5.10. SR 09-09-2002TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Mayor and City Council
Rebecca Haug, Environme~echnician
September 4, 2002
Lake Orono
Item 5.10.
Extensive studies have been conducted upstream of Lake Orono and on Lake Orono to determine
why the fecal coliform counts are so high in the lake. The studies appear to show feedlots as
being one of the main contributors of fecal coliform bacteria.
Nicola Blake-Bradley, Environmental Specialist with Sherbume County and Vance Zehringer,
Lake Orono Improvement Association, spoke with Amy Ness, Brainerd MPCA regarding the
feedlots on the Elk River. Amy informed Nicola and Vance that the MPCA does not regulate
"pastures" with water source access. However, the MPCA does regulate erosion due to animal
pressure on the shoreline.
Sherbume County's Solid Waste Ordinance has a section related to manure and when it is
considered a solid waste, it is Section 20.0 - Manures. On August 5, 2002, Nicola and I
investigated a complaint from the Sherbume County Soil & Water Conservation District
concerning possible fecal coliform bacteria contamination of the Elk River from feedlots
(manure). We canoed down the Elk River starting at Sherburne County Rd 53 to State
Highway 25. During our paddle, we noted strong manure odors and much algae growth within
100 yards of a large feedlot. Several bank cuts were noticed along the fiver. At least two active
pastures were open to direct contact with the Elk River with large bank cuts at both sites. Due to
the large rainfall events this summer, no manure was detected in the river.
John Norgren, County Ditch Inspector has also noted at least one area where cattle are entering
County ditches which flow into the Elk River. He has written a letter to the landowner informing
them about the ditch laws restricting them from allowing cattle in the ditches. They will be
fencing the cattle off from the ditch this fall with assistance from Sherbume County SWCD.
Staffrecommends Mayor Stephanie Klinzing sign the attached letter to be sent to the MPCA,
DNR, Sherburne County Board of Commissioners and the Elk River Watershed District to
prevent further property loss for homeowners and further recreation loss to the public on Lake
Orono.
City
September 4, 2002
MPCA
Attn: Karen A. Studders, Commissioner
520 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul MN 55155-4194
Dear Mrs. Studders:
The City of Elk River closed the Lake Orono Beach on July 3, 2002, due to fecal counts higher than
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for recreational use. The beach was not
reopened until August 8, 2002, when fecal counts returned to acceptable levels. Extensive studies
were conducted in Lake Orono and upstream in the Elk River to determine the origin of the
contamination. Additional tests were conducted at all sites where fecal counts were high to determine -
if it was of human or animal origin. According to Liesch Associates, Inc., the tests indicate feedlot-
type impacts were likely one of the main contributors of fecal coliform bacteria.
The Elk River City Council request that your agency diligently pursues the issue of manure entering
the Elk River to prevent further loss of property.value for homeowners and further recreation loss to
the public on Lake Orono. Please contact Stephen Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator at (763)
441-4904 for details of the suspect sites.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A. Klinzing Mayor
River
September 4, 2002
DNR Information Center
Attn: Allen Garber, Commissioner
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
Dear Mr. Garber:
The City of Elk River closed the Lake Orono Beach on July 3, 2002, due to fecal counts higher than
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for recreational use. The beach was not
reopened until August 8, 2002, when fecal counts returned to acceptable levels. Extensive studies
were conducted in Lake Orono and upstream in the Elk River to determine the origin of the
contamination. Additional tests were conducted at all sites where fecal counts were high to determine
if it was of human or animal origin. According to Liesch Associates, Inc., the tests indicate feedlot-
type impacts were likely one of the main contributors of fecal coliform bacteria.
The Elk River City Council request that your agency diligently pursues the issue of manure entering
the Elk River to prevent further loss of property value for homeowners and further recreation loss to
the public on Lake Orono. Please contact Stephen Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator at (763)
441-4904 for details of the suspect sites.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A. Klinzing Mayor
l iver
September 4, 2002
Elk River Water Shed Association
C/O: Sherbume County SWCD
14855 Hwy 10
Elk River MN 55330
To Whom It May Concern:
The City of Elk River closed the Lake Orono Beach on July 3, 2002, due to fecal counts higher than
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for recreational use. The beach was not
reopened until August 8, 2002, when fecal counts returned to acceptable levels. Extensive studies
were conducted in Lake Orono and upstream in the Elk River to determine the origin of the
contamination. Additional tests were conducted at all sites where fecal counts were high to determine
if it was of human or animal origin. According to Liesch Associates, Inc., the tests indicate feedlot-
type 'impacts were likely one of the main contributors of fecal coliform bacteria.
The Elk River City Council request that your agency diligently pursues the issue of manure entering
the Elk River to prevent further loss of property value for homeowners and further recreation loss to
the public on Lake Orono. Please contact Stephen Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator at (763)
441-4904 for details of the suspect sites.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A. Klinzing Mayor
September 4, 2002
Sherbume County Board of Commissioners
13880 Hwy 10 NW
Elk River MN 55330
To Whom It May Concern:
The City of Elk River closed the Lake Orono Beach on July 3, 2002, due to fecal counts higher than
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for recreational use. The beach was not
reopened until August 8, 2002, when fecal counts returned to acceptable levels. Extensive studies
were conducted in Lake Orono and upstream in the Elk River to determine the origin of the
contamination. Additional tests were conducted at all sites where fecal counts were high to determine
if it was of human or animal origin. According to Liesch Associates, Inc., the tests indicate feedlot-
type impacts were likely one of the main contributors of fecal coliform bacteria.
The Elk River City Council request that your agency diligently pursues the issue of manure entering
the Elk River to prevent further loss of property value for homeowners and further recreation loss to
the public on Lake Orono. Please contact Stephen Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator at (763)
441-4904 for details of the suspect sites.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A. Klinzing Mayor