Duluth Beaches Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

Four beaches along the North Shore of Lake Superior and within the Duluth Harbor have aquatic recreation impairments due to high concentrations of E. coli, a bacterial indicator of fecal contamination. The project area includes portions of the Lake Superior South and St. Louis River watersheds near Duluth. Several of the beaches are also listed as impaired for beneficial use (due to fecal bacteria) as part of the St. Louis River Area of Concern. The project provides an opportunity to evaluate the water quality impairments, complete pollutant source assessments, and determine reductions needed to meet water quality standards for the beach impairments. The project also provides an opportunity to assess and leverage the capacity for the local community to engage in the process of watershed management.