This project will improve surface and groundwater quality in the rural sections of the Vermillion and North Cannon River Watersheds located in Dakota County through the installation of targeted structural and vegetative conservation practices. This project will leverage local and federal funds to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners that install agricultural water quality practices.
Protecting groundwater aquifers that supply community drinking water supplies is critical for communities in Winona County. Well #219210 located within the Altura Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA) is an unused, multi-aquifer municipal well that poses a risk to the community drinking water supply. This well intersects with multiple aquifers, including the Prairie Du Chien, Jordan, Tunnel City/Lone Rock, and Wonewoc. These are primary aquifers used by the majority of drinking water wells in the region.
Peer Engineering, Inc. (Peer) will evaluate and recommend to MPCA groundwater monitoring staff prospective sites/locations for the installation of groundwater monitoring wells to evaluate contaminant/pollutant concentrations from various sources. Peer will oversee the installation of monitoring wells by retaining a state drilling contractor or preparing bid documents to retain well driller through the Department of Administration. Superfund staff will assist in the project by providing oversight of contractual requirements and provide technical assistance as needed.
This project will be a complete TMDL report for the Biota and Bacteria (E. coli) impairments for the Ann River Watershed. The water bodies associated with these impairments will then be removed from the MPCA’s impaired waters list, and implementation activities to restore the water bodies will begin.
