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Brainerd,
Minn.-- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on a
water quality improvement report and protection plan for the Upper Mississippi
River, from Royalton to Hastings. The
report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), focuses on pollution caused
by excess bacteria, mainly E.coli. A public comment period begins April 7, and
continues through May 6.
This
study and protection plan addresses 22 tributary reaches of the Mississippi River
that are impaired for aquatic recreation, due to E.coli, and where restoration efforts need to take place. It also
addresses 29 reaches that meet water quality standards for E. Coli, and identifies protection strategies to maintain and
enhance the river and its tributaries. E. coli monitoring is used to indicate
the potential presence of waterborne pathogens that can be harmful to human
health. E. coli comes from human, livestock, and wildlife waste.
The
report indicates that significant bacteria reductions are needed in impaired
reaches to meet water quality standards for recreation, up to 97% in some
areas.
The
TMDL report is part of a nationwide effort under the federal Clean Water Act to
identify and clean up pollution in streams, rivers and lakes. Every two years,
states are required to submit a list of impaired waters to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A TMDL report is a scientific study that
calculates the maximum amount of a pollutant a water body can receive (known as
the "loading capacity") without exceeding water quality standards.
After
receiving public comments, the MPCA will revise the draft Upper Mississippi
River Bacteria TMDL Study and Protection Plan and submit it to the EPA for
approval. Following EPA approval of the study, an implementation plan will be
developed to reduce pollution throughout the watershed.
The draft
report is available on the MPCA’s TMDL
projects web page, or at the St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road North. Comments may be
submitted to Barb Peichel, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155, or by
e-mail to Barbara.peichel@state.mn.us. For
more information, contact Barb at 651-757-2646, or toll-free at 800-657-3864.
Written
comments must include a statement of your interest in the draft TMDL report, a statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including specific
references to sections of the draft TMDL that you believe should be changed, and specific reasons supporting your position.
More
information on the state's impaired waters list and TMDL studies is available
on the Web at www.pca.state.mn.us/water/tmdl/index.html, or
toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
is seeking comments on a water quality improvement report and protection plan for
the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries, from Royalton to Hastings. The report focuses on pollution caused by excess bacteria,
mainly E. Coli. The report calls for significant
reductions of E. Coli at several locations
throughout the study area to meet water quality standards. A public comment period begins April 7, and
continues through May 6.
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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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