Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Cathy Rofshus, 507-206-2608 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Circle Pines, Minn. - A public comment period will begin March 2 and continue through April 1, 2009 on a report addressing water pollution in Golden Lake in the city of Circle Pines in Anoka County. The report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study, focuses on pollution caused by excess nutrients, namely phosphorus that fuels algal blooms. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) placed Golden Lake on the state's 2002 impaired waters list for aquatic recreation because its phosphorus levels exceed the state and federal water quality standard. Excess nutrients such as phosphorus can cause frequent summer algal blooms that limit swimming, fishing and other types of recreation. The draft Golden Lake report has identified the surrounding watershed as a major source of phosphorus. The nutrient enters Golden Lake through stormwater, which drains off the land, hard surfaces such as streets, and other areas after it rains. As areas are developed into homes and businesses, the increase in hard surfaces and need for drainage result in more water running into the lake. This runoff brings pollutants with it, such as leaves and grass clippings that contain phosphorus. Emmons & Olivier Resources Inc., an environmental engineering and consulting firm based in Minnesota, has prepared the Golden Lake Excess Nutrients Draft TMDL. Under the federal Clean Water Act, states must conduct a TMDL study for each pollutant affecting an impaired water. The study identifies all pollutant sources and determines the amount of reduction needed by each source to effectively restore water quality. State agencies, local groups and other stakeholders work together using water sampling data, computer modeling and public input, to develop TMDLs. Following the public comment period, the MPCA will make needed revisions to the Golden Lake Excess Nutrients TMDL and submit the report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. When the TMDL is approved, the MPCA will develop a plan to implement strategies to reduce phosphorus levels in Golden Lake. To receive more information or submit comments on this draft TMDL report, contact Brooke Asleson, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155. Brooke can be reached by phone at 651-757-2205, fax at 651-297-8676 or by e-mail at brooke.asleson@state.mn.us. A draft TMDL Report and fact sheet are available for review at the MPCA office at the address listed above, and at the MPCA Web site hhref="/water/tmdl/project-goldenlake.html. For general information about TMDLs visit the MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.m.us/water/tmdl.