Contact: Cathy Rofshus at 507-206-2608
St. Paul -- Reducing nutrient levels is the focus of a water quality study for Crystal Lake in Blue Earth County in south-central Minnesota. Excess nutrients in the lake are causing algal blooms and having a negative impact on recreational opportunities.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites the public to submit comments on the report of the Crystal Lake water quality study through Sept. 26, 2012.
The agency also encourages local residents to attend an open house on the study on Monday, Sept. 10, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Robinson Park in Lake Crystal.
The study, called a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), focuses on achieving the level of nutrients, or load, that the lake can accept and still meet state water quality standards for aquatic recreation. The study identified 5.44 pounds of phosphorus a day as the target for meeting the standards. Current loads range from about 12 to 28 pounds per day. The TMDL is part of a nationwide effort under the federal Clean Water Act to identify and clean up pollution in streams, rivers and lakes.
Crystal Lake covers 355 acres, with a watershed or drainage area of 14,000 acres. The lake is part of the Crystal, Loon and Mills lake system, which drains to Minneopa Creek and then into the Minnesota River. The majority of land in the watershed is used for agriculture. This watershed has significant local importance because it’s popular for recreation and includes the city of Lake Crystal.
Toxic algal blooms are one factor that prompted the study, which was conducted by the Water Resources Center of Minnesota State University-Mankato. In the fall of 2004, the MPCA found microcystin, a blue-green algae toxin, at a concentration of 7,190 parts per billion (ppb). The World Health Organization recommends 1 to 10 ppb as an acceptable exposure level for recreation. In 2007, samples collected from Crystal Lake showed microcystin concentrations of 3,800 ppb, still far above the recommended level. Due to the potential danger of these toxic blooms, as well as concerns from the local community, Crystal Lake was considered a priority for this water quality study.
The lake receives surface water from two primary sources, County Ditch 56 and the outlet of Loon Lake. The study found County Ditch 56 to be a major contributor of nutrients to Crystal Lake. Ditch 56 drains farmland southwest of Crystal Lake and part of the city of Lake Crystal before it discharges into the lake.
Because no wastewater treatment plant or industry discharges directly to the lake, restoration will focus on in-lake treatments and changes in the upstream landscape, such as urban runoff controls and conservation practices on farmland.
View the draft report online on the MPCA’s TMDL projects and staff contacts webpage. Comments must be in writing and submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. Submit comments to Paul Davis, 12 Civic Center Dr., Ste. 2165, Mankato, MN 56001 (fax 507-389-5422, email paul.a.davis@state.mn.us). Comments must include a statement of your interest in the report; a statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including specific references to sections of the draft report you believe should be changed; and specific reasons for your position. Persons with questions can call Davis at 507-344-5246 or 800-657-3864.
After receiving public comments, the MPCA will revise the draft report and submit it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Following EPA approval, the MPCA will work with local partners to develop a plan to reduce the amount of nutrients entering Crystal Lake.
