WCD Sub-1 Water Quality Retrofit

The Bois De Sioux Watershed District (BdSWD) is partnering with the Wilkin County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Wilkin County, and landowners to reduce sediment load by 450 tons/year and phosphorus load by 90 lbs/yr to the Bois de Sioux River. This project is estimated to meet 10% of the Bois de Sioux-Mustinka short-term reduction goals for sediment and 28% of the short-term goal for phosphorus reduction in the planning region. Wilkin County Ditch #1 (WCD #1) outlets to the Bois de Sioux River, which is impaired for turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus, and e. coli. The Bois de Sioux River flows into the Red River of the North. The project will improve drainage system efficiency and reduce future maintenance-related expenses, while reducing sediment and phosphorus loading, and improving turbidity and DO in WCD #1 and downstream waters. 56 grade stabilization structures (410) (i.e., side inlet structures) and 8 miles of continuous berms will be constructed as a permanent part of the main stem of WCD Sub 1 adjacent to Wilkin County Highway 430th Street. This WCD #1 improvement project is part of the capital improvement plan to retrofit existing drainage systems with water quality best management practices as part of M.S. 103E drainage proceedings to meet considerations for water quality improvements defined in M.S. 103E.015. These practices are listed within the comprehensive watershed management plan as priority activities to reduce peak flows into County ditches, provide better erosion control, reduce sediment, and improve water quality to receiving waters. While part of the overall project but not part of the grant request, the project also includes 8 additional miles of right-of-way that will be seeded to establish grass buffers, approximately 10 acres beyond those required by law. This grant request for the entire 8 miles of WCD Sub 1 will provide a significant benefit to the system and the Bois de Sioux River.