Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Barbara Skoglund, 651-296-5965
Technical contact: Tim Larson, 651-282-5559 Saint Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requests public comments on a draft report about water pollution in Lake Independence. The report, titled, "Total Maximum Daily Load Evaluation of Excess Nutrients in Lake Independence," is on public notice until Nov. 29, 2006. Lake Independence is an 851-acre lake located approximately 15 miles west of Minneapolis. During the past 15 years, the water quality of Lake Independence has declined. Excess nutrients, mainly phosphorus, in the water have contributed to a significant increase in the frequency of algal blooms, making the lake less attractive for recreational use. Due to high phosphorus levels, the lake appears 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 receive and still meet water quality standards. A 45 percent decrease in phosphorus is needed for the lake to meet water quality standards. The cities of Medina, Independence and Loretto will need to reduce proportionately the amount of phosphorus they contribute to the lake. Reductions need to come from cropland, livestock manure, urban development, wastewater, shoreline goose management and failing septic systems. A detailed plan to address these issues is under development. The draft TMDL is currently on public notice and available on the MPCA Web site at hhref="/water/tmdl.html. Comments must be in writing and must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2006. Send comments and requests for additional information to:
Tim Larson
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155-4194
651-282-5559, TDD 651-282-5332, 800-657-3864 timothy.larson@pca.state.mn.us