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St. Paul, Minn. – A new report by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) recommends restoring 37 surface waters and protecting surface water and
groundwater for chloride in the seven-county metro area. The draft Chloride
Management Plan (CMP) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report developed for
the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area are available for public review and comment through
September 2, 2015.
The plan characterizes the impacts of chloride on water resources
across the Twin Cities. Chloride pollution occurs when salt used for de-icing and water softening makes its way into lakes, streams, and wetlands. This happens through snow melt and wastewater discharge or septic systems. Once in the water, chloride remains in the environment and continues to accumulate over time.
For
waters where chloride levels exceed water quality standards, a TMDL was developed to quantify pollutant levels in
impaired water bodies, identify the sources of the pollution, and propose ways
to restore water. Implementation strategies include improved practices for de-icing roads, parking
lots and sidewalks. These practices not only benefit water quality, but also lead to
long-term cost-savings as a result of purchasing less salt, reducing impacts
on vegetation, and preventing corrosion of infrastructure and vehicles.
A key
challenge in reducing salt usage is balancing the need for public safety with
the growing expectation for clear, dry roads, parking lots, and sidewalks throughout
the winter. Notable efforts to improve winter maintenance and reducing salt
usage while maintaining public safety have already been made by a number of
road authorities. The Chloride Management Plan is intended to build on those efforts and assist agencies,
local governments and other stakeholders to determine salt reduction strategies
to restore and protect Minnesota’s water resources.
The plan was developed in partnership with several organizations across the metro and the state.
Their contribution to this plan and commitment to the issue allowed the plan to reflect a comprehensive and strategic approach to reducing salt use, while also
maintaining public needs.
The report is available on the MPCA’s Public Notices
webpage or at the MPCA’s St. Paul office, at 520 Lafayette Road North.
Comments on the report should be submitted in writing by September 2,
2015, by 4:30 PM to Brooke Asleson, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN
55155-4194, or brooke.asleson@state.mn.us. Asleson is
available to answer questions by phone at 651-757-2205.
Written comments must include a statement of your interest in the report;
a statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including specific
references to sections of the draft report you believe should be changed; and
specific reasons for your position.
The TMDL reports identifies how much of a particular pollutant--chloride,
in this case--water bodies in the area can receive and still meet water quality
standards. After the public comment period, the draft TMDL report will need to
receive final approval from the federal Environmental Protection Agency under
the Clean Water Act.
More information is
available on the MPCA website at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/xggx950.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking feedback on a chloride
pollution reduction report in metro area lakes, streams, and wetlands. Thirty-seven waters were found to have chloride levels that exceed state water quality standards. All other
waters and groundwater are in need of protection to prevent chloride
contamination.
Chloride pollution comes primarily from salt used for winter de-icing, and from water softener salts. The MPCA plan calls for improved de-icing practices, which will benefit water quality and also yield cost savings over the long term.
The public is invited to review and comment on the report through September 2, 2015.
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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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