2021 Sunrise River Phase II Lower St. Croix CWMP Implementation
The Lake St. Croix Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) identified the Sunrise River subwatershed as the top MN source of phosphorus loading to Lake St. Croix. In 2020, the Lower St. Croix Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (LSC CWMP) named the Sunrise River subwatershed as a top priority to ?move the needle? toward improved water quality. Due to the sheer size of the Sunrise River subwatershed (373 sq. miles), the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has implemented a phased approach to prioritize and target the next smaller size subwatersheds within the larger Sunrise River subwatershed. Phase 1 targeted the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes subwatershed; using 6 Clean Water Fund grants and matching federal funding, hundreds of conservation practices have been installed, leading to over 1,700 pounds in reduced phosphorus loading to the Chain of Lakes and ultimately Lake St. Croix. Two lakes are in the process of being de-listed from the Impaired Waters list as a result of this successful effort.
This application moves the focus to Phase 2, which targets the North Branch of the Sunrise River (NBSR) subwatershed. The principal waterway by the same name runs through the heart of the city of North Branch and receives runoff from both rural and urban areas, including a golf course, large parking lots, and Interstate 35. The Sunrise River has been part of two TMDL studies (Fecal Coliform 2007, Multiple Impairments 2014) that have identified increased stormwater rates and impervious surfaces as loading stressors to the NBSR. A Stormwater Retrofit Assessment (SRA) is underway to identify the best locations for stormwater projects, including rain gardens, vegetated swales, pervious pavement, infiltration basins, and iron enhanced sand filters. Priority will be given to projects closest to the NBSR and its tributaries. At least 10 conservation projects will be installed, preventing at least 50 lbs/yr of phosphorus and 50 tons/yr sediment from entering the NBSR.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(Projects and Practices)(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.
A minimum of 10 urban Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented to obtain a minimum reduction of 50 pounds of phosphorus and 50 tons of sediment per year to the Sunrise River and Lake St. Croix.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS