Minnesota River Basin Plan


Minnesota River Basin Plan The Minnesota River Basin Plan uses basin management, a geographically based approach to water quality protection and restoration built around the focus on water. Rather than starting from categories of pollution sources or specific facilities, basin management focuses on the relationship of water resources with land management and its communities. The basin management plan is designed to complement the programs that already exist. It is an extension and combination of the many current efforts in identifying and correcting the various pollution problems that affect the Minnesota River. The past ten years have allowed scientists time to better define the problems facing the Minnesota River basin, and time for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and other state agencies, local units of government and citizen’s groups to work together to shape an action plan to improve water quality in the river and its tributaries. This work culminated in publication of the Minnesota River Basin Plan in December 2001. The Minnesota River Basin Plan is divided into four sections: • Recognize and address threats to Minnesota’s environment. • Prevent, limit, and clean up pollution. • Improve government services and collaboration. • Provide responsive services to citizens and stakeholders. Each section includes a list of action strategies to achieve the goals. Basin Plan Goals Dissolved oxygen – Ensure that dissolved oxygen concentrations in surface waters throughout the basin are adequate to fully support designated beneficial uses. Nutrients – Phosphorus – Ensure phosphorus concentrations are low enough to fuly support aesthetic (recreational use) and aquatic life goals. Nitrogen – Protect human health and the environment from the effects of excessive concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen. Sediment – Ensure that turbidity and total suspended solids level are low enough to fully support aesthetic (recreational use) and aquatic life goals. Toxics – Protect human health and aquatic life from the effects of toxic substances. Bacteria – Reduce the potential for water-borne disease transmission. Biology – Improve the health of aquatic communities. Increase biodiversity in natural systems. Learn more about the Minnesota River Basin Data Center by visiting the following websites: MPCA's Minnesota River Basin Plan http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/basins/mnriver/index.html MPCA's Minnesota River Basin Management Framework http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/basins/mnriver/strategy.html The following reports are also available: Minnesota River Basin Plan Fact Sheet. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. April 2002. (pdf 227k) Minnesota River Basin Plan. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. December 2001. (pdf 1,558 k)
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