BRAINERD-The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and local partners have developed a plan to restore and protect water quality from nutrients and high bacteria levels in the Long Prairie River watershed in central and west central Minnesota. The Total Maximum Daily Load report for the watershed is open for public review and comment through July 27, the MPCA said in a release.
The Long Prairie River watershed includes all or parts of Douglas, Otter Tail, Todd and Morrison counties.
Following extensive monitoring and analysis, a TMDL report quantifies pollutant levels, identifies sources of pollution, and proposes ways to bring water quality back to acceptable levels. These reports are being completed under the MPCA's watershed approach, a holistic way of gauging the health of streams, rivers and lakes, and developing strategies to restore and protect water quality.
The draft report is available on the MPCA's Public Notices web page, or at the St. Paul MPCA office, 520 Lafayette Road North. Comments may be submitted in writing to Bonnie Finnerty, MPCA, 7678 College Road, Baxter, MN, 56425, or by email to bonnie.finnerty30 p.m. on July 27.
Written comments must indicate that they pertain to the Long Prairie River TMDL study. They should clearly state the action you wish the MPCA to take, including references to sections of the TMDL study that you believe should be changed; and provide specific reasons supporting your position.
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After reviewing comments, the MPCA may revise the draft TMDL study. The TMDL study is submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for final approval.
For more information, contact Bonnie at 218-316-3897, or toll-free at 800-657-3864.
More information on all of Minnesota's 80 major watersheds is available on the MPCA's watershed web pages.
