Public comment sought on new pollution standard for south metro section of river
While the Mississippi River remains an iconic big river one that serves as a drinking water source, economic engine and critical ecosystem it is also a troubled resource threatened by a variety of pollutants.
The south metro Mississippi, from Lake Pepin (River Mile 780) north to the confluence with the Minnesota River at Fort Snelling (River Mile 844), suffers from high turbidity, i.e. high levels of suspended sediment in the water. This turbidity harms aquatic life and inhibits the growth of vegetation that would otherwise prevent riverbank erosion, provide aquatic habitat, and help remove excess nutrients from the river.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is now requesting public comment on a proposed new water quality standard for this stretch of the river. The site-specific standards set clear limits on allowable turbidity level and are the first step toward a Clean Water Act-mandated river cleanup. The proposed standard will be open for public review and comment until March 26th.
The proposed standard:
- Sets a clear river restoration goal based on sound science and extensive research developed by leading state and national experts;
- Protects aquatic life and recreation opportunities in the south metro Mississippi River, as required by the Clean Water Act;
- Ensures the continued survival of Lake Pepin, the upper portion of which will otherwise vanish in 8590 years and the entirety of which will otherwise vanish in under 300 years;
- Can be achieved at a fair cost with already proven pollution reduction strategies;
- Was developed with broad stakeholder input from multiple agencies, interest groups and communities;
- Is the right thing to do for the Mississippi River.
The proposed Mississippi River turbidity standard is an opportunity Minnesotans cannot afford to lose. While this long overdue standard represents a great step toward protecting our Mississippi River, it is still up to the MPCA to decide whether or not to approve the standard later this spring. Please let your voice for our Mississippi River be heard. Comments must be submitted in writing by March 26th, 4:30 p.m. to Norm Senjem, MPCA, 18 Wood Lake Drive, Rochester, MN 55904, or norman.senjem[at]state.mn.us.
For more information:
- About the Mississippi River Turbidity Site Specific Standard, visit the MPCAs webpage.
- About the standard and the project in general, download this four-page PDF Fact Sheet.
- Review the MPCAs press release.
To learn more about FMRs role in the south metro turbidity standard, contact FMRs Watershed Program Director Trevor Russell at (651) 222-2193 x18 or via our contact form.
Trevor Russell, Watershed Program Director