This project will continue HSPF watershed model construction beyond the initial framework development. The consultant will add representation of point source discharges to the model. The consultant will also compile flow data for the purposes of calibration and validation. Finally, an initial hydrologic calibration will be performed and submitted for approval.
This project will complete a guidance document for the construction of Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) watershed models which are intended to support MPCA Watershed programmatic activities. It will also customize and populate a national HSPF parameter database with values from Minnesota HSPF model applications. This enhanced database will expedite the future construction of HSPF models as well as increase the consistency among HSPF model applications in Minnesota.
This project will finalize the guidance document to ensture consistency and validity of future Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model applications within the State of MN. This improved guidance will help to ensure consistency and validity of future HSPF model applications within the State as part of the One Water Program.
This project will support the development, enhancement, and support of the statewide Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Hydrologic Simulation Program – Fortran (HSPF) Model Repository, HSPEXP+ (enhanced expert system for HSPF model calibration), HCALC (HSPF Calibration Control), HTEXT (HSPF Timeseries Extension), Scenario Application Manager (SAM), and Preprocessing Application Translator for HSPF (PATH).
The goal of this project is to continue the development of Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) model application tools improve and expand the effective application of HSPF models.
This project will address the numerous recommendations included in the original Guidance Document to provide an updated and improved Guidance Document. This improved guidance will help to ensure consistency and validity of future HSPF model applications within the State as part of the One Water Program.
This project will complete spatial and temporal revisions of 6 Hydrologic Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models, the recalibration and validation of 7 watershed HSPF models, and the revision of the drainage network and point source representation of the Pomme de Terre HSPF model.
The goal of this project is to develop a watershed-scale decision support tool, Scenario Application Manager (SAM), to facilitate prioritization and placement of best management practices (BMPs) needed to achieve the necessary reductions identified by various watershed management programs in Minnesota. SAM consists of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for site selection, and Hydrological Simulation Program – Fortran (HSPF) model application to simulate the transport of pollutants.
The goal of this project is to develop the guidance needed for water quality parameter evaluation and calibration for Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) applications that utilize the general water quality constituent routines on the land surface to generate loadings of nutrients and organic material for input to water bodies to support dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrient, and algal simulation.
Development of Target NPS loading rates along with a pollutant source allocation tool for assessing and quantifying source allocations for impaired stream reaches for use in the TMDL development.
The goal of this project is to extend the existing HSPF models through 2012 in the Chippewa Watershed (07020005) and Hawk-Yellow Medicine Watershed (07020004) to incorporate recent monitoring data to support current MPCA business needs and sediment source investigations.
The goal of this work is to enhance the Scenario Analysis Manager (SAM) tool. These enhancements will enable point source and stressor identification staff within the state to quickly access data, facilitate their research, and develop scenarios. This work will focus on the development of SAM by creating a user friendly interface, expanding the BMP database, and improving the BMP simulation methodology including optimization functionality. Additionally, this work includes development of a HSPF validation tool, testing and QAQC, and provides documentation and training to expected users.
Minnesota faces many water quality and quantity challenges. State, federal and local organizations are faced with understanding hydrologic and water-quality problems and targeting cost effective solutions that are based in science. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has standardized its modeling approach for the development of the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports required by state and federal law.
A photo exhibit and commemorative event marked the fifth anniversary of a catastrophic event in Minnesota history: the collapse of the I-35W bridge. For the exhibit, local artist Vance Gellert interviewed and photographed survivors, people who lost loved ones, first responders and other helpers. The exhibit was on view at Mill City Museum in Minneapolis from Aug. 1 to Dec. 30, 2012. A public commemorative event at Mill City Museum on Aug.
Partners: The City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Foundation. A photo exhibit and commemorative event marked the fifth anniversary of a catastrophic event in Minnesota history: the collapse of the I-35W bridge. For the exhibit, local artist Vance Gellert interviewed and photographed survivors, people who lost loved ones, first responders and other helpers. The exhibit was on view at Mill City Museum in Minneapolis from Aug. 1 to Dec. 30, 2012. A public commemorative event at Mill City Museum on Aug.
Most mercury in Minnesota waters is deposited from the atmosphere as a byproduct of burning coal and other compounds. Once in the environment, mercury can convert to a form called methylmercury where it bioaccumulates up the food chain from microscopic plants and animals to fish and then to humans and wildlife that consume the fish. The first step in solving the problem of mercury in fish is reducing the sources of mercury entering waters.
The purpose of this project is to identify effective irrigation and nutrient management best management practices and technologies and the barriers that prevent irrigators, producers, and other agricultural partners from adopting them in Otter Tail County. The primary goal is to reduce nitrate in areas where groundwater is susceptible to contamination as mapped by The Minnesota Department of Health by identifying effective BMPs and addressing the barriers to their adoption.
Endocrine-disrupting contaminants such as environmental estrogens have been found and studied in large lakes and streams and shown to exist at concentrations that have adverse effects on wildlife. However, very little is known about the sources and effects of environmental estrogens in small, shallow lakes. Preliminary data suggests that these compounds are present in shallow lakes and have an effect on the survival and reproduction of wildlife. Researchers at the University of St.
This project will enhance the current program, integrating new invasive carp control and detection methods to monitor and remove invasive carp to avoid establishment in Minnesota.
Establishing monitoring sites to implement Conservation Plans for selected focal species using information from the statewide marshbird survey and the Breeding Bird Atlas focused within existing Important Bird Areas
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has been decimating ash trees throughout the Great Lakes states. It was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009 and is now found in four counties (Hennepin, Houston, Ramsey, and Winona). EAB poses a particularly serious threat to Minnesota because it is home to nearly 1 billion ash trees that occur throughout the state - the second most of any state.
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has been decimating ash trees throughout the Great Lakes states. It was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009 and is now found in four counties (Hennepin, Houston, Ramsey, and Winona). EAB poses a particularly serious threat to Minnesota because it is home to nearly 1 billion ash trees that occur throughout the state - the second most of any state.
Autonomous robots, powered by green hydrogen and solar power, designed to remove weeds in row crop fields can improve agricultural ecosystems with reduced herbicide application and fossil fuel use.
Restoring the Public Land Survey (PLS) will improve foundational GIS data that resource managers and citizens utilize on ENRTF projects and conservation easements.
This research will help the State of Minnesota understand how to improve the nitrogen removal of wastewater treatment ponds when needed, protecting outstate surface water quality and groundwater safety.
This research will reduce exposure of Minnesotans to toxic, cancer-causing chemicals by identifying and curbing key pollutant sources in the Upper Mississippi River watershed and improving drinking water treatment.
Install an underground well and an irrigation system (or other means for watering) in order to water the grass, trees and plants that will be planted at the Veteran's Park. The Veteran's Park is located outside of city limits so there is no source of water other than drilling our own well on the property. Clitherall Township will hire a licensed contractor to drill and install the well as required by Minnesota law.
The Diversity Committee guides MNHS in relation to its strategic priority for diversity and inclusivity. The team meets regularly to discuss current offerings, interactions with various diverse communities and provides services for MNHS to increase cultural competency of staff. The committee activities have emphasized training and development of staff, choosing the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as an assessment tool to provide a benchmark of the current state of intercultural competency with the plan of reassessing at a later date to gauge improvements.
This collaborative project creates a college to workforce pathway for under-represented students who are interested in pursuing Natural Resources careers by reducing barriers that inhibit successful educational attainment.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has identified streamflow alteration as a key stressor on aquatic life, but the characteristics of streamflow alteration acting as a stressor has not been identified in the MPCA Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) process. Without indices that characterize streamflow alteration, the MPCA cannot quantitatively associate metrics of aquatic life condition to streamflow alteration. The lack of quantifiable indices limits the ability of the MPCA to assess environmental streamflow needs for streams and rivers throughout Minnesota.
The purpose of this project is to develop recommendations and identify information for incorporating green infrastructure into the Stormwater Manual. LimnoTech will also review and suggest changes to the tree interception credit currently given to the tree trench/tree box best management practice (BMP) in the Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) Calculator and manual. This work will provide information that Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permittees can use to help meet permit requirements and stormwater management goals.
