New water quality standards proposed for the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin

Readers of Mississippi Messages know that cleaning up rivers begins with setting science-based pollution standards. Standards allow us to measure pollution and make science-based management decisions on how to clean it up. For decades, the state has been missing some key pollution standards. That is about to change.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) conducted a 2008 Clean Water Act Review, and identified a number of potential amendments to the States water quality standards.

In particular, a pair of very important standards were absent and in need of development.

1. River Eutrophication Standards

   The state has had algae growth/excessive nutrient enrichment standards for lakes for many years, but never developed these standards for rivers. The state has now drafted standards for excessive algae growth and nutrient enrichment of rivers and streams – including the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin!
   
   To keep us all confused, these standards are collectively referred to as river eutrophication standards. Dont know what eutrophication means? Youre not alone. In short, it means too many nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrates that can create excessive algae blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels which degrade aquatic ecosystems. For now, remember that too much phosphorus and algae growth in rivers is bad for everyone, and the state is drafting a standard for how much is too much.

2. Total Sediment Standards (TSS) for Rivers

   The state has standards for total suspended sediment (suspended particles of soil and other matter in surface waters) for some waters, including the south metro Mississippi River. However, the state never developed statewide river and stream TSS standards.
   
   Dont know much about TSS? Yeah, it gets kind of technical but basically too much soil and suspended stuff in rivers is unhealthy for fish, mussels, aquatic plants and it degrades recreational quality. Now the state is drafting a standard for how much is too much.

Public Hearings

The state is hosting two public hearings where citizens can learn more about these standards. These hearings will take place on Jan. 8, 2014, at 9 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. These meetings can be attended in person at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency headquarters at 520 Lafayette Road North in St. Paul. Residents of greater Minnesota can also attend on line.

Next Steps

Early in January, FMR members can expect an action alert asking you to provide comments on the MPCAs draft eutrophication and TSS standards. This action alert will include much more information about the proposed standards and whether or not they are the right fit for Minnesotas surface waters.

For more information

For more info, please visit the MPCAs web page on this topic.

Questions about the status of the rulemaking, public meetings/hearings or how to submit comments can be directed to Carol Nankivel at carol.nankivel@state.mn.us and 651-757-2597.

Additional information is available here:

• Minnesota Nutrient Criteria Development for Rivers.
• Site-specific modified eutrophication water quality standards for the Mississippi River pools, including Lake Pepin.
• Revised turbidity WQSs using Total Suspended Solids (TSS).