Nitrogen (N) is one of the most widely distributed elements in nature and is present virtually everywhere on the earth’s crust in one or more of its many chemical forms. Nitrate (NO3), a mobile form of N, is commonly found in ground and surface waters throughout the country. Nitrate is generally the dominant form of N where total N levels are elevated. Nitrate and other forms of N in water can be from natural sources, but when N concentrations are elevated, the sources are typically associated with human activities (Dubrovski et al., 2010). Concerns about nitrate and total N in Minnesota’s water resources have been increasing due to effects of nitrate on certain aquatic life and drinking water supplies, along with increasing N in the Mississippi River and its impact on Gulf of Mexico oxygen depletion.
Where does nitrate come from?
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters (2013)
How does nitrate move from cropland into our water?
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters (2013) |
Tile drainage pathway |
Where does the nitrate go?
Nitrate loads leaving Minnesota via the Mississippi River contribute to the oxygen-depleted “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico (currently estimated to be the size of Massachusetts). The dead zone cannot support aquatic life, affecting commercial and recreational fishing and the overall health of the Gulf.
How do we reduce the nitrate going into surface waters?
Tactics for reducing cropland nitrate going into surface waters fall into three categories:
Nitrate fertilizer efficiency has improved during the past two decades. While further refinements in fertilizer rates and application timing can be expected to reduce nitrate loads by roughly 13% statewide, additional and more costly practices will also be needed to make further reductions and meet downstream needs. Statewide reductions of more than 30% are not realistic with current practices.
To see progress, nitrate leaching reductions are needed across large parts of southern Minnesota, particularly on tile-drained fields and row crops over thin or sandy soils. Only collective incremental changes by many over broad acreages will result in significant nitrogen reductions to downstream waters.
Nitrogen is considered a limiting nutrient in the Gulf of Mexico, the body of water where much of Minnesota’s river and stream waters ultimately discharge. When nutrients in the Mississippi River originating in 31 states reach the Gulf of Mexico, a low oxygen “dead zone” known as hypoxia develops.
Hypoxia, which means low oxygen, occurs when excess nutrients, primarily N and P, stimulate algal growth in the Mississippi River and gulf waters. The algae and associated zooplankton grow well beyond the natural capacity of predators or consumers to maintain the plankton at a more balanced level. As the short-lived plankton die and sink to deeper waters, bacteria decompose the phytoplankton carbon, consuming considerable oxygen in the process. Water oxygen levels plummet, forcing mobile creatures like fish, shrimp, and crab to move out of the area. Less mobile aquatic life become stressed and/or dies.
The freshwater Mississippi River is less dense and warmer compared to the more dense cooler saline waters of the gulf. This results in a stratification of the incoming river waters and the existing gulf waters, preventing the mixing of the oxygen-rich surface water with oxygen-poor water on the bottom. Without mixing, oxygen in the bottom water is limited and the hypoxic zone remains. Hypoxia can persist for several months until there is strong mixing of the ocean waters, which can come from a hurricane or cold fronts in the fall and winter.
Hypoxic waters have dissolved oxygen concentrations of less than about 2-3 mg/l. Fish and shrimp species normally present on the ocean floor are not found when dissolved oxygen levels reduce to less than 2 mg/l. The Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone is the largest in the United States and the second largest in the world. The maximum areal extent of this hypoxic zone was measured at 8,500 square miles during the summer of 2002. The average size of the hypoxic zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico in recent years (between 2004 and 2008) has been about 6,500 square miles, the size of Lake Ontario.
Hypoxia Task Force
A multi-state Hypoxia Task Force (which includes Minnesota) released their first Action Plan in 2001. This plan was reaffirmed and updated in a 2008 Action Plan. The Hypoxia Task Force established a collaborative interim goal to reduce the 5-year running average areal extent of the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone to less than 5,000 square kilometers (1,931 square miles). Further information about Gulf of Mexico hypoxia can be found at: https://gulfhypoxia.net/
A thorough technical discussion of the research associated with Gulf of Mexico hypoxia and possible nutrient reduction options is presented by the US EPA (2007). The report notes that P may be more influential than N in the near-shore gulf water algae growth, particularly in the spring months, when algae and phytoplankton growth are often greatest. In the transition months between spring and summer, the algae and phytoplankton growth are controlled largely by the coupling of P and N. Nitrogen typically becomes the controlling nutrient in the summer and fall months. Based on these more recent findings, emphasis has shifted to developing strategies for dual nutrient removal (P and N). The Science Advisory Board recommends a 45% reduction in riverine TP and TN loads into the Gulf of Mexico (US EPA 2007).
Minnesota’s Contribution to Gulf Hypoxia
Certain areas of Minnesota release large quantities of N and P to Minnesota streams. Much of the nutrients remain in the Mississippi River system, ultimately reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Alexander et al. (2008) used computer modeling (SPARROW) to estimate the proportion of gulf nutrients originating in different geographic areas. The model accounted for the loss of nutrients in the river, river pools, and backwaters prior to reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This modeling indicated that Minnesota contributed 3% of Gulf of Mexico N and 2% of the P. However, with more recent SPARROW modeling, Minnesota’s contribution is estimated to be higher, ranking as the sixth highest state for N contributions behind Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri. The more recent modeling estimates indicate that Minnesota is responsible for about 6% of the N loading and 4% of the P loading into the Gulf of Mexico (Robertson, 2012 personal communication).
Recognizing that it will take a concerted effort by all states which contribute significant amounts of nutrients to the gulf, the MPCA agreed with other top nutrient contributing states to complete and implement a comprehensive N and P reduction strategy. This plan was completed in 2014 (Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force, 2008). The goal of the Action Plan is to reduce nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico while at the same time addressing in-state water protection and restoration.
Minnesota Nitrogen Study
The MPCA conducted a study of nitrogen in surface waters so that we can better understand the nitrogen conditions in Minnesota’s surface waters, along with the sources, pathways, trends and potential ways to reduce nitrogen in waters.
Excerpts from Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters
Sources of Nitrogen - Results Overview
Sources of Nitrogen - Wastewater Point Source Nitrogen Loads
Sources of Nitrogen - Atmospheric Deposition of Nitrogen in Minnesota Watersheds
Statewide - N Sources to Waters - Average Year
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters, Sources of Nitrogen - Results Overview (2013)
Cropland sources contribute an estimated 73 percent of the statewide N load during an average precipitation year. Cropland nitrogen is primarily delivered to surface waters through subsurface pathways of tile drainage and groundwater.
Lake Superior River Basin - N Sources to Surface Waters
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters, Sources of Nitrogen - Results Overview, 2013
Statewide - N Sources to Surface Waters Chart -Average Year
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters, Sources of Nitrogen - Results Overview (2013)
Estimated N loads to surface waters from different sources within the Minnesota portions of major basins during an average precipitation year. “Ag” represents cropland sources.
Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA
Water Quality Databases
DNR/MPCA Cooperative Stream Gaging Network – USGS, DNR, MPCA – Stream discharge and links to Division of Waters Resources, climate information, river levels, water quality information, recreation and commonly used hydrologic terms
USGS – USGS discharge Information
EDA Environmental Data Access – Water quality data collected for all MPCA monitoring projects
EQuIS – Environmental Quality Information System – Water quality data from more than 17,000 sampling locations across the state.
Source: Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA (2014)
Average annual flow-weighted mean concentrations for Total Nitrogen near watershed outlets based on annual averages derived from available information collected in 2007-11.
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Source: Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA (2014)
Average annual yield (lbs/acre) for Total Nitrogen near watershed outlets based on annual averages derived from available information collected in 2007-11.
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Source: Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA (2014)
Average annual Total Nitrogen Load near watershed outlets based on annual averages derived from available information collected in 2007-11.
Excerpts from Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters - MPCA
Chapter 4: Modeled Nitrogen Loads (SPARROW)
The MPCA’s Nitrogen Study shows elevated nitrate levels, particularly in the southern third of Minnesota.
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters, Chapter 4: Modeled Nitrogen Loads (SPARROW) (2013)
Data Source: SPARROW flow-weighted mean TN concentration by HUC8 watersheds. The value represents the median FWMC of all subwatershed catchments within the HUC8 watersheds.
SPARROW Modeling for the Rainy River-Headwaters Watershed indicated average flow-weighted mean TN concentration of 0.28 mg/l. This value represents the median FWMC of all subwatershed catchments within the Rainy River-Headwaters Watershed.
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters, Chapter 4: Modeled Nitrogen Loads (SPARROW) (2013)
SPARROW model annual TN yield results by HUC8 watershed in lbs/acre/year. The basin yields represent the total load delivered to the watershed outlet or state border divided by the sum of the SPARROW (MRB3 2002) catchment area.
SPARROW model annual TN yield results for the Rainy River-Headwaters Watershed was 0.32 lbs/acre/year.
Statewide Comparison of Nitrate+Nitrate-N Yields (lbs/ac)
|
Nitrite+Nitrate-N |
S. Central |
11-19 |
Southeast |
8-9 |
Southwest |
4-9 |
Central |
1-2 |
Northwest |
0.1-1 |
Northeast |
0.1-2 |
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters (2013)
Excerpts from Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters
Nitrate Trends in Minnesota Rivers
Nitrogen Trend Results from Previous Studies
The St. Louis River (within the Western Lake Superior Basin), also with very low nitrate concentrations, had fairly stable trends at Forbes and Fond Du Lac, with a slight decrease in concentrations at Forbes and a slight increase at Fond Du Lac. In Duluth, nitrate concentrations in the St. Louis River increased by 47% since 1994. See Charts in Nitrate Trends in Minnesota Rivers.
In northern Minnesota, the major rivers showed either no trend or a slight upward trend. All of these rivers had very low nitrate concentrations throughout the period of analysis. The Red River of the North showed significant increases in nitrate concentrations before 1995, but no trends since about that time. The St. Louis River at Duluth had the most change with a 47% increase between 1994 and 2010.
Source: Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters, Nitrate Trends in the Minnesota River Basin (2013)
Phosphorus is the nutrient primarily responsible for the eutrophication (nutrient enrichment of waterbodies) of Minnesota’s surface waters. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants, animals and humans. It is one of the 20 most abundant elements in the solar system, and the 11th most abundant in the earth’s crust. Under natural conditions phosphorus (P) is typically scarce in water. Human activities, however, have resulted in excessive loading of phosphorus into many freshwater systems. This can cause water pollution by promoting excessive algae growth, particularly in lakes. Lakes that appear relatively clear in spring can resemble green soup in late summer due to algae blooms fueled by phosphorus. Water quality can be further impaired when bacteria consume dead algae and use up dissolved oxygen,suffocating fish and other aquatic life.
An overabundance of phosphorus—specifically usable (bioavailable) phosphorus—results in excessive algal production in Minnesota waters. Phosphorus from point sources may be more bioavailable, impacting surface water quality more than a similar amount of nonpoint source phosphorus that enters the same surface water conditions. Total phosphorus levels of 100 or more ppb categorize lakes as highly eutrophic, with high nutrient and algae levels.
In some water bodies, the concentration of phosphorus is low enough to limit the growth of algae and/or aquatic plants. In this case, scientists say phosphorus is the limiting nutrient. For example, in water bodies having total phosphorus concentrations less than 10 parts per billion (1 ppb – equal to one drop in a railroad tank car), waters will be nutrient-poor and will not support large quantities of algae and aquatic plants.
MPCA
Phosphorus contributions to Minnesota surface waters by point and nonpoint sources are known to vary, both geographically and over time, in response to annual variations in weather and climate. Nonpoint sources of phosphorus tend to comprise a larger fraction of the aggregate phosphorus load to Minnesota surface waters during relatively wet periods, while point sources become increasingly important during dry periods.
Minnesota River Basin-Lake Pepin
Three major river basins empty into Lake Pepin in southeastern Minnesota – St. Croix, Upper Mississippi, and the Minnesota. Lake Pepin is listed as an impaired water due to sediment and eutrophication (excessive nutrients and algae). The Minnesota River contributes a majority of the sediment. In a highly turbid water body such as the Minnesota River, much of the phosphorus load is attached to eroded soil particles, especially at higher flows. Much of the particulate phosphorus in the Minnesota River converts to the soluble that can become available to algae. This occurs in several ways: chemical and physical change (diagenesis) of sediment in the river or lake bed, interaction with dissolved chemicals in the water, and decay of organic P releasing dissolved phosphorus from soil particles. Models being used in the Lake Pepin and Minnesota River Total Maximum Daily Load projects keep track of both particulate and dissolved forms of phosphorus.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is currently developing new water quality standards for River Eutrophication and Total Suspended Solids. Visit the MPCA website for more information.
Sources:
Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Phosphorus: Sources, Forms, Impacts on Water Quality - MPCA
New Water Quality Standards for River Eutrophication and Total Suspended Solids - MPCA
Excerpts From Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 5 Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions (2013)
Detailed Assessment of Phosphorus Sources to Minnesota Watersheds (2004)
Summary of Phosphorus Loading by Basin (2004)
Statewide Phosphorus Sources, Average Year
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 5 Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions (2013)
Under normal water flows, roughly two- thirds of the total phosphorus load to lakes and rivers comes from nonpoint sources such as runoff from pasture and croplands, atmospheric deposition and stream bank erosion. Phosphorus loading contributed by runoff from pastures and croplands is largest source of nonpoint phosphorus on a statewide basis. Other nonpoint sources include urban runoff, non-agricultural rural runoff and seepage from individual sewage treatment systems.
Approximately 30 percent of the phosphorus load to Minnesota waters comes from point sources such as municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. The magnitude of various sources of phosphorus varies greatly throughout the state due to the diverse nature of Minnesota’s watersheds.
Pollutant Load Monitoring Sites in Minnesota
Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA
Water Quality Databases
DNR/MPCA Cooperative Stream Gaging Network – USGS, DNR, MPCA – Stream discharge and links to Division of Waters Resources, climate information, river levels, water quality information, recreation and commonly used hydrologic terms
USGS – USGS discharge Information
EDA Environmental Data Access – Water quality data collected for all MPCA monitoring projects
EQuIS – Environmental Quality Information System – Water quality data from more than 17,000 sampling locations across the state.
Source: Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA (2014)
Average annual flow-weighted mean concentrations (mg/L) for Total Phosphorus near watershed outlets based on yearly averages derived from available information collected in 2007-011.
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Source: Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA (2014)
Average annual Total Phosphorus Yield (lbs/acre) near watershed outlets based on yearly averages derived from available information collected in 2007-011.
Source: Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network - MPCA (2014)
Average annual Total Phosphorus Load (kg) near watershed outlets based on yearly averages derived from available information collected in 2007-011.
SPARROW modeling
The SPAtially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model, developed and maintained by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), was used for the Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy to estimate Total Phosphorus (TP) loads, yields, and flow-weighted mean concentrations (FWMC) in Minnesota 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC8) watersheds and major basins.
Modeling Total Phosphorus Yield (lb/ac/yr)
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy (2013)
Statewide
Implementation of MPCA’s Phosphorus Strategy and Minnesota Rule Chapter 7053.0255 has resulted in significant wastewater effluent phosphorus load reductions since the year 2000.
Statewide Wastewater Phosphorus Effluent Loading
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 5: Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions
Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Phosphorus Trends & Projections
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 4: Management Priorites and Recent Progress
Basin Comparison of Local and Downstream Reduction Needs: Lake Superior Basin
This basin is also in relatively good condition in terms of phosphorus. The phosphorus and nitrogen levels in Lake Superior are very low, and only a small improvement is necessary. MPCA has recently recommended a lower phosphorus limit for Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (wastewater facility for greater Duluth area) to comply with Wisconsin's RES. The facility has also been improving its ability to minimize bypass events at the facility caused by inflow and infiltration in its collection system.
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 2: Setting Goals and Milestones
Summary of Recent Progress in Phosphorus Source Loads by Major Basin
Efforts between 2000 and present have resulted in significant progress in reducing phosphorus loads in the Mississippi River Basin, due to both agricultural BMPs and wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 4: Management Priorites and Recent Progress
Notes: Recent progress is the percent of baseline load remaining after accounting for reductions since 2000.
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Appendix A
Assessed Lakes (2012) in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed
Impairment Parameters:
Nutrients = Nutrients
HgF = Mercury in Fish Tissue
HgW = Mercury in Water Column
CL = Chloride
PCBF = PCBs in Fish
PFOS = Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in Fish Tissue
Affected Uses:
AQC = Aquatic Consumption
AQR = Aquatic Recreation
AQL = Aquatic Life
Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Assessed Waters (2012) & Impaired Waters (2012)
Statewide Impaired Lakesheds
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 2 Setting Goals and Milestones (2013)
For more information about what you can do to protect area lakes, visit MPCA's Lake protection and management website.
Watershed Contacts - MPCA
Local Government Directories and Maps - BWSR
Watershed Contacts
Joel Peterson, Pollution Control Specialist Senior
Duluth Office
(218)302-6646
joel.peterson@state.mn.us
Cook County
Cook County SWCD
Cook County Planning and Zoning
Koochiching County
Koochiching County SWCD
Koochiching county Environmental Services
Lake County
Lake County SWCD
Lake County Planning and Zoning
St. Louis County
South St. Louis County SWCD
North St. Louis County SWCD
St. Louis County Home
The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Driving forces and building blocks for the Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Hypoxia Action Plan
Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
Minnesota Watershed Approach
Groundwater Proection and Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan
Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework
Detailed Assessment of Phosphorus Sources to Minnesota Watersheds
Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters
Modeled Nitrogen Loads (SPARROW)
Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring - MPCA
Long Term Water Quality Monitoring - USGS, Met Council, Manitoba
Rainy River Basin
Rainy River Basin (MPCA)
Rainy River Basin Information Document (2001)
MPCA Rainy River Basin Plan (2004)
State of the Basin Report for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Basin (2009)
Water and Health in Lake of the Woods and Rainy River (2009)
Rainy River Basin Major Watershed Load Monitoring (2010-2011)
Koochiching County Event-based Monitoring Program (2012-2014)
Major Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network-Rainy River Basin FY2012 (2012-2014)
HSPF Phase I for the St. Louis, Cloquet and Nemadji Rivers (2013)
Rainy River – Rainy Lake Watershed
Watershed Restoration and Protection (MPCA)
Rainy River – Rainy Lake Major Watershed WRAP Strategy (MPCA)
Rapid Watershed Assessment: Rainy Lake (NRCS)
Cook County
County Planning & Zoning
SWCD Plans
SWCD Projects
Cook County Local Water Management Plan 2006-2012
Monitoring Cook County Lakes for Water Chemistry Data (2010-2012)
SSTS Imminent Health Threat Abatement Grant Program (2011-2012)
City of Grand Marais Stormwater Management Implementation (2012-2014)
BWSR Community Partners Conservation Program Grants (2013-2015)
Targeting Nutrient Loading Reduction from Prioritized Shoreline SSTS Inspections (2013-2015)
Koochiching County
County Environmental Services
SWCD Programs & Services
SWCD Reports, Plans, and Publications
Koochiching County Local Water Management Plan 2007-2017, updated 2012
St. Louis County
County Environmental Services
County Planning & Community
St Louis County Comprehensive Water Management Plan 2010-2020
Shallow Lake Shoreland Protection: Wild Rice Lakes (2011-2014)
SSTS Imminent Health Threat Abatement Grant Program 2012-2014 2013-2015
Rainy River- Headwaters River Watershed
Percent of County in Watershed
Water Plan Links
Cook County LWMP 2006-2012
Koochiching County LWMP 2007-2017
Lake County LWMP 2006-2015 amended 2010
St. Louis County LWMP 2010-2020
Local Water Management Overview
County Comprehensive Local Water Management - BWSR
Minnesota Nutrient Strategy Overview
Nitrogen Science
Strategies for Nutrient Reduction - Wastewater
Planning Tools
Minnesota Watershed Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool - Nitrogen BMP Spreadsheet (Lazarus et al., 2013)
Nitrogen Priority Watersheds & Reduction Milestone
The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Excerpts from Chapter 4: Management Priorities and Recent Projects
Nitrogen Priority Watersheds |
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Source: The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy , Chapter 4: Management Priorities and Recent Projects (2013)
Priority Sources
Priority sources are determined on a basin scale, although it should be noted that different sources may be more or less important at the local scale. Priority sources at the HUC8 scale or smaller will be determined through watershed planning efforts at that scale.
Source: The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy , Chapter 4: Management Priorities and Recent Projects (2013)
Example BMP Scenario for Nitrogen Reduction
The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Excerpts from Chapter 5: Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions
Source: The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy , Chapter 4: Management Priorities and Recent Projects (2013)
See "Economics" Tab for a summary of Le Sueur River Watershed BMP Nitrogen Reduction Scenario.
Nitrogen Science
Phosphorus Science
MPCA Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters Final Report
MPCA Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters Executive Summary
MPCA Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters Fact Sheet
Strategies for Nutrient Reduction- Wastewater
Minnesota Nutrient Strategy Overview
Phosphorus Science
Strategies for Nutrient Reduction - Wastewater
Phosphorus Priority Watersheds & Reduction Milestone
The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Excerpts from Chapter 4: Management Priorities and Recent Projects
Phosphorus Priority Watersheds |
Source: The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy (2013)
Priority Sources
Priority sources are determined on a basin scale, although it should be noted that different sources may be more or less important at the local scale. Priority sources at the HUC8 scale or smaller will be determined through watershed planning efforts at that scale.
Source: The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy , Chapter 4: Management Priorities and Recent Projects (2013)
Agricultural BMPs
Example BMP scenario for Phosphorus Reduction
The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Excerpts from Chapter 5: Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions
Source: The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 5: Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions (2013)
Watershed Summary
Rapid Watershed Assessment Resource Profile: Rainy River-Headwaters - NRCS
Conservation Practices
Conservation Easements - BWSR
Conservation Implementation - BWSR
Interactive Conservation Easement Map RIM - BWSR
Conservation Practices - MDA
Source: MPCA- Rainy river-Headwaters watershed
BMP Summary from The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Excerpts from The Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy - MPCA
Chapter 5 - Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions
Appendix C - Agricultural BMPs
See "Strategy - N Reduction" and "Strategy - P Reduction" Tabs for example BMP Scenarios for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Reduction
Minnesota Watershed Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool - Nitrogen BMP Spreadsheet (Lazarus et al., 2013)
Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy SPARROW - (MPCA, 2013)
HSPF Modeling in St. Louis, Cloquet, and Nemadji Rivers - (TetraTech, In Progress)
GSSHA Model – Agricultural Water Certification Program – GSSHA Model – (MDNR, In Progress)
St. Louis River AOC Sediment Contaminant Bioavailability Protocol - (MPCA, 2013)
St. Louis River Area of Concern Contaminated Sediment Sampling and Characterization - (ACOE, 2012)
USDA-NRCS Nutrient Tracking Tool – Tarleton State (Texas Example)
NTT estimates the nutrient and sediment load leaving a farm field through surface water runoff and leaching below the rooting zone and can be used to quantify the water quality benefits of different agricultural management systems and conservation practices. Designed and developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research at Tarleton State University (TiAER), NTT is intended for use by agricultural professionals or others familiar with farm procedures and conservation practices.
Ag BMP Assessment and Tracking Tool – Houston Engineering
Solutions for improving impaired waters often rely on the use of agricultural best management practices (BMPs). The goal of this project is to collect and disseminate thorough and accurate information on the use and effectiveness of agricultural BMPs in the State of Minnesota. Stakeholders can use this information to inform, mock-up and track their BMP implementation strategies.
AG BMP Database - Houston Engineering
The goal of the Ag BMP Database is to provide a comprehensive source of information on the application and effectiveness of agricultural BMPs within the State of Minnesota. The database was developed to hold information on BMPs that are commonly used in the State to address water quality impairments for: sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, and bacteria.
Ecological Ranking Tools
Watershed Health Assessment Framework - MDNR
The Watershed Health Assessment Framework (WHAF) provides a comprehensive overview of the ecological health of Minnesota's watersheds. By applying a consistent statewide approach, the WHAF expands our understanding of processes and interactions that create healthy and unhealthy responses in Minnesota's watersheds. Health scores are used to provide a baseline for exploring patterns and relationships in emerging health trends.
Ecological Ranking of Parcels for Prioritizing Conservation Activities – NRRI
This site provides a mapping tool by which natural resource managers can visualize and interact with a high resolution map of the spatial data layers. Managers have the ability to specify the relative importance of habitat, soil erosion potential, or other components of the Environmental Benefits Index - a score which represents a summary of the above factors., and view how the ecological ranking of parcels changes under different scenarios.
http://beaver.nrri.umn.edu/EcolRank/
FUNDING GUIDES
Conservation Practices - Funding Guide, MDA
This Minnesota Department of Agriculture website provides an overview of financial and technical assistance for nutrient management.
Conservation Funding Guide: Practice & Payment Information, MDA
On this Minnesota Department of Agriculture website, you can select a conservation practice and compare payments.
COST ANALYSIS PLANNING TOOLS
Minnesota Watershed Nitrogen Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool
Minnesota Watershed Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool - Nitrogen BMP Spreadsheet (Lazarus et al., 2013)
The Watershed Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool (Excel Spreadsheet) was developed as part of the Nitrogen in Minnesota Surface Waters Study by researchers at the University of MInnesota and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The project purpose was to develop a framework for a watershed nitrogen planning aid that could be used to compare and optimize selection of "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) for reducing the nitrogen load from the highest contributing sources and pathways in the watershed.
Overview of Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool
NBMP Tool - Maps
NBMP Spreadsheet (Excel)
Cost Analysis of Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy
An analysis of costs is provided in Chapter 5.5 of the Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy for both wastewater nutrient removal and agricultural BMP implementation.
Excerpts from Chapter 5: Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions
Appendix C: Program Recommendations
Wastewater
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 5: Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions, 2013
Agricultural BMPs
Source: Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Chapter 5: Point and Nonpoint Source Reductions, 2013