Nonpoint Source Pollution Potential Model of the Minnesota River Basin Watershed MRAP Level I-Land Use

Level I of the MRAP land use study concentrated on the development of methodologies for evaluating nonpoint source pollution potential (NPSPP) in the major and minor watersheds that compose its basin. A model developed by the Minnesota Pollution control Agency was used for this task. 1,113 minor watersheds in the Minnesota River were tested and their results tabulated into weighted NPSPP and average NPSPP values for the 12 major watersheds of the Minnesota River. Cumulative values were also calculated to demonstrate the potential effects on the mainstem of the Minnesota River. Results indicate that the Lac Qui Parle and Hawk Creek-Yellow Medicine River major watersheds have the greatest NPSPP.