Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Barbara Skoglund, 651-296-5965 Technical contact: Craig Affeldt, 651-296-6062 Saint Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requests public comments on a draft report about fecal coliform pollution in the north branch of the Sunrise River. The report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load study, or TMDL, is on public notice until Nov. 29, 2006. The river, from its headwaters near Weber in Isanti County to its confluence with the Sunrise River near Hay Creek in Chisago County, is impaired for swimming and other types of recreation because fecal coliform bacteria levels are above Minnesota water quality standards. Because of this, the river segment appears on Minnesota's list of impaired waters. The list and report are part of a nationwide effort under the 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. Currently, Minnesota has 1,013 lakes and 284 rivers and streams with pollution impairments. An inventory of the predominant fecal coliform sources in the watershed has been completed. The top three sources are unregulated livestock facilities, pastures near streams and failing septic systems. Together, these sources represent approximately 80 percent of the total daily fecal coliform pollution to the river and are the primary focus of reduction efforts. A detailed implementation plan will be developed following completion and approval of the TMDL. The draft TMDL is currently on public notice and available on the MPCA Web site at hhref="/water/tmdl/index.html. Comments must be in writing and must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 29. Send comments and requests for additional information to:
Craig Affeldt
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155-4194
651-296-6062, TDD 651-282-5332, 800-657-3864 craig.affeldt@pca.state.mn.us