Lake Independence is classified as a recreational water; the primary uses include swimming, fishing and boating. Land use in the watershed surrounding Lake Independence is predominantly agricultural and is undergoing rapid development of multi-acre, single-family hobby farms. The lake is listed as impaired for excess nutrients, the total phosphorus concentration averages violate the state standard for recreational waters. The Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed Management Commission appointed a community stakeholder committee to address concerns about nutrient levels in Lake Independence. The Lake Independence TMDL report was approved by the EPA on February 23, 2007.
Map and location
Lake Independence is located approximately 15 miles west of Minneapolis in the South Fork Crow River watershed in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The watershed includes portions of Medina, Independence, and Loretto and is located in Hennepin County.
Map of Eutrophic lakes in the Upper Mississippi Basin, including Lake Independence
TMDL report and implementation plan
TMDL approved by the EPA on February 23, 2007.
- Final TMDL Report
- Fact Sheet
- EPA Approval Letter (February 23, 2007)
- Implementation Plan