Minnesota Cities Seek More Time to Reduce Salt in Wastewater

AVON, Minn. (AP) -- Several Minnesota cities are seeking more time to reduce the amount of chloride, or salt, in their wastewater.

About 100 Minnesota cities discharge too much chloride from their wastewater plants, and 15 plants need to reduce their chloride discharge levels in order to meet current state limits.

But about six cities want more time.

One of those cities is Avon. State regulators say Avon's wastewater treatment plant is releasing too much chloride into nearby Spunk Creek, which empties into the Mississippi River.

Reports say Avon is the first city to ask for a variance to chloride limits under the federal Clean Water Act. The city is seeking an additional 15 years to come up with a solution to the chloride pollution, which is likely caused by home water softeners.