|
St. Paul, Minn.—The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking feedback on a draft water
quality improvement report for seven lakes in the Rice Creek watershed. Public
comments will be accepted through October 21, 2014.
The seven lakes addressed
in the report are located in Ramsey and Anoka counties: Little Lake Johanna,
the north and south basins of Island Lake, the south basin of Long Lake, East
Moore Lake, Pike Lake, and Lake Valentine.
The lakes in this study
are considered impaired because they contain excess levels of phosphorus.
Bodies of water with excess phosphorus are prone to frequent algae overgrowth,
which interferes with swimming, fishing, and recreation. According to the report,
phosphorus levels in these lakes must be reduced by up to 55 percent, depending
on the lake, to meet state standards.
The predominant sources
of phosphorus to the Rice Creek watershed lakes are urban stormwater runoff and
release from sediment within the lakes.
The MPCA report, known as
a Total Maximum Daily Load report, or TMDL, is part of a nationwide effort to
clean up pollution in lakes and streams. Every two years, the MPCA compiles a
list of lakes and streams that are impaired and do not meet water quality
standards. The purpose of a TMDL report is to quantify pollutant levels in an
impaired water body, identify the sources of the pollution, and propose ways to
bring water quality back to an acceptable level.
After reviewing comments
from the public and obtaining approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, the Rice Creek Watershed District along with the cities and other
partners will continue ongoing implementation efforts to improve water quality
in the lakes.
The draft report may be
viewed at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/0agxa04. For more information or to submit comments, contact Chris
Zadak (Chris.Zadak@state.mn.us, 651-757-2837), MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Comments must be received
in writing at the MPCA office by October 21, 2014. They must include an
explanation of the commenter’s interest in the TMDL report, a clear statement
of any recommended changes (including references to specific sections of the
TMDL), and specific reasons for any proposed changes.
To learn more about
impaired waters, visit the MPCA Web site at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/xggx950.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency is seeking feedback on a water quality report for the Rice Creek
watershed, an area that includes portions of Ramsey and Anoka counties. The
MPCA has identified seven lakes as impaired because of their high phosphorus
levels. A public comment period for the report runs through October 21, 2014.
###
The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.
St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar
www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864
| 
