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St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) and local groups in the Vermillion River watershed are
recommending actions to restore several water bodies in the watershed and protect
those in good health. The Vermillion River Watershed Restoration and Protection
Strategy (WRAPS) report and Vermillion River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) report are available for public review through July 29, 2015.
In-depth monitoring and analysis has identified high
levels of bacteria, sediment, and phosphorus in many of the bodies of water in the
watershed. Increased urban development, agricultural activities, and ditching
and stream alterations are having a negative effect on the watershed’s water
quality. In addition, increased amounts of warm water from urban runoff and a
lack of shade are stressing coldwater aquatic species, including brown trout. The
TMDL report quantifies the
pollutant levels, identifies the sources of the pollution, and proposes ways to
bring water quality back to an acceptable level.
The WRAPS
report identifies impaired water
bodies and those in need of protection, and identifies the necessary actions needed
to achieve and maintain water quality. For example, to reduce warm water and protect coldwater species, trees
and other native vegetation should be planted along the stream to shade it.
Many groups are participating in restoration and
protection efforts, including the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board,
the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, local governments, and
several state agencies. Individuals are always encouraged to get involved.
These reports are some of just a handful completed
under the state’s watershed approach, a holistic way of gauging the health of
streams and lakes, and developing strategies to restore or protect their water
quality.
The MPCA encourages those interested in the Vermillion
River Watershed to review and provide feedback on the reports, which are available
online; visit the Vermillion River watershed web page at www.pca.state.mn.us/w4ypk3y. Comments
on the reports should be submitted in writing by July 29, to Christopher Klucas,
520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, or christopher.klucas@state.mn.us.
He is available to answer questions at 651-757-2498.
Written comments must specify which report you are
commenting on, include a statement of your interest in the report, and the
action you wish the MPCA to take, including specific references to sections of
the draft report you believe should be changed. You must state the specific
reasons for your position.
More information is available
on the MPCA’s impaired waters and TMDLs
webpage (http://www.pca.state.mn.us/xggx950).
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and its local
partners are recommending strategies to restore and protect water bodies in the
Vermillion River watershed. The Vermillion River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load
and Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy reports detail the pollutant
levels, sources of pollution, and strategies for remedying impaired water
quality and for protecting non-impaired bodies of water in the watershed. The
draft reports are available for public review and comment through July 29, 2015
on the MPCA’s web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/w4ypk3y.
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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
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