Stabilizing Erosion Areas Draining to the Sunrise and St. Croix Rivers
This project will implement numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) to correct erosion concerns occurring adjacent to Kost Dam Trail and County Road 81, two public roads in Chisago County. Both of the sites have been of concern to Chisago County, the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Sunrise Township, and private landowners for many years. Because of
the size and associated cost to correct the problems, these projects have never been completed. The continued erosion is depositing large amounts of sediment (carrying phosphorus) on the roads and into the Sunrise and St. Croix Rivers.
The Kost Dam Trail project will be a joint project with Sunrise Township during the summer of 2011. Sunrise Township has received funding to replace the bridge over the Sunrise River along this section of road. The bridge replacement and all erosion/sediment control BMPs will be incorporated into one project to be done at the same time. The County Road 81 project is also scheduled for 2011, with the County Public Works department installing the BMPs associated with County Road 81 and the SWCD providing design and construction inspection for the work to be complete on adjacent private property.
Both of these projects are ultimately about keeping water on the land. Both projects have been reviewed by SWCD engineering staff and conceptual designs have been completed. The BMPs that are included in the design are water and sediment control basins, ditch checks, vegetative swales, and infiltration basins.
Nicole Clapp
(c) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for nonpoint source pollution reduction and restoration grants to watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, and soil and water conservation districts for grants in addition to grants available under paragraphs (a) and (b) to keep water on the land and to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater and drinking water. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants. (2011 - Clean Water Assistance)
Total Suspendid Solids - 275 tons/year Phosphorus - 243 lbs/year Sediment - 275 tons/year
With this grant funding, five projects were implemented and 6 gullies stabilized. Together, these projects have reduced the phosphorus, sediment, and soil erosion by 79 pounds, 84 tons, and 116 tons per year, respectively.