2014 - Arctic Lake Restoration

Arctic Lake, while not listed as an impaired water on the statewide 303(d) list, both regularly exceeds the statewide phosphorus standard for shallow lakes and drains directly to Upper Prior Lake, which is impaired for nutrients Reducing Phosphorus to Arctic Lake will help reverse the current declining water quality while also reducing the loading entering Upper Prior Lake. A 2013 study jointly commissioned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, the City of Prior Lake, and the Prior Lake - Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD) quantified phosphorus loads to the lake, both external and internal, and prioritized water management projects to reduce the load.

This project consists of three components: retrofitting stormwater ponds with iron-sand filters, restoring a wetland, and managing carp. The PLSLWD water management plan identified these components as the best means to reduce loading to Arctic Lake (by approximately 29 lbs/year).