Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contacts: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Willmar, Minn. -- A public meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 10 at the Pomme de Terre Park in Morris about a report on fecal coliform bacteria pollution in the lower portion of the Pomme de Terre River. Bayerl Water Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will present information leading to the development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report. The TMDL report is part of a nationwide effort under 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 (EPA). A TMDL report is a scientific study that calculates the maximum amount of a pollutant a water body can receive (known as the "loading capacity") without exceeding water quality standards. The TMDL report focuses on the fecal coliform bacteria loading capacity of the Pomme de Terre River, and general allocations or limits imposed on all sources necessary to meet water quality standards. Sources of bacteria include failing septic systems, unsewered communities, wildlife, and stormwater runoff from livestock feedlots and manure applied to cropland. An official public comment period will be announced later; however, questions and concerns heard now will be considered in the report. Prior to the meeting, the Pomme de Terre Citizens' Group will be offering canoe and kayak rides at the park beginning at 5:00 p.m. A limited number of watercraft will be available. Participants are welcome to bring their own. Hot dogs will be provided at the park while supplies last. People also may bring their own food to grill. For more information about the paddle event contact Patrick Moore, 877-269-2873. After the EPA approves the study, a plan will be developed to reduce fecal coliform bacteria pollution in the river. For more information about TMDL study, contact Muriel Runholt at 507-537-7137, or Marilyn Bayerl at 320-283-6127. More information on the state's impaired waters list and TMDL studies is available on the Web at www.pca.state.mn.us/water/tmdl/index.html.