Water permits finalized for large feedlot operators
Working with partners to restore and protect Minnesota's waters
January 2025
Community members attended an annual picnic of the Wells Creek Watershed Partnership, in the Mississippi River - Lake Pepin Tributaries Watershed, where DNR staff demonstrated electrofishing and MPCA staff provided water quality monitoring updates.
2024 WRAP-up: MPCA scientists update research used to keep our waters clean
The MPCA passed a milestone in June 2023 when it published its 80th Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) report, covering every watershed in the state for the first time. Agency scientists have now started circling back to some of the watersheds it first evaluated to see what has changed in the intervening years.
Conditions in some parts of those watersheds have improved while in others, the scientists have found pollution that hurts fish, bugs, or people. Visit the MPCA website to read about the four watersheds for which MPCA scientists published updated data in 2024. They include Root River, Mississippi River-St. Cloud, Pomme de Terre River, and Mississippi River-Lake Pepin Tributaries.
As noted above, the WRAPS report for the Mississippi River-Lake Pepin Tributaries was finalized Nov. 9. The area is in southeast Minnesota, south of Red Wing, and includes Goodhue and Wabasha counties. New data show that overall, conditions in the watershed are improving. There are more trout and a more diverse bug population than 10 years ago. Excess sediment is a problem, with many native prairies converted to row crop agriculture, leading to erosion.
Andrea Plevan
Looking for lake health? It’s all on the spreadsheet
MPCA scientist develops a tool that brings data together
Water scientists bring tools such as probes, buckets, and nets with them in the field when working to protect Minnesota’s waters. But some of their most important tools are found on a desktop computer.
Scientists will collect and analyze data about a lake’s inputs and outputs. How much water and pollution flows in, and how much flows out? Inputs include water from tributaries, rain, agricultural and urban runoff, and wastewater discharge. Outputs include rivers or streams, sedimentation (when particles settle on the bottom), uptake from aquatic plants, and sometimes human intervention, such as controlled water releases. Similar to a bathtub, a lake has limited volume.
“The ‘Bathtub Model’ essentially is a set of equations used to represent the movement of phosphorus in a lake,” said Andrea Plevan, a water-resource scientist in the Watershed Analysis and Modeling Unit. “How much settles to the lake bottom, how much stays in the lake and can fuel algae growth, and how much leaves the lake.”
A few years back, the software used to track this data had grown outdated, crashed frequently, and was not supported by the developer anymore. To address these problems, Plevan created a standardized spreadsheet that provides easier data analysis. Completed models have been used to identify phosphorus load reductions necessary to meet water-quality standards.
“I was intrigued by the simplicity of a spreadsheet created by the Bathtub Model developer, but I felt that it could use some customization for MPCA's uses and to make it a little more user-friendly,” Plevan said.
She adapted the spreadsheet to input phosphorus loads, add comments, and direct users to data sources. She added a tab that summarizes inputs and outputs to align with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies.
External partners find value in this product, too. Since it was developed in 2021, multiple agencies in Minnesota and elsewhere have requested copies. Plevan’s work literally got people on the same page.
There's so much to learn during Winter Salt Week!
From Jan. 27-31, a week of programs raises awareness about the problem of salt pollution and offers solutions to use less. Sign up for a daily livestream and more.
Smart Salting training helps improve operator effectiveness and reduce chloride pollution while keeping roads, parking lots, and sidewalks safe. Participating organizations have been able to reduce their salt use by 30-70 percent. In addition, the training has been shown to prevent chloride contamination in lakes, rivers, and streams.
Story map demonstrates work supported by Clean Water Fund
The Clean Water Council has created an interactive web page to show how the programs supported by the Clean Water Fund fit together into a cohesive strategy.
MPCA announces updated water permits now available to large feedlot operators
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has taken another step forward in addressing nitrate pollution statewide by finalizing updated water permits for about 1,000 large feedlot operations. These permits take effect when the current ones expire.
These permits help protect Minnesota’s water resources by minimizing the risk of surface and groundwater contamination from livestock production areas and manure land application sites. They will have the biggest positive environmental effects in regions of Minnesota where nitrate can move more easily through the soil and into groundwater.
In conjunction with the updated permits, the MPCA is launching a new online nutrient management tool that will help feedlot operators plan manure and fertilizer applications. People who apply for the new permits will be required to use the tool.
Event: Feedlot permits: What's new in 2025 update?
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Join MPCA feedlot experts during this webinar to learn what has changed in state and federal water permits for Minnesota’s largest feedlots. Updated permits finalized in January 2025 include additional protections to keep pollutants out of state waters.
Videos explain water-quality permitting for variety of audiences
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency plays an important role in protecting the state’s water resources by issuing permits. But we don’t do it alone. Four new videos on the agency's YouTube channel explain the partnerships with feedlot operators, local officials, residents, and permitted businesses. Each summarizes the basic landscape and requirements of the water-quality permitting process.
Minnesota’s residents play an important role —Residential water rates might be affected by investing in clean water, and it’s important to understand stormwater and wastewater effluent.
MPCA water scientist presents to state subcommittee
Environmental specialist Kevin Stroom gave a 10-minute presentation to the Water Policy Subcommittee on Oct. 24. He explained his recently published research that provides evidence that nitrate levels are going up in the Straight River but not in the surrounding streams. This correlates with an increase in row crop irrigation in the watershed. Stroom also answered questions from state legislators.
Zebra mussels confirmed in Clear Lake in Washington County
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Clear Lake, near Forest Lake in Washington County.
Rice Creek Watershed District staff contacted the DNR after a lake resident reported a zebra mussel on their dock on the west side of the lake. Another resident in the same area subsequently reported a zebra mussel on their dock. More zebra mussels were found by the DNR during shoreline searches in the same area as the two residents’ docks.
Wisconsin is visible across the St. Louis River at the Spirit Lake restoration project in Duluth in July 2024.
MPCA recommends fewer restrictions at Munger Landing and Spirit Lake
In consultation with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is pleased to recommend removing body contact restrictions at Munger Landing and Spirit Lake in the St. Louis River estuary in Duluth, Minnesota. Until now, signs warning the public of the risk of exposure through bodily contact were posted at each site. After many years of investigation, design work and construction, the Great Lakes Legacy Act remediation projects at these sites are complete.
How much trash is under water in Mille Lacs? A scuba team looked into it.
A preliminary and brief probe of the Lake Mille Lacs, paid for by a $67,000 grant from Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund, found light loads of litter in September. Chad Anderson of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said his agency approved the grant in part because no one had previously assessed Mille Lacs for underwater trash. Providing education and raising public awareness about water quality were two other reasons to underwrite the pilot project, he said. — Minnesota Star Tribune
Photo by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Minneapolis opens new Graco Park along Mississippi River
A new park opened in September in northeast Minneapolis featuring walking paths, a riverside landing, picnic tables and hundreds of native plants. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board partnered with Graco Inc. and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization on the project. — Minnesota Public Radio
Pine Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Aug. 21, 2024. Photo by Benjamin Vosika / MPCA
Sixty years ago, the Wilderness Act led to the establishment of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
September marked the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, a pivotal bill establishing the National Wilderness Preservation System. In particular, northeastern Minnesota hosts the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — our state’s crown jewel — a vast landscape home to the animals, fish, plants and memories that pervade our lives as Minnesotans. — MinnPost
Restoration work underway along Brown’s Creek in Stillwater
Brown’s Creek Park was the site of heavy machinery at work and a newly clear view from the state trail down to the water’s edge this autumn. The changes are part of a large-scale stream restoration project, designed to reduce bank erosion, re-create the natural floodplain, and improve habitat for fish along a half-mile stretch of the creek that flows between McKusick Road and the Brown’s Creek State Trail. — The Gazette (Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Bayport, Lake Elmo)
As phosphorus inputs decline, watershed organizations focus their attention to shorelines
For nearly two decades, local watershed management organizations have been laser-focused on reducing phosphorus flowing into lakes, rivers and streams from untreated stormwater runoff. Now, with water quality improving in most east metro lakes and 13 lakes “de-listed” for excess nutrients in the past two years (meaning they are now meeting state standards), many watershed organizations are turning their attention toward shorelines. — East Metro Water
Eden Prairie bird habitats threatened by habitat fragmentation
Nestled among Eden Prairie’s city streets, multi-story buildings, and bustling businesses are 37 top-notch parks and 15 remarkable conservation areas. However, our critical bird habitats are under siege. — Eden Prairie Local News
Mound focuses on stormwater pollution prevention
With 17 miles of shoreline, the city of Mound places a strong emphasis on protecting its local waterways from pollution. As part of its commitment to the MPCA, the city must include public education and more as part of pollution prevention efforts. — Laker Pioneer
Photo by Fox 9
Lake Pepin island project: Inside the fight to save the lake
Lake Pepin used to extend all the way up to St. Paul 12,000 years ago, but with about a million tons of sediment settling at the lake's mouth annually, Pepin is on pace to fill in within just over 300 years. — FOX 9
Clean River Partners receives grant from Red Wing Shoes
Clean River Partners, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the health of the Cannon River Watershed, received a $2,500 grant from the Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation. The grant will support the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to promote clean water initiatives in southeastern Minnesota. — Republican Eagle
Conservation group aims restoration work on watershed that feeds Lake Superior
A Minnesota conservation group wants to focus on land protection and restoration near the St. Louis River as a part of a multi-state initiative known as the Greater Lakes Promise, an effort to improve water quality in the Great Lakes. According to Carrie Jennings, the research and policy director at Freshwater, a nonprofit leading the initiative, water quality problems in many states have arisen from conventional agriculture. — MinnPost
Floodwaters breach the Rapidan Dam in June 2024. (MPCA)
Impacts of Rapidan Dam breach on Minnesota likely to be long-lasting
When the Blue Earth River created a new channel around the Rapidan Dam in June, it unleashed more than a century’s worth of sediment downstream. The MPCA released a report that sediment, phosphorus and organic nitrogen remained elevated into early August and continued to be above normal values into the fall. — Minnesota Public Radio
State considers another impairment for Lake Okabena
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is considering adding new impairments to several lakes in the southwest corner of the state, including Lake Okabena in Worthington. In the Little Sioux Watershed, five area lakes are being considered for designation as impaired for their ability to support fish species. — The Globe (Worthington, Minnesota)
Minnesota lakes have lost 2 weeks of ice cover in 50 years
Ice coverage on Minnesota lakes has declined by an average of 10 to 14 days over 50 years, with ice-in dates about nine days later and ice-out dates moving four to five days earlier, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reported in 2021. The why — climate change — is known. Minnesota winters are warming quickly. Duluth has seen winter temperatures rise 6.4 degrees between 1970 and 2020. — Duluth News Tribune
Minnesotans are feeling the impacts of climate change all around us! MPCA is updating Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework in 2025 with a stronger focus on collaboration, community benefits, and workforce needs.
The Minnesota Duty Officer program at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety provides a single answering point for reporting environmental emergencies, hazardous materials spills, some specific permits, and requests for state government assistance. The duty officer is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week by calling 1-800-422-0798. If there is an immediate threat to life or property, call 911 first! Timely reporting helps the MPCA triage, oversee, and respond effectively to more than 4,000 incident reports each year.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is a state agency committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate.
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