Minnesota's Impaired Waters and TMDLs
TMDL Project: Lower Minnesota River - Low Dissolved Oxygen
Background
This project addresses one impairment in the lower portion of the Minnesota River during low flow conditions. The main sources of excess phosphorus during low flow conditions include wastewater treatment facilities, direct discharges of sewage, stormwater, and agriculture. Results from the TMDL study indicate that, with phosphorus reductions, it is possible to meet the dissolved oxygen standard in the Lower Minnesota River during low flow conditions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report in September 2004, and an implementation plan has been developed.
Map and location
The Minnesota River has a dissolved oxygen impairment from river mile 22 to the mouth of the Mississippi River. The Minnesota River is located in the Lower Minnesota River watershed.
TMDL report and implementation plan
TMDL report was approved by EPA in September 2004.
Lower Minnesota River TMDL: Low Dissolved Oxygen - Final Report - The U.S. EPA approved the TMDL Report in September 2004, and an Implementation Plan has been developed. The Implementation Plan outlines the strategies to meet the goals of the TMDL for each source affecting water quality. The four main sources of excess phosphorus during low flow conditions include wastewater treatment facilities, direct discharges of sewage, stormwater and agriculture.
- Lower Minnesota River TMDL: Low Dissolved Oxygen - Fact Sheet
- Dissolved Oxygen Problem in the Lower Minnesota River - Fact Sheet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lower Minnesota River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL Advisory Committee
- Response to Comments
- EPA Approval Letter
- Lower Minnesota River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL Implementation Plan - Final
Other documents
None.
Meetings and events
See the TMDL Meetings, Events and News page for notices of general interest and event-related information on impaired waters/TMDLs.
Links
None.
Information contact
Larry Gunderson
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road N
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-757-2400.
larry.gunderson@state.mn.us