Minnesota's Impaired Waters and TMDLs
Background
This TMDL focuses on two lakes and a stretch of river within the Elk River watershed. The lakes are Mayhew Lake, about eight miles northeast of the city of Sauk Rapids, and Big Elk Lake, just northeast of the city of Clear Lake. The river stretch is the Elk River, between Big Elk Lake and the St. Francis River. Mayhew Lake and Big Elk Lake are impaired due to excess nutrients, primarily phosphorus. The Elk River reach is impaired due to excess turbidity and bacteria, primarily E. coli. The MPCA and the Elk River Watershed Association cooperatively developed the TMDL study. The TMDL study began in August 2008 and is projected to be completed in 2012.
Map and location
Elk River watershed is located south eastern portion of the Upper Mississippi Basin, within the Mississippi River-St. Cloud watershed. For a map of this impairment, see the Google map below or the Impaired Waters Viewer.
TMDL report and implementation plan
Fact Sheet- Elk River Watershed Final TMDL Report (EPA approval 6/14/2012)
- Elk River Watershed TMDL - EPA approval letter
- Elk River Watershed: TMDL Implementation Plan (MPCA approval 7/10/2012)
- Elk River Watershed TMDL Implementation Plan - MPCA Approval Letter
Other documents
- Work Plan
- Phase 1 TMDL Report (wq-iw8-14h)
- Phase 2 TMDL Report (wq-iw8-14i)
Meetings and events
- Elk River Watershed TMDL Public Meeting #1 - March 19, 2009, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Palmer Town Hall, Clear Lake, MN
Links
Information contact
Phil Votruba, Project Manager
7678 College Road, Suite 105
Baxter, MN 56425
218-828-6063
phil.votruba@state.mn.us
Tiffany Determan, TMDL Coordinator (ERWA)
14855 Hwy 10
Elk River, MN 55330
763-241-1170
tdeterman@sherburneswcd.org