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6.3. SR 10-15-2018 Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 6.3 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Presentations, Awards October 15, 2018 Amanda Bednar, Environmental Coordinator and Recognition Item Description Reviewed by Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator District Report: 2018 Elk River Watershed Reviewed by Activities Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested None Background/Discussion Dan Cibulka, Water Resource Specialist for the Sherburne County SWCD, works closely with city staff and the Lake Orono Water Quality Committee to help improve the Elk River Watershed. Dan will present highlights from the 2018 Activities Report including information about water quality and quantity monitoring, cost-share and grant programs and conservation partnerships. The SWCD provides numerous benefits to our natural resources including forestry, agricultural, and prairie programs. This report highlights the projects in Elk River’s watershed. Financial Impact None Attachments  Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report Elk River at County Road 15, Sherburne County 3§¤±¡´±¤ 3®¨« ǉ W ³¤± C®²¤±µ ³¨® District Introduction Draining a total of 392,320 acres (613 square miles), the Elk River Watershed covers much of Sherburne and Benton Counties as well as small portions of Mille Lacs and Morrison Counties in mid-Minnesota (Figure 1). The headwaters begin in northern Benton County before running south / southeast, collecting water from numerous sources before it spills into the Mississippi River within the City of Elk River. Along its path, the main stem Elk River runs through several lakes including Big Elk Lake (710141) and Lake Orono (710013). There are numerous tributary streams (Lily Creek, Battle Brook, Snake River, St. Francis River, Tibbets Creek, County ditches, etc.) and upstream lakes (Briggs, Julia, Rush, Eagle, Birch, Little Elk, Fremont, Big, Mitchell, etc.) within the watershed as well that drain to the Elk River. This entire land mass drains water that eventually spills through Lake Orono and then the Mississippi River. Figure 1: Elk River Watershed, central / eastern Minnesota. 1 Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report Figure 1 also displays the distribution of different land classifications across this watershed, as extrapolated from aerial imagery. Much of the land has been altered from its original state and developed somehow. The water clarity and nutrient content of all streams and rivers change as they continue to flow downstream. As water moves downstream, the area of drainage increases. This in turn also increases the potential for eroding sources to contribute suspended sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants to the water. Thus, higher pollutant levels are expected at downstream versus at upstream locations. A lake such as Lake Orono, at the bottom of this large watershed, would be expected to receive abundant nutrients and sediment due to the tremendous size of the watershed – even if it was in a completely natural state. However, with development comes an increase in the potential for waterway pollution beyond what would normally occur. Of the factors that determine how much pollution enters a stream or river, land use and precipitation are the most important. Land that is highly vegetated (wetlands, forests) reduces erosion and transport of sediment or pollutants because the leaves of plants reduce rainfall impact force, and root systems allow for infiltration of water into the ground. Land that is highly developed (pavement, lawns, bare soil, agricultural fields, etc.) lacks the capacity to quickly infiltrate water so more water runs off the land and carries soil or pollutant particles with it. Of the 613 square miles in the Elk River Watershed, roughly 27% would be considered agriculture, 20% forests, 18% pasture/grass, 17% wetlands, and single-digit percentages of residential and urban areas. When this area receives a small amount of rain (less than 1 inch for example) a portion of this water runs off the landscape and feeds the lakes and streams, while the rest is infiltrated. However, during larger rain events the amount of water that hits the landscape overcomes the infiltration capacity. More runoff occurs, wetlands fill and spill over, and soil erosion becomes visible from bare soil locations. The Elk River and other streams respond by increasing in height, increasing in velocity, and changing color from clear or transparent to a darker muddy color. This is an indication of the soil that was once on the landscape that is now being transported down the river. The development of the watershed has unfortunately resulted in the impairment of several water resources. Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act requires the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to identify waterbodies that do not meet water quality standards and to develop pollutant Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these waterbodies. A TMDL is the amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can assimilate without exceeding the established water quality standard. Based upon their use class (Table 1), MPCA has identified the specific impairment parameters, affected use areas, and required pollutant reductions within these waterbodies (Table 2 and 3, Map 1). In completing these studies, pollutant contributions and recommended reductions are included from both point sources (wastewater treatment facilities) and non-point source areas (rural landscapes and stormwater). Table 1. Beneficial Use Classes for Minnesota Waters. Adapted from MN Admin Rules Chp. 7050.0140 Class 1: Domestic Consumption Sources of supply for drinking, culinary or food processing Class 2: Aquatic Life / RecreationFish, amphibians, bathing, boating, or other recreation Class 3: Industrial Consumption Industrial processes, cooling water, commercial purposes Class 4: Agriculture & Wildlife Stock watering, irrigation, waterfowl or wildlife habitat Class 5: Aesthetics & NavigationTransportation, fire prevention, navigation Class 6: Other Uses & Border Waters Other uses not listed, waters bordering states or nations Class 7: Limited Resource Value Intermittent or low flow waters, protected for secondary use 2 2007 (2015) TMDL Status Approved (2007)Approved Approved (2015)RequiredApproved (2015)RequiredRequiredApproved (2015)Approved (mercury, and nutrients, 2015)Approved (mercury, 2007 and nutrients, 2015)Approved (2007)Approved (2015) , , ndicatorsndicatorsndicatorsndicatorsndicatorsndicators Indicators Impairment addressed Mercury in fish tissueNutrient/Eutrophication Biological IndicatorsNutrient/EutrophicationBiological iNutrient/Eutrophication Biological Nutrient/EutrophicationBiological iNutrient/EutrophicationBiol ogical IndicatorsNutrient/Eutrophication Biological IndicatorsNutrient/EutrophicationBiological iNutrient/EutrophicationBiological iMercury in fish tissueNutrient/EutrophicationBiological iMercury in fish tissueMercury in fish tissueNutrient/EutrophicationBiological i , , Recreation RecreationRecreationRecreation 3 Affected use Aquatic ConsumptionAquatic Aquatic RecreationAquatic Aquatic RecreationAquatic RecreationAquatic Aquatic Aquatic RecreationConsumptionAquatic RecreationConsumptionAquatic ConsumptionAquatic Recreation 000000000000000001020000 ------------ 008200570146004601410055001601450013001300810147 ------------ DNR Lake # 717171717171717171717171 List. Year 200720082006201220082007 201120112011200820082008 Listed Lakes lass Use C 2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C of Description At City of Big Lake6 mi NW of Elk River3 mi NE of Clear Lake5 mi S of Princeton2 mi NE of Clear Lake5 mi SW of Princeton2 mi NE of Zimmerman5 mi NE of Clear LakeAt City of Elk RiverAt City Big Lake3 mi NE of Clear Lake At City of Elk River . Elk River Watershed Impaired 2 LakeLake Waterbody Big LakeBirch LakeBriggs LakeDiann LakeElk(“Big Elk”)Elk(“Little Elk”)Fremont LakeJulia LakeOrono (Upper)Orono (Lower)Mitchell LakeRush Lake Table coli) TMDL Status RequiredApproved (mercury 2007), Required (E.Approved (2017)Approved (mercury, 2007; fecal coliform and turbidity, 2012).Required (fish)Approved (mercury, 2007) Required (E. coli)Approved (2007)Approved (DO, turbidity 2015) Required (E. coli)Approved (2015)RequiredRequiredRequiredApproved (2015) , , tissue, Fish , E. coli, macroinvertabrate assessments (Low DO) -/Turbidity Impairment addressed Aquatic bioFish bioassessments, E. coliMercury in fish tissue, E. coliMercury in fish tissueMercury in fish bioassessment, turbidity, Fecal coliformMercury in fish tissueE. coliMercury in fish tissueDOE. coliAquatic macroinvertebrate bioassessments, Fish bioassessments, E. coliFish bioassessmentFish bioassessmentE. coli , Aquatic , Aquatic , Aquatic , Aquatic LifeLifeLifeLife Affected use 4 Aquatic LifeRecreationAquatic Consumption, Aquatic RecreationAquatic ConsumptionAquatic Consumption, Aquatic RecreationAquatic Consumption, Aquatic RecreationAquatic ConsumptionAquatic LifeRecreation,Aquatic RecreationAquatic RecreationAquatic Aquatic Aquatic Recreation 535507581579548525512529700704702522 ------------ Unit ID Assessment 070102030701020307010203070102030701020307010203070102030701020307010203070102030701020307010203 , Year 201120122007201220122007201120122011201220122012 20062007, 2007, Listed river and stream segments. 2C2C2C 1B, Use Class 2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C2B, 3C 2A, 3B impaired to Elk R Lk to Elk R Description Watershed CD 18 to Elk LKMayhew Ck to Rice CrRice Cr to Elk LkElk Lk to St. Francis RSt. Francis R to Orono LkOrono Lk to Mississippi RRice LKUnnamed Cr to Eagle Lk Headwaters to Unnamed LkUnnamed Lk to Rice LkRiceRice Lk to Elk R Elk River . 3 Reach Battle BrookElk RiverElk RiverElk RiverElk RiverElk RiverRice CreekSnake RiverSt. Francis RiverSt. Francis RiverSt. Francis RiverTibbits Brook Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report Table 5 river and stream segments. impaired Sherburne County . Map 1 Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report Elk River Watershed Activities Sherburne SWCD regularly directs initiatives and participates in partnerships that result in the monitoring and restoration of the Elk River Watershed, as well as other areas in Sherburne County. The activities consist of efforts to quantify pollution parameters and address natural resources concerns with private property owners as well as public entities such as townships, cities, Sherburne County as well as other local and state governmental units. The bulleted lists that follow summarize efforts by the SWCD and of partner organizations. Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Lakes SWCD actively recruits volunteers for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Citizen Lake Monitoring Program. Volunteers are trained to collect clarity measurements and water quality samples from lakes. Data is housed by MPCA on easily accessible online websites. Currently 12 county lakes regularly monitor either water clarity, water quality or both. Streams The SWCD also recruits stream monitoring volunteers. Currently volunteers monitor 12 locations along the Elk River, St. Francis River and Battle Brook for water clarity. 5 locations are monitored along the Elk River, St. Francis River and Mayhew Creek in Benton County as well. All locations are within the Elk River Watershed. The SWCD participates in the MPCA’s Watershed Pollution Load Monitoring Network (WPLMN) which aims to quantify pollution and water quantity in select watersheds across the state. The Elk River gauging site is located where the river crosses Cty Rd 15. Water levels are continuously monitored by remote equipment and water chemistry samples are collected on a regular basis. th Currently the program is in its 5 year and data is insufficient to determine if any trends exist. This data indicates that the river transports: o 140,000 to 213,000 acre-feet of water volume (280 to 420 cubic feet per second, continuously) o 40,000 to 60,000 pounds of phosphorus (nutrient that spurs plant / algae growth) o 3 to 7 million pounds of sediment SWCD staff has monitored the river for bacteria content since 2012. The state chronic standard for bacteria (Escherichia coli, “e.coli”) is 126 MPN/100mL. In 2012, 29 of 36 samples collected from the river exceeded this standard. However, since then the number of exceedances has steadily decreased in what might be considered a downward trend towards better water quality (Figure 2). For example, in 2017 only 4 of 24 samples exceeded the chronic standard limit. Also in 2017, the Sherburne and Stearns SWCD, City of Elk River, and University of Minnesota teamed up to analyze water samples for genetic content. During two sampling visits, samples came back as positive for human content and cows and at the Lake Orono beach birds as well. The study was small but provides some insight as to where the bacteria in the Elk River are originating from. 6 Elk River Sample Bacteria Exceedances per Year 30 Chronic Standard Exceedences 25 20 15 10 5 0 2012201320142015201620172018 n=36n=30n=30n=32n=30n=24n=20 Figure 2: Bacteria (e.coli) state standard exceedance summary, 2012-2017. At the time of this writing, four more samples are schedule to be collected from the Elk River. Figure 3: Bacteria (e.coli) genetic marker study, 2017. Precipitation Sherburne SWCD trains and oversees an average of 13 volunteer rain gauge readers per year. These volunteers collect precipitation data from a number of points in the county. Information is used in several ways, including to help farmers improve irrigation practices and assist SWCD staff in determining when to collect water samples from nearby streams (aiming to collect data during the “runoff” following the rain). 7 Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report Landowner Cost-Share Assistance and Grant Programs Erosion Control State Cost-Share Program The SWCD receives funding from the State of Minnesota to share the costs of erosion control and water quality improvement on private and public properties within the county. In 2018, the SWCD was able to fund a total of 14 conservation practices as part of 10 projects with Sherburne County landowners using $34,500 in funding. All projects occurred within the Elk River Watershed, and consisted of: o French drains (2) o Rain gardens (2) o Native plantings (4) o Shoreline restoration (6) Bacteria Reduction Grant Following the Elk River being listed as impaired for bacteria by the state, the SWCD began an aggressive campaign to reduce bacteria transport to the river. Two Clean Water Fund grants have been awarded (2014 and 2018) to address manure from small hobby farms in the watershed. To date 9 projects have been completed (manure compost, pasture management, stormwater management) to reduce transport of manure into the river and 2 more are in design stage. Conservation practices installed in Sherburne County through SWCD programs is provided in Figure 3. Figure 3: Sherburne SWCD BMP Installations, 2014-2018. 8 Forestry Programs The gravel bed tree program has been providing plant materials for urban tree planting since 2014. Trees have been used in Elk River Parks, Blvds and ROWs – helping to mitigate stormwater, save energy and improve aesthetics. In 2018, 37 trees were provided. The Citizen Pruner Program has been assisting in the maintenance of trees since 2014, performing structural pruning to increase the long-term structural integrity of this important green infrastructure. Volunteers are trained through the U of M Urban Forestry Department and are led by SWCD staff at organized events. In 2017 volunteers pruned at 10 Elk River locations, giving 78 hours to prune 182 trees. Private onsite consultations for tree health are performed at no charge to County Residents by the SWCD Forest Resource Specialist. In 2018, 31 Elk River Properties received technical assistance with tree and forest management/pest and disease control. Healthy trees and forests can infiltrate stormwater, reduce erosion, and reduce rainfall-soil impact velocity which means less polluted runoff making its way into lakes and streams. In fact, SWCD staff have estimated that the Elk River tree community mitigates 4.3 million gallons of stormwater each year, along with providing over $85,000 in economic value. Agricultural Programs Cover crops are beneficial plants that are put in place on a field either between crop rows or at times when crop are not planted (following harvest, prior to planting). These cover crops may be harvested for use of some type, but their main benefit is the role they play in nutrient retention and soil erosion reduction. This is a reoccurring program in which the SWCD and federal partners implement roughly 340 acres of cover crops each year. SWCD staff work with the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to oversee compliance related to the Minnesota Buffer Law (MN Statutes section 103B.101), along with providing technical and financial assistance to landowners needing to install buffers. Minnesota Buffer Initiative requires a 16.5 foot buffer from all public drainage ditches and a 50 foot average buffer on public waters. Sherburne SWCD has worked with landowners to reach 99.9% county-wide compliance ahead of the November 1st, 2018 deadline. BWSR will be overseeing enforcement matters if any arise. Prairie Program The SWCD assists landowners with design and financing to establish diverse, native prairie on our sandy soils. Prairies reduce soil erosion, reduce greenhouse gases, increase pollinator habitat, are low maintenance and drought tolerant. Special funding is available to projects which incorporate plant species that are preferred by monarch butterflies. In 2018, Sherburne SWCD assisted 14 county property owners with prairie establishment projects. 9 Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report Conservation Partnerships Elk River Watershed Association (ERWA) The ERWA is a joint powers board of Benton and Sherburne Counties and SWCDs aiming to improve water quality in the watershed. The ERWA has completed monitoring and TMDLs in the watershed in past years and currently has a grant funded Watershed Technician who is able to meet with residents to complete conservation projects (erosion control, animal waste mitigations, agricultural efficiency and water reduction). The technician’s work has focused on priority parcels that are located in close proximity to the main stem of the Elk River and Mayhew Creek. Figure 4: Elk River Watershed Priority Assessment Zones. Map created by Benton SWCD. Mississippi River St Cloud (MRSC) Watershed Partners The MRSC Watershed encompasses portions of Benton, Clearwater Watershed District, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties along with smaller areas of Mille Lacs, Morrison and Meeker Counties. This group has collaborated on watershed wide monitoring assessments and TMDL studies. Sherburne County Coalition of Lake Associations (SC COLA) The SC COLA was formed in 2017 to protect and enhance the quality of the county’s waters, their economic and recreational values, and promote safe and responsible use. The SC COLA works 10 with the SWCD to improve education of county residents on water resource protection and has begun several initiatives to improve lake monitoring, recreational use, and overall conditions. Federal Partnerships Staff from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) work within the watershed and other areas to implement federal programs on agricultural land. These programs provide cover crops to stabilize soil, incentive payments to take marginal crop land out of production, and cost-share practices such as livestock waste systems or nutrient management. Individual Lake Associations and Lake Improvement Districts The SWCD often works with lake associations and improvement districts across the county on numerous initiatives including shoreland restorations, aquatic invasive species prevention, lake monitoring, and watershed improvement projects. Metro Conservation District JPA The 11 County metro area has formed a joint powers agreement to provide funding for these county SWCDs to complete conservation work. The MCD funding goes towards conservation practice engineering as well as other feasibility studies. This funding was utilized to complete a sub-watershed analysis of the Lake Orono stormwater drainage area within the City of Elk River. Sherburne County Cities Cities and the SWCD routinely partner on initiatives that map and quantify tree populations, restore tree canopy health, improve stormwater pollutant mitigation, increase lake monitoring, improve shoreland condition, and increase pollinator habitat. The relationship with Elk River City staff has resulted in numerous partnerships for tree management, lake management, stormwater feasibility studies, and groundwater conservation. Sherburne County Townships Sherburne County Townships have partnered with the SWCD for a variety of initiatives that benefit the environment. In the past 5 years the SWCD has partnered with several townships to address stormwater and erosion on 4 separate projects within the Elk River Watershed. Education and Outreach Elementary and High School Education Sherburne SWCD regularly participates in educational outreach events with local schools. The District oversees an annual poster contest and conducts annual aquatic invasive species presentations. This past year, the District also presented to local girl scouts and a Lego League group on water issues. Lake Association / Improvement District Presentations Lake association and lake improvement district meetings are great opportunities to educate stakeholders and discuss ways to protect lake health and property values. 11 Elk River Watershed 2018 Activities Report Stormwater – Elected Officials and Township / City Staff The SWCD has held several NEMO (Non-point Education for Municipal Officials) events in the past few years. An event held in February of 2018 focused on the importance of stormwater work and reporting, examples of ways communities are improving stormwater quality, and discussing how local officials can be proactive. Elk River Watershed Cleanup th This year celebrates the 10 year the Elk River Watershed Cleanup has been occurring. Since 2008, volunteers have gathered in the fall to visit the river at road crossings and pickup accumulated trash. In this time over 4,000 pounds of trash have been collected. Aside from the impact of removing trash, the event is a strong educational tool to directly engage nearly 20 volunteers each year about pollution in our waters. 12 October 2018 Elk River Watershed Activities Update ••Elk River WatershedElk River•••••613 square milesSediment load 3Phosphorus load 40,000 Annual volume 140,000 17% wetland, <10% urban/developed27% agriculture, 20% forest, 18% grass, -7 million ––210,000 aclbs60,000 / yrlbs-/ ftyr Watershed Lake Orono & Big Elk Lake impairments:•••Elk River impairments:•••NutrientsMercuryDissolved oxygenBiological indicatorsMercuryBiological indicators ••E. coli ••••Water Quality/Quantity MonitoringEducation & OutreachConservation PartnershipsCost-Share & Technical Assistance Programs Conservation Activities Elk River Watershed 0 206 Dam202 Bridge Total Phosphorus (ug/L)806040200 Total Phosphorus (ug/L)755025 Lake water quality monitoring••Provide recruiting for MPCA programs (12 lakes currently involved)Examine, analyze and interpret data •Assist with limited scope studies Lake Orono Water Monitoring -Lakes 0 Chronic Standard Exceedences Elk River Sample Bacteria Exceedances per Year# of Exceedances n=202018n=242017n=302016n=322015n=302014n=302013n=36201230252015105 Stream water quality monitoringsome indication of birds as a source for Lake Orono beach •Bacteria monitoring •Involvement in WPLMN program•••Detailed flow, nutrient and sediment dataGenetic analysis shows sources include both livestock and human, Done to support specific conservation efforts upstream Water Monitoring -Streams •Two Clean Water Funds grants awarded (2014 and 2018)buffers & filter stripsstormwatermanagement, livestock fencing, waste basins, ••Funding for manure compost, pasture management, 9 projects completed, 2 in design stage Bacteria Reduction 70 projects completed in 2014-2018 Landowner Cost-Share & Technical Assistance provide $85,196 in economic value that the trees in the City of Elk River stormwaterand mitigates 4.3 million gallons of impact each year. Gravel bed tree program, Citizen Pruner Program and Onsite Tree Consultations •SWCD Forestry Specialist estimates •Healthy forests = healthy water Forestry Programs Waterway DNR Public vegetation on soil after harvest Conservation Service Cover crop program (~340 acres/yr) 50 FootBuffer ••••Incentivizes agricultural producers to keep 14 landowners assisted in 2018Sherburne County at 99.9% ComplianceOversee CRP, EQIP, CSP Minnesota Buffer Initiative Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Prairie Program Agricultural and Prairie Programs hired in 2017 to complete and Sherburne Counties, SWCDspractices and programs priority areas along Elk Riverenvironmental assessments on Elk River Watershed Association •••Joint Powers Agreement with Benton Technician recommends conservation Watershed Technician (grant funded) Watershed-wide Conservation Associations Additional PartnershipsEducational Programs ••••••••••Miss. River St. Cloud WatershedElk River Watershed CleanupLake Association EngagementElementary and High School EducationMetro Conservation Districts JPACounty TownshipsCounty CitiesNatural Resource Conservation ServiceFarm Service AgencySherburne County Coalition of Lake •Elected Officials / City & Township Staff Conservation Partnerships & Outreach dcibulka@sherburneswcd.orgElk River, MN 55330763Dan Cibulka-567-5369 Water Resource Specialist14855 Hwy 10