Mississippi and Minnesota River sediment cleanup plan comment periods extended
From the confluence with the Minnesota River at Fort Snelling (above) to Lake Pepin, the south metro section of the Mississippi River suffers from high levels of suspended sediment in the water, i.e. high turbidity.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended the public comment deadline on the South Metro Mississippi and Minnesota River sediment cleanup plans. The new deadline is May 27th, giving the public an additional month to learn about these plans and provide state agencies with guidance on how to achieve these ambitious river cleanup goals.
Background
The South Metro section of the Mississippi River, along with the Minnesota River, are clogged with dirt and soil particles (sediment) that harm aquatic life and recreation along the river. After years of work, the state has completed draft sediment cleanup goals for each of these rivers, and the goals are ambitious.
When these pollution goals are achieved, aquatic vegetation in the river would roughly double, and the overall health and vitality of the rivers ecology would greatly improve. In addition, the expected lifespan (before it fills-in with sediment) of Lake Pepin located south of Red Wing along the Mississippi River would nearly double.
How you can help
FMR members can help move this project forward by offering comments in support of the state's cleanup efforts. Look for a special FMR announcement, complete with comment guidelines, sample comments and additional information, in May 2012. We hope you will take the opportunity to let your voice be heard on this important project.
For more information:
Learn more about the South Metro Mississippi Turbidity TMDL.
- The draft TMDL report is available for review from the MPCA.
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agencys website on the TMDL is a great place to start.
- For a quick but solid overview, download the MPCAs four-page PDF Fact Sheet.
- The full cleanup plan is also available on the MPCA's site.
Additional FMR background materials:
- TMDL Plan Draft Finished (November, 2010)
- On the Drafting of the TMDL (July, 2010)
- Learn more about TMDLs and The CleanWater Act at FMRs Clean Water Act 101
- Contact FMRs Watershed Program Director Trevor Russell at 651-222-2193 x18 or via our contact form to learn more about FMRs role in the south metro turbidity standard and how you can further be involved.