PROVIDING FOR RELIEF FROM REGULATIONS TO CERTAIN MOTOR CARRIERS AND DRIVERS OPERATING IN MINNESOTA:

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable laws do hereby issue this emergency executive order:

WHEREAS, extreme weather conditions and lack of snow cover have created freezing of septic systems over much of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, it is urgent that immediate action be taken to prevent danger to public health and to avoid further damage to septic systems; and

WHEREAS, the seasonal load restrictions as described in Minnesota Statutes, Sections 169.87 (2006) are scheduled to go into effect in the south, southwestern, metro and central frost regions and will go into effect in the northern portion of the state in the near future; and

WHEREAS, these seasonal load restrictions will impair the removal of sewage from septic systems and increase the harm caused by leakage and rupture of septic systems.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that a state of emergency exists and order that vehicles used to pump sewage from septic systems or used to transport sewage from septic systems be exempted from the seasonal load restrictions on local and state highways and streets imposed in Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.87 (2006). Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2006, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until June 1, 2007.