CWF- 11 - Phase II One Water Pilot Program for the BRRWD

Phase 2 will complete development of the Desktop Stressor Identification process in order to identify stressors that can be both effectively quantified and addressed in an implementation plan suitable to address the entire watershed. Phase 2 will also improve the modeling tools for measuring movement of sediment in the watershed, load duration curves to identify targets for improved waters, and complete the Watershed Approach by incorporating in the areas of the lakes region of the watershed, which was not addressed in Phase 1. As a Pilot Project, Phase 2 will also provide for transfer of technology and knowledge gained to state and local water resource managers. This effort will provide the basis for completing the Watershed Approach Plan, complete load allocations for 14 of 15 individual impairments on five streams or rivers and four lakes, and for waters meeting standards, provide a suite of activities to protect water quality. Fourteen of the 15 total impairments in the Buffalo River Watershed will be addressed through efforts under this work plan. Due to limitations with the modeling approach used in this work, however, the dissolved oxygen impairment on Stony Creek will be addressed through additional model efforts, which the MPCA and BRRWD are currently negotiating. The technical products created under these efforts will prepare project partners for future water quality management, such as understanding nutrient loading in the watershed's streams, rivers and lakes. The stakeholder process included in this work plan complements civic engagement for the Buffalo Watershed Approach plan as developed through other work products. It is the intent to fully engage stakeholders in all of the technical products of this workplan. Participation will be tracked by event roster. Finally, this document, together with the Buffalo Red River Watershed Management Plan (2010), will provide the basis for developing future TMDL allocations. Specific Outcomes of Phase 2 are:

1. Documentation of the Desktop Stressor ID Analysis Methodology developed in Phase 1 and Training/Technical Support to Transfer the Methodology
2. Incorporate Assessments into Watershed Conditions Report
3. Identify Causes and Sources of Impairments and Stressors
4. Set Pollutant Load Allocations/Preventive Strategies for Subwatersheds
5. Prepare Draft Watershed-Wide TMDL Document
6. Stakeholder Process engages stakeholders in all technical decisions, evidenced by participation in the events.
7. Public Review and Preparation of Final Draft Watershed-Wide TMDL Document
8. Develop a Description of Existing Lake Conditions
9. Classify/Prioritize Buffalo River Watershed Lakes
10. Lakes Water/Pollutant Balances
11. Conduct Watershed/Waterbody Modeling for Lakes
12. Set Pollutant Load Allocations/Preventive Strategies for Targeted Lakesheds
13. Prepare Draft Lakes TMDL
14. Preparation of Final Draft Lakes TMDL