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Rochester, Minn.— The Cannon River watershed in southeastern
Minnesota provides high-quality streams that are valued for trout fishing and
other recreation. However, some parts of these streams suffer from bacteria
levels that may make the water unsafe for swimming, soil and sediment that
cloud the water, phosphorus levels that can cause frequent algal blooms, and
nitrate levels that may stress aquatic life like fish.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has released reports
on protecting and restoring the Cannon River watershed, and is accepting
comments on the reports through June 23.
The Cannon River watershed drains
946,440 acres, most of it used for agriculture, and consists of two river
systems: the Cannon and the Straight. These rivers pass through scenic landscapes
of variable terrain, from the flat wooded floodplains along the Straight River
to blufflands in the lower reaches of the Cannon River.
This watershed provides drinking water for
households and industry, habitat for aquatic life, habitat for wildlife, and
many recreational opportunities. The Cannon River is designated as a Wild and
Scenic River starting downstream of its confluence with the Straight River in
Faribault. The watershed has many lakes, along with trout streams that attract
many local and Twin Cities residents for fly fishing.
About
194,000 people live in the watershed with the three largest cities being Owatonna,
Faribault, and Northfield.
The
first report is a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study, which determines the
maximum amount of pollutants that a water body can accept and still meet standards.
The study incorporates water quality data from the past 10 years, fish surveys,
stressor identification investigations, stakeholder input, and other
information.
For
the lakes and streams in the watershed to meet water quality standards, the
reductions in pollutants need to come from both point sources, such as wastewater
from a city, and nonpoint sources such as sediment that washes from the
landscape during storms. The report outlines
strategies to reduce pollutants, such as agricultural practices to reduce
runoff and erosion, manure runoff controls, sewer system upgrades, limits on
wastewater discharges, and urban stormwater controls.
The second report
open for comment is on Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) for
the Cannon River. This report summarizes all water quality work in the watershed.
A year-long stakeholder process culminated in a table of implementation strategies
to help restore areas where pollutants violate standards and help protect those
areas meeting standards. This table and
accompanying tools for prioritizing management efforts are included in the
WRAPS Report.
Many areas in the Cannon River watershed
provide high-quality habitat for fish and other aquatic life, and need
protection. Strategies that would both help protect and restore streams
throughout the watershed include planting cover crops, installing buffers along
streams, installing grassed waterways, using contour farming, implementing
water and sediment storage, and managing crop residue.
Many groups are participating in
restoration and protection efforts, including the Soil and Water Conservation
Districts, cities in the watershed, the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, and
several state and local organizations. Individuals are always encouraged to get
involved.
These reports are part of a
statewide effort to holistically gauge the health of streams and lakes, and
develop strategies to restore or protect their water quality.
For
more information on Cannon River studies or to submit written comments, contact
Justin Watkins, MPCA project manager (email justin.watkins@state.mn.us,
phone 507-206-2621). The reports are also available by visiting the MPCA website at www.pca.state.mn.us
and searching for “Cannon River.”
Comments,
which must be in writing, are due by 4:30 p.m. on May 23. The 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 and the reasons for making those changes.
Broadcast version
Reports on protecting and restoring the Cannon River watershed are
now open for public comment. This area in southeastern Minnesota provides high
quality streams for trout fishing and other recreation. However, some parts of
streams suffer from bacteria levels that may make the water unsafe for
swimming, soil and sediment that cloud the water, phosphorus levels that cause
frequent algal blooms, and nitrate levels that may stress aquatic life like
fish.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is accepting comments on
the reports through May 23. One report is a study that identifies pollutants in
the Cannon River and tributaries, determines the reductions needed, and
recommends actions to take like planting cover crops and reducing runoff. The
second report outlines strategies to restore and protect the streams such as
planting buffers of deep-rooted plants.
Both reports are available on the agency website by visiting the MPCA’s website and searching for “Cannon
River.”
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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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