Status of TMDL studies/WRAPS reports
A TMDL study determines how much of a pollutant a lake or stream can receive and still meet water quality standards. WRAPS reports summarize all the available technical information on a watershed, including TMDL studies, so local partners can use it for planning and implementing the best strategies in prioritized locations.
Below are summaries of TMDL studies and WRAPS reports that are currently on public notice, have been recently approved by the EPA or MPCA, or are currently under review for approval. One TMDL study was recently begun in the St. Louis River Watershed.
TMDL studies that are pending or have been approved by the EPA can be found using a search tool located on our website. WRAPS reports receive final approval from the MPCA.
On public notice
Protection is priority for two Boundary Waters Watersheds
Lakes and streams in the watersheds bordering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota offer some of the most pristine water quality in the state. Protection strategies such as forestland conservation, protective shoreline buffers, proper culvert installation, and septic system maintenance will be crucial to maintaining their healthy conditions, according to the draft TMDL studies and WRAPS reports for the Vermilion River and Rainy River - Headwaters watersheds currently on public notice.
Approved reports
Lake Pepin close to meeting water-quality standard, more work needed upstream
Lake Pepin in southeast Minnesota is close to meeting its custom water-quality standard designed to minimize algae, with more work needed upstream to meet the goal. The Lake Pepin TMDL focuses on phosphorus levels in Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River upstream, from the Crow River near Dayton, Minn. to the St. Croix River near Hastings, Minn.
The TMDL study was approved in May 2021.
Widespread use of best management practices recommended for restoring Marsh River Watershed impairments
Water quality conditions in the Marsh River Watershed are generally poor and reflect a highly altered landscape. This has contributed to excessive levels of E. coli bacteria, elevated concentrations of sediment, low dissolved oxygen, and reduced fish and aquatic insect communities.
The TMDL report received EPA approval in July 2021. The WRAPS report was approved by the MPCA in June 2021.
Phosphorous still main cause of poor water quality in Lake Winona
Focusing on the popular Alexandria area lake, Lake Winona, this TMDL study focused on reductions in phosphorus levels to meet water quality standards. Consistently high levels of phosphorus in this shallow lake causes excessive algae growth that frequently affects swimming, fishing, and other recreation.
This TMDL was approved in July 2021.
Nutrient pollution needs to significantly decrease — by as much as 75 percent in some waters — for lakes and streams in the Shell Rock River Watershed to better support fish and recreation. Expanded cropland practices and wastewater treatment, among other strategies are needed, to continue improving water quality in the watershed.
TMDL and WRAPS reports were approved in June 2021.
$100 million in investments account for healthier Sauk River Chain of Lakes
Recognizing two decades of locally driven partnerships aimed at improving water quality in the Sauk River Chain of Lakes, the TMDL study for this watershed calls for continued work in this complex system of reservoirs and flowages, to address too-high phosphorus levels.
The TMDL was approved in May 2021.
Cleaner tributaries, less phosphorus in discharges will help reduce algae blooms in Lake of the Woods
Famous for its fishing and other recreation, Lake of the Woods at the northern tip of Minnesota should experience reduced algae blooms, as long as phosphorus levels in tributaries that feed the lake continue at current levels or decrease, according to this TMDL study done by the MPCA and its partners. The Lake of the Woods Excess Nutrients TMDL was approved in June 2021.
Read more about one of the cooperative efforts between the MPCA and one of our partners that is helping to explain an algae mystery in the lake.
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MPCA, Red Lake Nation DNR identify strategies to improve water quality in Upper/Lower Red Lake Watershed
Local, state, and tribal agencies are working across borders to protect lakes and streams in the Upper and Lower Red Lake Watershed of northwest Minnesota. The partners found that water resources are generally healthy in the watershed, which is located primarily within the Red Lake Nation.
The Upper/Lower Red Lake Watershed TMDL report was approved in June 2021, the WRAPS report in May 2021.
Kettle River, Upper St. Croix River watersheds healthy overall, but phosphorus and bacteria pose threats
Lakes, rivers, and streams in the Kettle River and Upper St. Croix River watersheds are healthy overall, but restoration and protection efforts must continue to combat water quality threats from phosphorus and bacteria.
The MPCA and partners found lakes with excess nutrients in both watersheds, though a relatively small number compared to other watersheds in the state.
The TMDL report was approved in April 2021, the WRAPS report in March 2021.
Snake Rive-Middle River Watershed impairments affect fish and bugs, E. coli and turbidity also issues
The reports list 16 stream stretches where there are fewer fish and aquatic insects — and fewer species — than expected. Three areas failed to meet standards for E. coli bacteria, and five others don’t meet standards for turbidity. Both reports were approved in December 2020.
Roseau River Watershed impairments linked to altered landscape
The reports for this watershed describe excess sediment and degraded habitat in several stream stretches in the watershed, and one area with high levels of E. coli bacteria.
The TMDL and WRAPS reports were approved in January 2021.
EPA approval pending
Otter Tail River Watershed stands out for generally good water quality
Among numerous impaired waters in the Red River Basin, the Otter Tail River Watershed stands out for its generally good water quality, according to this TMDL study and WRAPS report. While phosphorus and sediment levels are consistently high in the Red River and in other watersheds in the Red River Basin, the Otter Tail River Watershed has lower pollutant levels due to geography, significant amounts of undeveloped land, and actions taken by landowners and local partners.
EPA approval of the Otter Tail Watershed TMDL study and WRAPS report is pending.
Groups partnering to address water quality issues in Lac qui Parle River Watershed
The MPCA, landowners, and local conservation agencies are using or planning several strategies to improve water quality in the Lac qui Parle River Watershed watershed, including farm nutrient management practices, conservation tillage, cover crops, grassed waterways, buffers, and septic system upgrades. With 30 percent of the watershed in South Dakota, it will also be necessary to work with partners there to develop protection and restoration approaches for the entire watershed.
The WRAPS report for this watershed was approved in July, 2021. EPA approval of the TMDL study is pending.
TMDL started
Making fish safer to eat: MPCA starting study on mercury levels in St. Louis River Watershed
The MPCA is starting a study on mercury levels in the St. Louis River Watershed to help make fish safer to eat. The study will determine reductions in mercury levels for lakes and streams here to meet water quality standards and support healthy consumption of fish.
Fishing is important for economic and cultural reasons in this northeast Minnesota watershed, including the exercise of tribal treaty rights. This project will also include mercury impairments in the Cloquet River Watershed, which covers 794 square miles and joins the St. Louis River near Brookston.
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