The goal of this project is to engage citizens in local watershed monitoring, work with regional partners to promote understanding and protection of watersheds, and organize and facilitate gathering of scientific data for the benefit of water quality in the Red River Basin.
This project will monitor streams in target watersheds located in Ottertail and Wadena counties. Six sites have been identified by MPCA for biological monitoring; this project will complete the chemical and field analysis at these six sites.
The Redeye River watershed is conducting the second intensive watershed assessment. The water quality in the watershed is still pretty healthy, but the streams with poor water quality identified previously are still not meeting water quality standards. The goal during this cycle is to better identify problem areas so that parcel specific implementation can occur to achieve improved water quality. The best method available to better target implementation is through culvert inventories, visual and desktop surveys, as well as outreach.
Watershed based implementation funds will be used to target conservation practices utilizing the principles associated with Prioritize, Target and Measure as referenced in our Local Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. The following are projects/practices, and their associated pollution reduction estimates, that are included in this budget request: (500 acres of Nonstructural BMPs) to protect/improve land management and reduce bacteria will reduce phosphorus by 65 lbs/yr, nitrogen by 520 lbs/yr, and sediment by 285 tons/yr.
Hydes Lake is the headwaters to Carver Creek and is known for its excellent fishery. However, the lake has elevated nutrient levels which lead to poor water quality. A clean up plan for Hydes Lake has identified the need to reduce phosphorus loading by 81 percent from watershed sources.
Hydes Lake is the headwaters to Carver Creek and is known for its excellent fishery. However, the lake has elevated nutrient levels which lead to poor water quality. A clean up plan for Hydes Lake identified the need to reduce phosphorus loading by 81 percent from watershed sources.
Since 2008, a ravine on the Northwest side of Reitz Lake has been eroding on a private parcel, causing sediment and nutrients to discharge into the waterbody. This project will stabilize a ravine that has formed from Airport Road down to Reitz Lake.
The Reitz Lake restoration project began several years ago when water quality samples showed the lake was impaired. Carver County and residents around the lake took action and began to develop a plan (TMDL) to clean up Reitz Lake.Once the TMDL study and the associated implementation plan (which helps to target specific projects) were completed, funding was sought to target high priority projects around the Lake. First, direct untreated run-off from a farmed area of approximately 100 acres to the north of the lake will be slowed and filtered before it enters the lake.
The USGS and the MPCA will determine the relative contributions of endocrine active chemicals (EACs) and pharmaceuticals from WWTP effluent to aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective is to measure the concentrations of EACs and pharmaceuticals in water samples collected from the effluents from 20 WWTPs and at sites upstream and downstream of WWTP effluent discharge in Minnesota during 2009-2011.
This project will provide analysis of geographic patterns, temporal trends of lake clarity and relationships of water clarity to other lake properties, land cover and demographic factors by use of satellite remote sensing. Data for all lakes and years are available in the LakeBrowser, a web-based mapping tool that enables searches and display of results for individual lakes. This project will extend and add to the database, analyze current and new data, and enhance the capability for resource managers to access and use the data.
The goal of this project is to implement 10-15 medium sized projects that will infiltrate and reduce pollutant loads to the waters in the Riley-Purgatory-Creek Watershed District. The District intends to achieve this by using their Citizen Advisors who are well involved with local associations, City staff who are familiar with associations in their jurisdiction and also seek less-known association through various advertising methods. We intend to use staff knowledge to insure that the projects are suitable for the site and implemented correctly to maximize efficiency.
State law (M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Ch. 6) directs restoration evaluations to be conducted on habitat restoration projects completed with funds from the Clean Water Fund (M.S. 114.D.50 Subd. 6). The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is responsible for convening a Restoration Evaluation Panel containing at least five technical experts who will evaluate a sample of up to 10 habitat restoration projects annually. The Panel will evaluate the restorations relative to the law, current science, stated goals and standards in the restoration plans, and applicable guidelines.
This project will complete the final Implementation Plan, semi-annual and final reports and hold project meetings. The Implementation Plan will identify target areas and priorities for implementation strategies to improve water quality for Bluff Creek. This project will build the groundwork so Bluff Creek will meet water quality standards for aquatic life in the future.
This program is a part of a comprehensive clean water strategy to prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; protect groundwater and wetlands. Specifically the Riparian Buffer Easement Program targets creating buffers on riparian lands adjacent to public waters, except wetlands. Through the Reinvest in Minnesota Program (RIM) and in partnership with Soil and Water Conservation Districts and private landowners, permanent conservation easements are purchased and buffers established.
This project will extend and update the lake water clarity database of Landsat-estimated lake clarity. Outcomes include enhance capability, ease of use and effectiveness of the Lake Browser and database and add to the Lake Browser.
The goal of this work order is to make additions and enhancements to the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) tool best management practice (BMP) database and the methodologies used for the application of the BMPs.
This work will involve enhancing the capability of the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) tool to run more complex point source alternative scenarios, produce results and output in line with the recently developed Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) report standards, and general enhancements requested by users.
This work order will address the need for technical support and updates to the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) tool and PATH software based on training feedback. The trainings will include exercises focusing on improved and added functionality as well as the enhanced best management practice (BMP) database.
The goal of this project is to provide three training sessions for the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) software and one training session for the Processing Application Tool for the Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model.
RESPEC will use the Processing Application Tool for HSPF (PATH) to construct the remaining 22 Scenario Application Manager (SAM) projects. SAM assists in understanding watershed conditions, and identifying priority areas and BMPs that will provide the greatest water-quality benefits for each dollar invested. The value of the tool is in its simplification of complex hydrologic and water quality model applications into transparent estimates of the significant pollutant sources in watershed.
The contractor will provide 4 day-long training sessions for the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) and 2 Processing Application Tool for HSPF (PATH) sessions. The SAM tool’s framework currently consists of a pre-processor (PATH) for interactively translating HSPF model application files, a Geographic Information System (GIS) for best management practice (BMP) site selection, a BMP database with pollutant removal efficiencies and associated costs, and scenario analysis, optimization, and reporting capabilities.
The contractor will collect and process the necessary files needed to develop a Processing Application Tool for HSPF (PATH) and Scenario Application Manager (SAM) project for 30 HUC 8 watersheds in Minnesota. SAM provides a graphical interface to the Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model applications and expands the state’s investment in HSPF to a broader audience in support of the development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies and Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) reports.
The goal of this project is to develop forestry related best management practice (BMP) pollutant reduction/management efficiencies, costs, and management information applicable to Minnesota forests and incorporate these BMPs into the Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model Scenario Application Manager (SAM) tool. By incorporating forestry BMPs into the existing SAM tool, forestry related management scenarios can be evaluated for potential impacts on surface waters and can inform the development of watershed restoration and protection strategies.
The goal of this work order is to collect and process the watershed specific files needed to create the Scenario Application Manager (SAM) project files to apply the SAM software in selected major watersheds in Minnesota where an Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) model has been developed. This work order will also involve technical support for the SAM users who are applying the SAM projects.
The goal of this work order is to enhance the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) support tool in order to represent best management practices in a more physically based manner, improve point scenario representation and analysis, and support MPCA with training in the application of the enhanced functionality.
The contractor will provide 3 Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) training sessions in the fall of 2016 for use with Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model applications.
This project will provide lake and stream monitoring assistance to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), identifying impaired waters within the Lower Minnesota RIver Watershed (Watershed ID: 07020012) according to the Intensive Watershed Monitoring (IWM) Approach.
Approximately 70 percent of all Minnesotans rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. Wells used for drinking water must be properly sealed when removed from service to protect both public health and Minnesota’s invaluable groundwater resources. The Minnesota Department of Health with the assistance of the Board of Water and Soil Resources protects both public health and groundwater by assuring the proper sealing of unused wells.” Clean Water funds are being provided to home owners as a 50% cost-share assistance for sealing unused private drinking water wells.
The project will develop a web application that provides suspended sediment concentration, sediment bedload, and annual total sediment load estimates to characterize the sediment load to Minnesota's rivers. This will be accomplished using a machine learning model developed from previously collected data. The results will help Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff evaluate Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) models and will assist in stressor identification.
The purpose of this project is to install a sediment pond along County Ditch #4A to trap sediment and associated pollutants before entering into Bevens Creek which drains into the Minnesota River. Carver County Ditch #4A recently went through a redetermination of benefits process and state law now requires a buffer strip one rod (16.5 feet) wide to be maintained along the top of the ditch bank. The sediment pond, in combination with the buffer strip, will reduce the amount of sediments and pollutants that reach Bevens Creek.
The goal of this project is to use the Watershed Data Integration Program (WDIP) Project to apply previous experience with business analysis to the MPCA’s efforts. Develop and document implications for the strategic approach of the business to Watershed projects, their communication and implementation plans to shift to the new strategy, and the daily processes of the business that will be required to change.
The project is part of the Six Mile-Halsted Bay Subwatershed Plan, a planning partnership currently underway which aims to protect and improve natural resources within this priority subwatershed by working closely with partnering agencies to integrate capital investments and maximize public return on investment. This project will enhance two existing stormwater ponds to enhance treatment of phosphorus as well as incorporate treatment of the Church Lake outlet, a lake which routinely fails to meet state water quality standards and contributes to the water quality impairment of East Auburn.
This project will assist the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in administering the Smart Salting program. Work will include preparing for and teaching classes, providing ongoing updates to training materials and resources, technical and administrative support, and development of updates and new materials for the Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt).
The result of this project will be assisting Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in administering the Smart Salting program which includes but is not limited to: preparing for and teaching classes, providing ongoing updates to training materials and resources, technical and administrative support to MPCA, and development of updates and new materials for the Smart Salting Assessment tool (SSAt).
The goal of this project is to develop and implement a multiagency tracking framework that will help clarify connections between Clean Water Funds invested, actions taken and clean water outcomes achieved.
