Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Barbara Skoglund, 651-296-5965 Technical contact: Roger Ramthun, 651-296-9262 Saint Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requests public comments on a draft report about water pollution in Carter, Bevens and Silver creeks. The report, titled,"Total Maximum Daily Load Evaluation of Fecal Coliform in Carver, Bevens and Silver Creeks," is on public notice until Dec. 6, 2006. Carver, Bevens and Silver creeks are located in Carver County, southwest of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Samples from Carver, Bevens and Silver creeks have consistently exceeded state water quality standards for fecal coliform. Water containing high levels of fecal coliform is less suitable for swimming and recreation because of the increased risk of disease caused by bacteria. Due to high fecal coliform levels, the creeks appear on Minnesota's list of impaired waters. The list and report are part of a nationwide effort under the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) provision of the federal Clean Water Act to identify and clean up pollution in streams, rivers and lakes. Every two years, states are required to submit a list of impaired waters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. States and local organizations must determine the maximum daily amount of pollutants that a water body can carry and still meet water quality standards. Major reductions in fecal coliform pollution are needed for the three creeks to meet water quality standards. Most contamination comes from failing septic systems during dry seasons and manure application during wet conditions. Runoff from feedlots and overgrazed pastures also contributes to fecal coliform loads. A detailed plan to address these problems is under development. The draft TMDL is currently on public notice and available on the MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/water/tmdl.html. Comments must be in writing and must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2006. Send comments and requests for additional information to: Roger Ramthun
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155-4194
651-296-9262, TDD 651-282-5332, 1-800-657-3864 roger.ramthun@pca.state.mn.us