Lake Superior North Watershed Based Funding
Lake Superior North One Watershed, One Plan FY2020 projects will address subsurface sewage treatment (SSTS) goals outlined as priorities in the plan. Projects are housed in two participating counties, Lake and Cook Counties, with SSTS enforcement authority. The primary goals of these projects are to identify and address imminent public health concerns (primarily straight pipes and residue lack of separation) and to reduce groundwater nutrient loading by addressing non-compliant septic systems in the watershed.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(a) $13,591,000 the first year and $13,375,000 the second year are for performance-based grants with multiyear implementation plans to local government units. The grants may be used to implement projects that protect, enhance, and restore surface water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; protect groundwater from degradation; and protect drinking water sources. Projects must be identified in a comprehensive watershed plan developed under the One Watershed, One Plan or metropolitan surface water management frameworks or groundwater plans. Grant recipients must identify a nonstate match and may use other legacy funds to supplement projects funded under this paragraph.
Repair or replace 90 non-compliant septic systems, resulting in a decreased annual pollutant load in the Lake Superior Watershed of 3.04 Tons sediment (TSS), 306 Lbs Phosphorous, 1,218 Lbs Nitrates, and 11,079 BOD5 Lbs/year.
This project funded inspections of 221 subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) in the Lake Superior North Watershed. As a result of the inspections, the grant also funded repair of two septic systems for income-qualifying property owners. As a result of the inspections, landowners who did not qualify for funding repaired or replaced 111 non-compliant septic systems.
Funds paid for significant outreach to property owners adjacent to Lake Superior and an SSTS database for Lake County. Work was done in priority areas and addressed septic systems which is a priority issue in the plan. Work was completed with a one-year extension due to staffing issues. Clean Water Funds provided leverage for the partnership to pursue and secure additional funds totaling $5000 from the MPCA.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS