Contact: Alexis Donath, 651-757-2120
St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking feedback on a draft water quality improvement report for Medicine Lake in the city of Plymouth. The MPCA has identified the lake as an impaired water body because it contains excess phosphorus, a nutrient that contributes to algae overgrowth and disruption of swimming, fishing and other forms of recreation. Comments on the report are being accepted from Oct. 4 through Nov. 3, 2010.
The MPCA found that about half of phosphorus pollution in Medicine Lake comes from stormwater. Phosphorus levels in stormwater rise when leaves, grass clippings and fertilizers are allowed to wash into storm sewers. In developed areas such as the land surrounding Medicine Lake, water flowing off paved surfaces diverts phosphorus-containing organic material directly into streams and lakes.
The MPCA report, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL, quantifies pollutant levels, identifies sources of pollution and proposes ways to bring water quality back to an acceptable level. After reviewing comments from the public and obtaining approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the MPCA and other local organizations will work out a plan for improving Medicine Lake’s water quality.
The draft Medicine Lake TMDL report may be viewed on the MPCA web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/minnesotas-impaired-waters-and-tmdls/tmdl-projects/upper-mississippi-river-basin-tmdl-projects/project-medicine-lake-excessive-nutrients.html. For more information or to submit comments, contact Brooke Asleson by e-mail at Brooke.Asleson@state.mn.us or by phone 651-757-2205. Written questions and comments can be sent to Asleson at MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Comments must be received in writing by Nov. 3. They must include an explanation of the commenter’s interest in the report, a clear statement of recommended changes to specific sections of the TMDL, and specific reasons for any proposed changes.
