Priority E.coli Reduction in Mississippi River-Sartell

This project will reduce bacteria loading into priority streams within the Mississippi-Sartell watershed, immediately upstream of the City of St. Cloud surface water intake, that are impaired for E. coli. Grant funds will be used to implement source controls to limit E. coli entering waterways, including manure storage facilities (5), livestock exclusion from waterways (5), feedlot runoff controls (5), edge-of-field buffers (10), and implementation of nutrient management plans for land application of manure (5 plans, 800 acres) and prescribed grazing (5 plans, 400 acres). These practices were included as high priority in the TMDL implementation plan for the affected waters. The grant will leverage federal funds to ensure that qualified projects have sufficient funding to reduce barriers to voluntary implementation of conservation practices.

The project area is a priority portion of Stearns and Morrison Counties that was selected due to its direct connection to the local water plan, level of impairments, contiguous land area, and lack of other available financial resources. Additionally, runoff from the area directly affects the drinking water supply for St. Cloud and contributes to the supply for Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Animal waste projects are required to properly implement land application of manure (incorporated/injected into soil). Adequate storage with separation from groundwater allows waiting until the right conditions for land application rather than daily hauling. Other feedlot improvements for runoff control include gutters and berms to keep clean water away.

Livestock exclusions directly reduce loading by keeping animals out of waterways. These practices use fencing and crossings and often require pasture improvements (water source) and paddock fencing (grazing plan). Other practices include infiltration and other treatment to reduce bacteria loads in water and closing abandoned animal waste pits and feedlots.