2021 Big Elk and Mayhew Lakes Phosphorus Reduction Program
A completed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study has identified phosphorus loading as a significant stressor to lakes & streams within the Elk River Watershed (ERW). As a result, numerous first & second priority source zones known as Tier 1 & Tier 2 areas were recognized. These zones are located within the ERW's sub-watersheds Mayhew Lake & Big Elk Lake. The TMDL Report identified spring time phosphorus loading as the main concern for Mayhew Lake, whereas summer loads dominate the Big Elk Lake nutrient impairment/Elk River turbidity impairment. This study has pinpointed the locations within the watershed where the phosphorus originates from, as well as strategies that may be undertaken to reduce nutrient loading. While we have been able to provide outreach to landowners within these targeted high priority areas, develop site-specific BMPs, & design plans to implement projects, financial assistance is still needed to get this conservation work on the ground. BMPs were strategically chosen to achieve maximum pollution reduction benefits. Some example BMPs include, nutrient management, feedlot runoff control, manure storage, riparian pasture management, & cropland & streambank erosion control projects. So far, we have reduced phosphorus by around 20% of the TMDL annual reduction goal. With the funding of this grant we expect to reduce phosphorus by an additional 5%.
We received a grant in 2020. Projects are scored when they are submitted to the SWCD board for consideration. Criteria includes location, practice priority, leveraging federal funding and cost per pound of phosphorus treated. So, in short, we have leveraged around $125,000 in federal funds this year, however, projects that did not receive federal funding will not be installed. An exceptionally high adoption rate has led to a shortage of funds. This grant will help get those unfunded projects on the ground.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(b) $16,000,000 the first year and $16,000,000 the second year are for grants to local government units to protect and restore surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system projects and stream bank, stream channel, shoreline restoration, and ravine stabilization projects. The projects must use practices demonstrated to be effective, be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation plans, watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local water management plans or their equivalents. A portion of this money may be used to seek administrative efficiencies through shared resources by multiple local governmental units. Up to 20 percent of this appropriation is available for land-treatment projects and practices that benefit drinking water.
There are 16 projects in progress, and we expect to install 7 of them. Combined their estimated reductions are; phosphorus 673 lbs./yr., nitrogen by 274 lbs./yr., BOD by 1,349 lbs./yr., COD by 3,862 lbs./yr., soil by 1,624 T/yr., and TSS by 684 T/yr.
As a result of this grant, the project has achieved an annual reduction of 4,700 lbs/year of nitrogen, 698 lbs/year of phosphorus, and 130 tons/year of sediment
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS