-657-3864
Hazardous Household Materials
Homeowners in areas that are likely to flood should move hazardous household materials to a safe area that is likely to remain dry throughout the flooding.
Hazardous household materials include such items as:
- drain cleaner
- furniture stripper
- motor-vehicle oil
- toilet-bowl cleaner
- antifreeze
- pesticides
- fertilizers
Items such as vehicle batteries and propane tanks should also be moved to higher ground because they pose a danger if their contents are released to the environment.
For more information on hazardous household products and wastes, call your county solid waste office and ask for the Household Hazardous Waste Program staff.
For more information on flooding, including flooding of septic systems, storage tanks and much more, go to: http://www.pca.state.mn.us//index.php/waste/waste-and-cleanup/cleanup-programs-and-topics/cleanup-programs/emergency-response/floods-minimizing-pollution-and-health-risks.html
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