Waterfront Bulletin for May 2018: Latest on lottery funding, small watershed program

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Waterfront Bulletin

May 2018

Commission receives 273 proposals totaling $191M for lottery funding

Applications to open for lottery funding

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) recently received 273 proposals requesting a total of about $191 million for projects starting July 1, 2019. The requests far outnumber the funding expected to be available of $59 million each for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. This fund is derived from lottery and investment proceeds.

The commission reviews and evaluates all proposals against 10 adopted evaluation criteria. On June 5-6, members are scheduled to select a subset of high-ranking proposals for presentation before the commission. Final selections are set for July 17-18. These selected projects are then presented to the 2019 Minnesota Legislature as the official LCCMR recommendations for funding.

Check the LCCMR schedule for the most up-to-date information and important process dates.


New funding program announced for small watersheds

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announces a new funding program under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. This program will focus on small watersheds, and is looking for interested watersheds to partner with in developing a long-term roadmap to support comprehensive implementation on a small-scale.

The MPCA seeks 10 small watersheds to develop a detailed Focus Grant Plan following the EPA’s Handbook for developing watershed plans to restore and protect our waters. The selected watersheds will to receive four, four-year grant awards spanning 16 years. Funds will go toward implementing projects outlined in the grant workplan, providing a steady source of funding, focusing implementation efforts, and achieving measurable water quality improvements on a specific waterbody.

Eligible applicants include public and private entities, including local governmental units such as soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, tribal authorities, cities, counties, regional development centers, local school systems, colleges and universities, local nonprofit organizations, state agencies, organizations established by joint powers agreements, and for-profit groups and individuals interested in leading a non-point source project.

For more information:


Are lakes and streams getting better or worse? Second round of watershed monitoring will tell

Biomonitoring across Minnesota helps determine health of lakes and streams

The MPCA starts its second cycle of watershed monitoring throughout Minnesota this year, circling back to major watersheds first monitored this way in 2008. Funded in a large part by the Legacy Amendment, this monitoring examines fish and other aquatic life in addition to levels of pollutants like nutrients and bacteria. Under this approach, the agency will examine all 80 major watersheds in the state every 10 years.

Ten years ago the MPCA did water monitoring in the Root, Le Sueur, Mississippi River-Lake Pepin, Little Fork and Sauk river watersheds. The agency will return this year to see if conditions are improving or declining. This second round of monitoring will focus on detecting changes and filling in data gaps to further inform on-the-ground practices.

Initially, staff will contact landowners in these watersheds to let them know about the monitoring and gain permission to sample stations on their property. From mid-June through September, the MPCA will sample rivers, streams, and ditches for fish, macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects), habitat, and water chemistry. Staff biologists will sample roughly 85 unique stations across the watersheds in the north and 128 in the south.

In addition to MPCA monitoring, local partners like watershed districts, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, watershed non-profit groups, and citizen volunteers will study lakes and streams across Minnesota. The agency will use all this data to determine if waters meet standards designed to make sure they are swimmable and fishable.

Because of extreme weather last year, the MPCA will do follow-up monitoring at about 50 stations in the north and 40 in the south, including Pomme de Terre, Snake, Redwood, Cottonwood, Blue Earth, Rapid, Lower Rainy and North Fork Crow rivers. Heavy rains and high flows in the south and severe drought conditions in the north last summer prevented completion of monitoring efforts.

MPCA scientists will also continue to monitor about 30 long-term biological monitoring network stations, which are intended to track conditions and/or changes over time across the state.

Learn more about water quality monitoring on these webpages:

Related media coverage: Minnesota's big water ambitions yield benefits, no simple answers in the StarTribune


MPCA withdraws wild rice rulemaking, awaits decision on legislative proposal

Wild rice

The MPCA has withdrawn its wild rice rule from the rulemaking process that it has been in for nearly a year.

Recent findings by an Administrative Law Judge and the ongoing expressions of concern from all sides led the agency to reevaluate its plans, according to MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine. The agency engaged Minnesota Native American tribes, elected officials, businesses and municipal wastewater systems that may be impacted by the rule, and also received thousands of comments from environmental advocacy groups, other stakeholders and the public. However, the MPCA concluded it was time to withdraw the proposed rule to allow for more work on the implementation process.

The agency is now waiting for Gov. Mark Dayton’s decision on whether to veto a last-minute legislative proposal. After he vetoed a bill that would have nullified state rules to protect wild rice, the Legislature passed a revised bill in the waning hours of the 2018 legislative session.

Background and context

Wild rice is an important part of the ecosystem in many Minnesota lakes and streams. Wild rice has strong cultural significance and use to many Minnesotans, and is an important economic resource to those who harvest and market it.

In 1973, Minnesota adopted a sulfate standard to protect wild rice based on studies showing that wild rice was found primarily in low sulfate waters. The MPCA and many other organizations and individuals have been working on revising and updating this standard for several years.

In 2011, the Minnesota Legislature directed the MPCA to conduct research on the effects of sulfate and other substances on the growth of wild rice. This research was intended to inform an evaluation of the existing wild rice sulfate standard.

After extensive research, data analysis and discussions, the MPCA proposed changes in the fall of 2017 to the water quality standard designed to protect wild rice from adverse impacts due to sulfate pollution. During the last year, the draft rule went through a public notice and comment period. The MPCA modified its proposal based on that public input, before forwarding the updated draft Wild Rice rule to an Administrative Law Judge with the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings.


Comment period extended on draft studies for Bois de Sioux River watershed

The MPCA has extended the public comment period for two draft Bois de Sioux River watershed reports: the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS). The new deadline is June 4 at 4:30 p.m.

The TMDL study quantifies the pollutant levels, identifies pollution sources, and proposes ways to return water quality to an acceptable level. The WRAPS report identifies impaired water bodies and those in need of protection, and identifies actions needed to achieve and maintain water quality. The reports also recommend actions that can correct existing problems and prevent new ones. These actions include creating water impoundments to prevent flooding, taking highly-erodible areas out of production, and adding to buffers, cover crops and perennial vegetation.

Comments on the draft reports should be sent to Cary Hernandez, 714 Lake Avenue, Suite 220, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501 or cary.hernandez@state.mn.us. He is available for more information at 218-846-8124.


MPCA, MDH commissioners to EPA: Proposed rule on science ‘dangerous’

In a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on a proposed rule that would restrict science used to develop regulations that protect human and environmental health , MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine and Minnesota Dept. of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm wrote:

“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are deeply disappointed in, and troubled by, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule, “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science,” published April 30, 2018, at 83 FR 18768, under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OA-2018-0259. This proposed rule to ‘strengthen transparency’ does not provide transparency or clarity at all — rather, it causes confusion and mistrust, and it will threaten the lives of real people. EPA should withdraw this dangerous proposal.”

The EPA’s “Transparency of Science” proposal would extremely limit scientific study and exploration by blocking all scientific reports that are not fully “public information.” This would mean data tracked by agencies like MDH across the United States that looks at human health disease patterns, and in many cases uses blood and other health data to identify health patterns, would not be useable in making rules to protect environmental and human health from pollutants. The data is not fully public because it can include people’s personal data such as names and other identifying information. If such a rule had been in place during the 1970s, a link to the harmful effects of leaded gasoline on developing brains would not have been identified and regulated. 

The letter concludes with:

“The promulgation of this proposed rule would set a dangerous and potentially life-threatening precedent regarding the use of health-based data, modeling, and research in regulatory decision-making. As proposed, the rule is arbitrary, capricious, unethical, and intellectually dishonest. The EPA should immediately announce that it is withdrawing this proposal.”

Related media coverage:


EPA approves TMDL for Little Fork River watershed in northern Minnesota

The U.S. EPA recently approved the Little Fork River watershed TMDL aimed at reducing sediment in the river. Located in the Rainy River-Lake of the Woods River Basin, a majority of the watershed’s water quality is considered good to excellent and lake water quality is very good in 15 assessed lakes. This is due to the watershed’s significant acreage of forests and wetlands, as well as limited development pressure. As a result, the Little Fork watershed is one of Minnesota’s most treasured resources.

Protecting the watershed’s water quality is also dependent upon the continued use of best management practices when managing timber harvests and other forest activities to prevent erosion and other detrimental impacts.

The MPCA approved the related WRAPS report in November 2017.


Targeted local efforts restore water quality in metro-area lakes

Stormwater treatment system in Burnsville to reduce pollutants to Crystal Lake

Thanks to the work of local partners, three lakes in the Twin Cities Metro Area are now meeting water quality standards designed to make sure waters are fishable and swimmable. Their success shows that long-term and sustained efforts can pay off in better water quality.

Crystal Lake in Burnsville, McMahon Lake in Scott County, and Bryant Lake in Eden Prairie were all previously impaired by high phosphorus levels. Phosphorus fuels algae blooms that interfere with recreational activities like boating and swimming. Sometimes harmful blue-green algae form, which can sicken people and their pets.

Stormwater is a common way for phosphorus and other pollutants to get into lakes. One way to reduce that pollution is to direct stormwater to places where it can soak into the ground and contaminants can filter out. The MPCA regulates municipal stormwater and requires cities to educate citizens on stormwater management, make plans to detect and stop illicit discharges, control runoff on construction sites, and more.

Crystal Lake

To reduce phosphorus in Crystal Lake, the City of Burnsville built an underground system to treat stormwater before it’s discharged to Keller Lake that feeds into Crystal Lake (photo above). A Clean Water Fund grant helped fund the system. Water monitoring showed that 20-25% of phosphorus in Crystal Lake was coming from Keller Lake. The City of Apple Valley built a stormwater pond on Keller Lake that keeps an estimated 55 pounds of phosphorus out of the water every year. In addition, Lakeville and Burnsville dredged some existing stormwater ponds near Crystal Lake, which improves the ponds’ filtering ability and efficiency.

Harvesting curly leaf pond weed is another restoration strategy the City of Burnsville used to improve Crystal Lake. The city hired machines that spent two weeks cutting back the plant over about 50 acres of the 290-acre lake. If not cut back, the weed would die off in the peak of summer, releasing nutrients into the water that feed algae blooms.

Alum treatments for Bryant Lake in Eden Praire

Bryant Lake

For Bryant Lake in Eden Prairie, new stormwater standards adopted in 2008 have helped improve the lake’s water quality. The project partners also restored wetlands just west of the lake, which helps control stormwater as well.

The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District in Eden Prairie undertook in-lake treatments to help reduce phosphorus in Bryant Lake (photo at right). In 2008 and 2013, the district treated the lake with aluminum sulfate, which forms a fluffy substance called floc. As the floc settles to the lake bottom, it removes phosphorus and other materials (including algae) from the water. The floc forms a layer over the sediment that acts as a barrier to phosphorus. It binds phosphorus released from the sediment and prevents it from fueling algae blooms.

Shoreland restoration to help McMahon Lake in Scott County

McMahon Lake

Addressing shoreline degradation is another way to help lakes. An eroding shoreline can contribute sediment and soil to lakes, which can increase phosphorus levels. A project by the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District and a shoreland property owner used large rocks and rolls of coconut fibers called coir logs to stabilize vulnerable shoreline on McMahon Lake (photo at right). Vertical banks were graded into gradual slopes with native plants to sustain the shoreline and protect the lake. Grants from Clean Water Fund helped pay for the shoreland restoration.

Local partnerships pay off

All the lake cleanup projects relied on multiple players in addition to those already mentioned. Black Dog Watershed Management Organization helped to do water monitoring, organize projects, and apply for grants to benefit Crystal Lake. The City of Eden Prairie and Three Rivers Park District have assisted in monitoring Bryant Lake and making project recommendations. The Scott Watershed Management Organization, the New Market Sportsman’s Club, and shoreland owners participated in the cleanup of McMahon Lake.

And the cleaner lakes are a boon to their communities. “Overall, Crystal Lake now has a higher value to residents,” says Daryl Jacobson, natural resources manager with the City of Burnsville, who led the water quality improvement efforts.

Paul Nelson, environmental services program manager with Scott County and coordinator for the McMahon Lake work, says the lake is more attractive for swimming and other recreation, and is a source of local pride.

These organizations are also working to restore water quality in several other lakes and streams. So their work identifying and remedying sources of water pollution will continue.


Online library expands for Minnesota water research

The Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture recently enhanced its Minnesota Water Research Digital Library (MNWRL). The library now includes more than 2,600 peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed articles and reports. The lead person at MDA for this project is Steve Roos, Agricultural Marketing and Development Division, 651-201-6631, stephan.roos@state.mn.us).


Native plant expo and market set for metro locations in June

Landscape Revival

Landscape Revival will hold a native plant expo and market June 2, from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., in Shoreview and June 9, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., in Oakdale. The purpose is to encourage choosing native plants—plant species that have grown in this area for hundreds of years and are thus well adapted to Minnesota weather and soil conditions— that can create beautiful gardens that support wildlife and protect waters.

  • On June 2, the expo and market will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, MN 55126.
  • On June 9, it will be held at the Richard Walton Memorial Park, 1584 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale, MN 55128.

Landscape Revival is organized by volunteers, and sponsored by St. Paul Audubon Society, Wild Ones, Blue Thumb, the Shepherd of the Hills Church, and the cities of Shoreview and Oakdale.


In the news and online: 3M pollution settlement, Willmar chain of lakes