Governor Walz Exempts Certain Motor Carriers and Drivers from Regulations

Governor Tim Walz  signed Emergency Executive Order 23-04 to provide regulatory relief for septic system service companies.

Executive Order 23-04 exempts septic tank trucks from seasonal load restrictions on Minnesota roads. Increased levels of snow and rain have impacted septic systems across the state, causing septic tanks to take on water, septic system drain fields to flood, and alarms and lift pumps to fail. Lifting load restrictions will allow septic service companies to meet the increased demand.

This executive order is effective immediately.

https://mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2023-04_tcm1055-569634.pdf

This winter, a pattern of persistent storms and severe weather has resulted in above-average precipitation for most of Minnesota. According to data from the Minnesota State Climatology Office, over 100 climate stations set daily precipitation records this February alone. The increased levels of snow and rain have impacted septic systems across the state, causing septic tanks to take on water, septic system drain fields to flood, and alarms and lift pumps to fail.Many Minnesotans, particularly those in rural areas, depend on septic systems. Properly functioning septic systems are critical to preventing adverse impacts to public health, water quality, and the environment. Additionally, removal of sewage from septic systems, especially in emergency circumstances, is necessary for the proper maintenance and use of septic systems.The seasonal load restrictions on Minnesota roads, as described in Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 169.87 will go into effect in the southeast and metro zones on March 10, 2023, and will go into effect in the south, central, north-central, and north regions in the near future. These seasonal weight restrictions will hinder the efficient removal of sewage from septic systems and increase the risk of harm caused by failing septic systems.

For these reasons, I order as follows:

1. A state of emergency exists in Minnesota, and vehicles used to pump or transport sewage from septic systems are exempted from the seasonal load restrictions on local and state highways and streets imposed in Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 169.87, subdivisions 1 and 2, while providing emergency septic system pumping services.

This Executive Order is effective immediately under Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 4.035, subdivision 2, and remains in effect until June 1, 2023.

A determination that any provision of this Executive Order is invalid will not affect the enforceability of any other provision of this Executive Order. Rather, the invalid provision will be modified to the extent necessary so that it is enforceable.

Signed on March 10, 2023._________

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