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'~~ater Bi1118oard an appropriation that dedicated funds from the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Fund (Petrofund) for 14 new positions in the MPCA's Underground Storage Tank and Aboveground Storage Tank programs. These positions will be located in the re- gional and central offices. These positions wil! emphasize pollution prevention by im- proving the tank owners and operators' understanding of requirements, providing technical assistance for tank upgrades and preparation for spills, and monitoring compli- ance with state standards. Many local governments are developing wellhead protection plans and one source of concern is storage tanks both aboveground and underground. With these additional staff, the MPCA can put together a compre- hensive program to assist local governments and tank owners in understanding proper tank management. and the need to upgrading their tank systems, says Bob Duilinger, the supervisor of the Tanks Compliance and Assistance Unit. This initiative will benefit both the citizens of the state and the tank owners and operators by reducing future leaks and thus minimizing environmen#al and property damage; reduc- ing cleanup costs that are ultimately borne by the Petrofund; increasing the rate of volun- tary compliance among all tank owners and operators; and leveling the playing field among competitors. From the Minnesota The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is proceeding with the development of a state rule addressing the implementation of well- head protection measures for public water supply wells. The department published formal notification of its intent to develop the wellhead protection rule in the February 8, 1993, printing of the State Register. Since then, draft rule language has been prepared with the assistance ofi a number of advisory groups. The Wellhead Protection Rule fo- cuses on land-use practices and other activi- ties that could contaminate groundwater-the underground source of the water used by many public water supply systems. The draft rule requires public water suppliers to de- velop and implement a wellhead protection plan. The plan must identify the wellhead protection area and strategies to manage the potential sources of contamination in this area. The public water supplier would only be responsible for implementing the plan in the area under their jurisdictional authority. The department anticipates that the pro- posed rule and the rationale in support of the proposed rule (the statement of need and reasonableness, or SONAR) will be available for public comment and review in early 1996. To receive a copy of the draft rule or to be placed on the mailing list to receive a copy of the proposed rule and the statement of need 10