Contact: Stephen Mikkelson, 218-316-3887
St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on a water quality improvement report for the Lake Margaret Watershed in Cass County, near the city of Lake Shore. The report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study, focuses on pollution caused by excess nutrients in the lake. A public comment period begins July 19, and continues through Aug. 18.
Lake Margaret, on the Gull Lake Chain, is a popular destination for water skiing, boating and fishing because of its easy accessibility and wind-protected nature.
Lake Margaret was placed on Minnesota’s list of impaired waters in 2006. This TMDL study assessed phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and Secchi depth parameters to assure the project will result in compliance with state water quality standards.
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.
After receiving public comments, the MPCA will revise the draft Lake Margaret TMDL report and submit it to the EPA for approval. Following approval of the study, a plan will be developed to reduce pollution throughout the watershed.
The Lake Margaret TMDL draft report is available on the Web at www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/minnesota-s-impaired-waters-and-tmdls/tmdl-projects/upper-mississippi-river-basin-tmdl-projects/underway-tmdl-lake-margaret-excess-nutrients.html, or at the MPCA’s Brainerd Office.
Comments may be submitted to Greg VanEeckhout, MPCA, 7678 College Rd, Ste. 105, Baxter, MN 56425, or by e-mail to greg.vaneeckhout@state.mn.us. For more information, contact Greg VanEeckhout at 218-316-3896, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.
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.
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, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.
