Contact: Alexis Donath 651-757-2312
Toll-free 1-800-657-3864
St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on a water quality improvement report for Fish and Schwanz lakes, located in the city of Eagan. The MPCA report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), focuses on pollution caused by excess levels of nutrients, specifically phosphorus. The MPCA is accepting public comments on the report from May 24 through June 23.
Fish and Schwanz Lakes, 29 and 12 acres respectively, and their surrounding drainage areas are in the Gun Club Watershed. Located in Eagan in different city parks, these shallow lakes provide public access for fishing, non-motorized boating, aesthetic enjoyment, and swimming and wading. The primary source of phosphorus to Fish and Schwanz is stormwater runoff. Phosphorus in stormwater results when lawn fertilizers, sediments, and organic material—such as leaves and grass clippings—wash off land.
This 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 without exceeding water quality standards.
After receiving public comments and obtaining approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a plan will be developed to implement water quality improvements for Fish and Schwanz Lakes.
The draft Fish Lake TMDL and Schwanz Lake Nutrient Management Plan may be viewed on the MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/minnesota-s-impaired-waters-and-tmdls/tmdl-projects/minnesota-river-basin-tmdl-projects/underway-tmdl-fish-lake-tmdl-and-schwanz-lake-nutrient-management-plan-excess-nutrients.html. Comments on the report should be submitted in writing by June 23 to Barb Peichel at the MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 or Barbara.Peichel@state.mn.us.
Written comments must include the following:
1. A statement of your interest in the draft TMDL report;
2. A statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including specific references to sections of the draft TMDL that you believe should be changed; and
3. Specific reasons supporting your position.
Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to Peichel at 651-757-2646 or toll-free at 800-657-3864.
For more information on TMDLs and Minnesota’s impaired waters, visit the MPCA Web site at: www.pca.state.mn.us/water/tmdl/.
