5.3. SR 02-10-2003MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor & City Council
Rebecca Haug, Environmental Technician
January 30, 2003
Update on Fecal Coliform Contamination at Lake Orono City Beach, Elk
River MN
In response to the attached letter sent to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (M-PCA) on
September 4, 2002, regarding the fecal coliform concerns found in Lake Orono and the Elk River
this past summer, representatives from the MPCA, Sherburne County Soil & Water Conservation
District (SWCD), Sherbume County Zoning Administration, Liesch Associates and the City of Elk
River Building and Zoning Department met on June 21, 2003.
During the meeting, the MPCA informed the group that they plan to conduct an assessment of all
feedlots identified in the Elk River Watershed of Sherbume County and possibly Benton County.
Any potential or actual impacts to waters of the state discovered dmS~g this assessment will be
documented and comected. The MPCA is currently analyzing all data and information available in
the watershed to determine if the Elk River meets all criteria to be placed on an impaired waterways
list. If the Elk River meets the criteria to be on the list, it would be good because then the Elk River
would be eligible for federal funding. It would be bad to be on the list because it would portray a
negative image of the Elk River. However, due to the state's budget, the MPCA is uncertain of what
work they will be able to accomplish.
In addition to the feedlot assessment by the MPCA, Sherburne and Benton County SWCD are
beginning a simultaneous joint Federal Clean Water Act 319-funded project to assess the need and
implement required Agricultural Best Management Practices (Ag BM-Ps) in the entire Elk River
Watershed. The money will be available for a three (3) year period with manure management as the
focus; however, the funding is contingent upon the state's budget because the Federal Clean Water
Act grant goes through the MPCA prior to being distributed to the Counties.
Sherburne County Zoning will continue to utilize their Manure Management Ordinance when
complaints are received, as well as continue to require compliance inspections on septic systems
when homes are sold or permits pulled.
The City of Elk River will also continue to require compliance inspections on septic systems when
homes are sold or permits pulled and continue sampling the Lake Orono City Beach for fecal
coliform.
Liesch Companies has revised the document entitled "Preliminary Assessment RePort of Fecal
Coliform Contamination at Lake Orono City Beach, Elk River, MN" dated January 2003. This
report is attached for your review. -
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT REPORT
OF FECAL COLIFORM CONTAMINATION
AT LAKE ORONO CITY BEACH, ELK RIVER,
MINNESOTA
Prepared for:
CITY OF ELK RIVER
ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA 55330
January 2003
Prepared by:
Liesch Companies
Llc CH
Minneapolis, MN · Madison, WI · Scottsdale,
Preliminary Assessment Report
of Fecal Coliform Contamination at
Lake Orono City Beach, Elk River, Minnesota
Prepared for:
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Prepared by:
Liesch Associates, Inc.
13400 15th Avenue North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
(763) 489-3100
January 8, 2003
Project No. 64472.00
This Report was prepared by me
or under my direct supervision.
Mark Johnson
Environmental Scientist
TABLE OFCONTENTS
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1
SCOPE OF WORK .............................................................................................................. 1
2.1 BA CKGROLrND INFORMATION ...................................................................................
ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS ................................................................. 2
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
SAMPLE COLLECTION AND METHODS ....................................................................... 2
CITY BEACH DATA ................................................................................................... 3
ELK RIVER WATERSHED DATA ................................................................................. 3
LAKE ORONO DATA ............................................................................................... ...4
SPLIT SAMPLE COlVrPARISON DATA ............................................................................ 4
FECAL STREPTOCOCCI DATA .................................................................................... 5
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION / DATA ................................................................... 5
CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................. 6
RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................... 7
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
APPENDICES
Figure 1 - Site Location Map (Lake Orono City Beach)
Figure 2 - Elk River Watershed Fecal Coliform Test Results
Figure 3 - Lake Orono Fecal Coliform Test Results
Table 1 - Orono Beach Fecal Sampling 2002
Table 2 - Elk River Watershed Fecal Coliform Sampling
Table 3 -Monitoring To Determine Source of Beach Contamination
Table 4 - Fecal Coliform Split-Sample Comparison
Table 5 - Fecal Coliform / Fecal Streptococci Comparison
MVTL Analytical Reports
Fecal Streptococci Standard Methods Literature
Precipitation Data
City of Elk River Policy Regarding Beach
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Elk River conducts routine sampling at the Lake Orono City Beach for fecal
coliform; this testing has been done since 1993. On July 3, 2002 the City of Elk River closed the
beach due to elevated levels of this contaminant. The Beach reopened on August 8, 2002 after
levels decreased below Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for recreational use.
Studies were conducted to aid in determining the source(s) of the fecal coliform contamination
and why the fecal coliform counts were elevated at the beach. Sherburne County Soil Water
Conservation District (SWCD) and the Lake Orono Improvement Association collected surface
water samples both upstream of, and w/thin, Lake Orono. Environmental specialists from the
City of Elk River and Sherburne County canoed and inspected the Elk River upstream for visual
signs of possible contamination sources. In conjunction with the County and Lake Association
efforts, the City 'of Elk River retained Liesch Associates, Inc. to coordinate the laboratory
analyses of split samples for coliform to ascertain if the contamination was indicative of human
or non-human waste origin.
The findings of these studies suggest that feedlots upstream of Lake Orono are one of the likely
main contributors to the elevated fecal coliform levels observed in Lake Orono this past summer.
Generally, levels of fecal coliform in the Elk River upstream of Lake Orono were similar to or
higher than those from the Lake Orono City Beach area. Near record high precipitation for the
watershed also likely had an effect on the occurrence of the contamination as well.
Recommendations presented in this Preliminary Assessment Report include continued
monitoring at the City Beach in 2003 for fecal coliform. Known sources of the contamination
should be assessed and mitigated. If the problem arises again in the future, additional monitoring
should be completed to determine sources.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Elk River retained Liesch Associates, Inc. (Liesch) on July 10, 2002 to assist with
the evaluation of fecal coliform contamination at the Lake Orono City Beach, Elk River,
Minnesota (Figure 1, Appendix A). The City conducts routine sampling at the Lake Orono
Beach for fecal coliform; the City has been conducting this testing since 1993. On July 3, 2002
the City of Elk River closed the beach due to elevated levels of this constituent. The beach was
re-opened on August 8, 2002 after concentrations subsided below MDH recreational use
~idelines. This report summarizes the monitoring and source evaluation activities that were
completed by the City, Sherbune County and the Lake Orono Improvement Association.
2.0 SCOPE OF WORK
The scope of work for this project consisted of the following major tasks:
· Collection of water samples by the City of Elk River at the Lake Orono beach for analysis of
fecal coliform by the City of Elk River Wastewater Treatment Plant laboratory.
Collection of water samples for analysis of fecal coliform by Sherbume County Soil and
Water Conservation District and Lake Orono Improvement Association upstream of Lake
Orono in the Elk River Watershed.
· Submittal of select split or duplicate samples to Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories
(MVTL) for fecal coliform and fecal streptococci analyses.
Field inspection by City of Elk River and Sherburne County environmental representatives
of the area upstream of Lake Orono in the Elk River watershed for visual signs of
contaminant sources.
· Preparation of th/s Preliminary Assessment Report by Liesch summarizing the findings of
the above referenced work and recommendations for additional work, if necessary.
2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Data presented in this report was obtained from the City of Elk River, Sherburne County, and the
Lake Orono Improvement Association. All fecal coliform sample analyses, were performed
immediately after sample collection at the City of Elk River wastewater treatment plant's
certified laboratory, with the exception of some split or duplicate samples that were provided to
Liesch and forwarded to Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories (MVTL) in New Ulm,
Minnesota. According to City officials, routine fecal coliform testing has been performed at the
Lake Orono City Beach since approximately 1993. Reportedly, elevated levels of fecal coliform
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above state guidelines occur each year in mid-summer, around July. The typical low range for
the fecal coliform is reportedly 100 to 400 CFU / 100 mi, with too numerous to count (TNC)
peaks noted at times. The City of Elk River's policy regarding fecal coliform at Orono BeaCh is
contained in Appendix F.
It is noted that the Elk River area received near record precipitation in June, July and August of
2002. The total precipitation received was approximately 20-inches; this is more than 7-inches
above normal for the area based on 1971-2000 data (Appendix E). Heavy precipitation can
result in above average runoff and elevated water tables and may effect water quality by flushing
waste materials into surface water bodies.
3.0 ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS
3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND METHODS
Monitoring to determine the source(s) of the fecal coliform contamination observed at the City
Beach included:
1. Continued sampling of the beach area.
2. Sampling at the entrance of the Elk River into Lake Orono.
3. Collection of samples in the Elk River and its tributaries upstream from Lake Orono.
4. Random sampling near septic systems adjacent to Lake Orono.
The City of Elk River, Sherburne County SWCD anti/or the Lake Orono Improvement
Association personnel performed all sample collection. Access to desig-nated sampling locations
was either by wading or via motorized pontoon boat. All samples were collected via the use of
individual dedicated sampling equipment. Samples at the beach were grab samples collected
approximately 5-10 feet off the shoreline approximately 1-foot under the water surface. Samples
were collected with a sterilized beaker on a stick; samples were then decanted into sterile
laboratory-supplied whirl-packs.
Samples collected from Lake Orono and the Elk River and its tributaries were generally collected
with the use of 1-gallon distilled water jugs. Immediately prior to sample collection, the seal on
sample jug was broken and the clean distilled water that was inside the jug was drained. The
jug(s) were then submersed under water for approximately 5-10 minutes until filled with the
sample. Sample collection depth at these locations was approximately 3-5 feet below water
surface; or at least one-foot below water surface where the water depth was relatively shallow.
The sampling that was completed near the random septic systems was completed approximately
10-feet directly off the shoreline where the septic systems were located. Samples collected from
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the Elk River and its tributaries were collected at locations that exhibited representative channel
flow conditions.
All data for the project was provided by the City of Elk River, Sherbume County SWCD, and
Lake Orono Improvement Association. The following sections summarize the comprehensive
fecal coliform data.
3.2 CITY BEACH DATA
The Orono Beach fecal coliform sampling data for 2002 as tabulated by the City is provided on
Table 1 in Appendix B. The table indicates beach monitoring initiated on May 30th and ended
On September 12th. The table indicates that the City closed the beach on July 3rd and re-opened it
on August 8th. Over the monitoring period the day to day fecal coliform levels at the beach were
highly var/able.
The highest fecal coliform concentrations generally occurred at the beach in early to mid-July.
The highest concentration was recorded on July 9, 2002 which was 3,700 colony forming units
(CFU)/100 mi. After July 9th, the data indicates that fecal coliform concentrations subsided at the
beach. Specifically, for the remainder of July fecal coliform concentrations were 2,000 CFU/100
ml or less. In August, concentrations were 780 CFU/100 ml or less. And in September,
concentrations were 660 CFU/100 ml or less. The MDH guideline for fecal coliform in
recreational use waters is 200 CFU/100 ml. A review of the data on the table indicates this
standard was routinely exceeded in June and July but only intermittently exceeded in August and
September.
On July 10th and 11th preliminary samples were collected from near the entrance of Elk River
into Lake Orono and from nearby septic systems on Lake Orono. These samples were collected
in conjunction with the collection of the routine samples from the Beach area. The data indicates
similar to higher concentrations of fecal coliform at these locations relative to the Beach area
samples.
Follow-up sampling that was completed further upstream in the Elk River and on Lake Orono on
July 29th and 30th. This data is discussed below in Sections 3.3 and 3.4.
3.3 ELK RIVER WATERSHED DATA
Fecal coliform testing results for the Elk River Watershed are provided on Figure 2, Appendix
A and Table 2, Appendix B.
A review of the data indicates that sampling locations included the Elk River and several of its
tributaries such as Tibbits Brook, St. Francis River, Snake River, Rice Creek and Hyttsten Creek.
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Specific sample collection locations in these waterways included locations upstream and
downstream of Big Elk Lake, an identified feedlot, and the Becker WWTP. The entrance of the
Elk River to Lake Orono was also tested.
Findings of the testing indicate fecal coliform levels at or above the MDH recreational use
guideline at all upstream sample locations. At numerous locations fecal coliform concentrations
exceeded 2,000 CFU/100 mi. The highest levels of fecal coliform were identified downgradient
of an identified feedlot where levels up to 5,200 CFU/100 ml were reported.
Sampling notes on Table 2 indicate fast currents, water out of river banks, inundated flood
plains, livestock in the water, and flooded RV's.
The data indicates that for the majority of locations fecal coliform samples were collected on
more than one date and occasion. A review of this data indicates highly variable concentrations
for the individual sample locations. It is likely that. changes in surface water flow rates had an
affect on this data.
3.4 LAKE ORONO DATA
Fecal coliform testing results for samples collected from the north shore of Lake Orono near
random septic systems are provided on Figure 3, Appendix A and Table 3, Appendix B. The
information provided indicates that the sampling was conducted directly off of approximately
one-dozen septic systems. Notes provided on the table indicate that sample location #102 is
located near a storm sewer out-fall, sample location #103 is located near a creek outfall, and
sample location #107 is located near the mouth of ditch 28. Samples were also collected at the
beach and Elk River discharge into Lake Orono. The data indicates elevated fecal coliform
concentrations at each sampling location.
Generally speaking, similar to higher concentrations of fecal coliform were observed at the
upstream locations within the lake as compared to the fecal concentration reported for the Beach.
The highest fecal coliform level was 2,720 CFU/100 ml at sample location #102 near the storm
sewer out-fall. However, follow-up sampling implemented at this location on August 6th and 7th
indicated fecal coliform concentrations of 0 CFU/100 ml and 20 CFU/100 ml, respectively.
Similar decreasing trends are evident at locations #103 (near creek outfall) and #107 (near mouth
of ditch 28) where follow-up sampling was implemented.
3.5 SPLIT SAMPLE COMPARISON DATA
The City of Elk River requested Liesch to coordinate analysis of select split or duplicate samples
collected by the City, Sherburne County SWCD and Lake Orono Improvement Association with
an independent laboratory, to compare to findings of their test results. A summary of data for
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split samples that were tested by MVTL is provided on Table 4 in Appendix B. Copies of
MVTL's analytical reports are contained in Appendix C.
The split-sample data indicates var/ability in the samples results. Relative percent differences
(RPD) ranged from 29% to 162%. Presumably, this is not atypical for fecal samples because of
the potential lack of uniformity of the sample resulting in potential uneven distribution of waste
matter in the sample matrix. Th.is lack of uniformity can be ~rther compounded by split
sampling (dividing or splitting a sample for analysis by two or more laboratories) and laboratory
preparation and analyses procedures. Fecal matter also has a relatively short life-span so natural
decay can also effect results. Overall, the split results continued concentrations of fecal coliform
above the 200 CFU/100 ml standard.
3.6 FECAL STREPTOCOCCI DATA
On behalf of the City, Liesch requested MVTL to test for fecal streptococci in an attempt to
differentiate between human or animal waste origin. Copies of their analytical reports are
contained in Appendix C and the results area summarized on Table 5 in Appendix B.
Fecal coliform (FC) / fecal streptococci (FS) ratio's greater than 4.0 were once considered
indicative of human fecal contamination, whereas a ratio less than 0.7 was suggestive of
Contamination by' non-human sources. For various reasons, including survival rates of fecal
streptococci group species, the FC/FS ratio assessment has a high false-positive rate and
therefore should not be used as the sole means of differentiating between human and non-human
sources of pollution (Appendix D). Although this ratio is no longer relied upon in and of itself, it
could provide a general means of potentially identifying primary waste type. However, the
abnormally high precipitation associated with the sampling period allows for greater mixing of
waste types that may enter surface waters. This should be taken into consideration when
evaluating the data. .
Overall, the results of the testing were inconclusive. Generally, FC/FS ratio's were higher at
Station 16 (Big Elk Lake Outlet) and lowest at Station 27 (downstream of feedlot) and at the
Orono Beach. This data is suggestive of animal waste impacts near the feedlot and beach.
3.7 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION / DATA
Other information provided to Liesch for review included the following:
City of Elk River Memorandum dated September 4, 2002 - Information provided in the
memorandum indicated that on August 5, 2002 City of Elk River and Sherbume County
Environmental personnel investigated a complaint fi-om the Sherbume County SWCD
concerning possible fecal coliform bacteria contamination of the Elk River from feedlots
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· Jan-2003 ·
o
(manure). Findings of the investigated complaint revealed strong manure odors and much
algae growth within 100 yards of a large feedlot as they canoed the river. At lease two active
pastures were open to direct contact with the Elk River with large bank cuts at both sides
were also observed. The memorandum also notes that the County Ditch Inspector has
observed at least one area where cattle are also entering County Ditches which discharge into
the Elk River. Lake Orono Association representatives reportedly have photographs of cattle
wading in the water.
Chlorophyll A, total phosphorus, total suspended solids and volatile suspended solids data
for Lake Orono This data is not discussed or attached to this report. The City and Lake
Association test routinely for these parameters but is not a fecal coliform contamination
matter.
4.0 CONCLUSIONS
Based on the information gathered and provided to Liesch foi- review, the following conclusions
are presented for consideration by the City of Elk River regarding the fecal coliform
contamination that occurred at the Lake Orono City Beach during the summer of 2002.
1. Fecal matter has a relatively short life-span of 3 to 4 days. The fact that it was present at the
beach at elevated levels for a relatively lengthy period of time indicates on-going source(s).
Elevated concentrations of fecal coliform were identified at various locations and time
intervals tested through-out the Elk River Watershed and Lake Orono. This data indicates
there are multiple sources in the area.
The highest concentrations of fecal coliform were identified downstream of a feedlot located
upstream of Lake Orono. The elevated concentration downstream of an active feedlot area
indicates that it is likely one of the main contributor's of the fecal contamination.
o
Near record high precipitation ~occurred in the area during the summer of 2002. Based on
information reViewed, it is likely this condition had a effect on the occurrence and magnitude
of the contamination.
5. The data indicates that fecal coliform test results can be highly variable and thus should only
be used as general indicators or trends of contamination.
The results of fecal streptococci testing to differentiate between human or animal waste
origin were inconclusive but suggests that the contamination at Station 27 (downstream of
the feedlot) and Lake Orono Beach is associated with animal waste impacts.
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5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations of this preliminary assessment report include the following:
1. Continue monitoring at the City Beach in 2003 for fecal coliform.
2. Assess and mitigate known sources of the fecal coliform contamination. Further assessment
and possible mitigation-should include the area of apparent feedlot impacts to the Elk River.
3. If fecal coliform concentrations again become elevated, additional evaluation and monitoring
of sources should be evaluated and mitigated as appropriate.
W:\env\64472\preliminary report nov 02.doc
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104 - (1440)
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CITY OF ELK RIVER
LAKE ORONO FECAL
COLIFORM TESTING RESULTS
Jan. '03
FIG.
3
City of Elk River Policy Regarding Water Quality Testing at Orono Beach
Stephen Rohlf 7/11/02
Testing Frequency
Test each Thursday to determine if there is a problem pr/or to high beach usage on the
weekend and Monday to determine if high weekend usage caused a problem.
Standard for Beach Closure
Follow state recommended guideline: geometric mean of tests for five different days in a
30 day period where fecal coliform count is greater than 200 (Elk River will use the most
recent five sampling events) or any single event of 1000 or more.
Standard for Reopening Beach
Geometric mean returns to 200 or less for two consecutive sampling events.
Additional Protocol when Unacceptable Fecal Coliform
Count is Detected
As soon as possible, test just north of Highway 10 Bridge, at the Dam, at the mouth of the
Elk River (where it enters the Lake) and any known potential sources, to try to isolate
source of contamination.
As soon as practical, split sample with an independent lab to verify result and conduct a
fecal streptococcus test at all locations where fecal count is high to determine if fecal
matter is of humane or animal origin.
Conduct fecal test daily until normal levels are achieved (see "Standard for Reopening
Beach").
Notice
when Beach is Closed
Street department places signs at Orono Beach and public access.
Contact Elk River Police Department
Lake Orono Improvement Association is notified and they do a calling tree to lake
owners (contact all on list and leave messages, but keep calling until at least one
is spoken to directly:
Jim Snetsinger
Jim Tacheny
John Weicht
Vance Zehringer
Edward Buttweiler
Patrick or Cindy Plant
241-3116
441-3961
441-4112
441-6536
441- 4203
441-6339
work 506-1020
The Plants also post notice on the Lake website.
Contact Sherburne County Health Department - (763) 241-2750.
Inform Council Members and City Administrator (messages ok).
Additional Recommendations
> Review rerouting of storm sewer that emptying into lake adjacent to the beach.
> Coordinate with the Sherburne County Fair Board, Chamber of Commerce and
others regarding making sewage disposal for RVs in a sanitary manhole available
(first day participants come to an event and the day they leave).
> Eliminate potential animal sources of fecal (e.g. prohibit dogs at the beach and
keep goose pollution is check).
> If high count is isolated to the beach, consider flushing area with chlorinated
water from city fire hydrant.