2009-07-23_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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` ~ ~ - ~ Continued frrnrr t~a~~je 5 .aa _ __ ~. -. _ use before it gets to Lake Pepin. Q. What are the major sources of the phos- phorus and sediment? A. The major sources of phosphorus are the Ivlinnesota River at 50 percent, and the Upper Mississippi at 25 percent. The metro wastewater treatment plants are about 6 percent as a result of significant reduction they have made over the years. Most of the phosphorus is from nonpoint sources even in low-flow years. The Minnesota River valley is esti- mated to be the source of 75% of the sus- pended solids. Of that, about one-third is from cropland and fields, one-third is from river banks and bluffs and one- third is from ravines. Q. What are the irnp6catians of the plan for agriculture? A. The Total Maximum Daily Load study, once that's approved by EPA, has some regulatory requirements that apply to some portions of the regulated or point sources. Agriculture doesn't fall quality improvements and we're going into that realm. So no new requirements to have to look at the technologies that come with the TMDL that haven't been in place in the past. On the other hand, I think the real opportunity here is that agriculture will be expected to help control their contributions. Production agriculture and water quality are linked. We can have both; it's not one or the other. And there are many management practices that are effective Eor control- ling runoff and loss of nutrients Erom fields. Q. But there are going to be big reduc lions that agriculture will 6e asked to make, both in phosphorous and sediment runoff? A. Yes. Q. What are the implications far sewage treatment plants and the people wha pay the bills far treatment? A. We've identified what kind of reduc- tions will be necessary to achieve water Freshwater is a scarce and vital resource that is in increasing demand. Contamination, pollution, and over-use are a few of the many challenges that continue to threaten freshwater resources. The Freshwater Society works to foster active stewardship among all citizens, conduct public education and awareness of freshwater issues and promote sound public policies that protect freshwater. ~ ~~ ~. ~ r ~... _ The Freshwater Society is taking our message of conservation. and protection of water resources to more people. Check our: ® Redesigned web site: www.freshwater.org. ® New blog: www.freshwatersocietyblog.org. ® Videos on YouTube ® New Facebook group Take a Iook at what rve have to offer. Join the Facebook group, reply to our biog. HELP US SAVE PAPER AND POS'T'AGE-Would you prefer to receive your Facets newsletter electronically, rather than by mail? If so, email us at freshwa€erC~freshwatecorg will help make those reductions. It will mean some additional reductions in phosphorous, and the technology that treatment facilities will have to add to make that reduction is costly. Ultimately, it is the people who are using that treat- ment facility, the ratepayers, 4vho cover those costs. Q. What financial resources are pledged to cleaning up the river, and haw do you hope to use them? A. In Minnesota, we are so fortunate that citizens of the state last year voted for the Legacy Amendment. Over the next 25 years, that's estimated to generate close to $5.5 billion. We have a great oppor- tunity to have the resources to protect and improve the water resources in Min- nesota. My colleagues in very Eew other states ever see that kind of potential and opportunity in front of them. ' Become a member by filling out the form below or simply go to r www.freshwater.arg and click on BECOME A MEMBER. r r I share your concerns and wish to become a member of the Freshwater ' Society at the following level of annual support: r ' Junior $12 US Supporting $100 US r r Senior $12 US Corporate $250 US ' Educator 52S US Benefactor 5500 US r ~ individual 540 US Life (single Payment} $1000 US r ~ Include 55.00 U.S. additional mailing fee for outside the U.S. ' Membership contributions are fully tax-deductible. r ~ FORM OF PAYMENT ' Check payable to FRESHWATER SOCIETY r ' Credit Card: ^ VISA ^ MASTERCARD r ' # - - Expiration date: r ' PHONE r i NAME r ~ ADDRESS r ~ CITY STATE ZIP r ~ SEhD TQ: FAX TO: FRESHWATER S(3CIETY 952-471-7685 ~ 250Q Shadywood Road ~ Excelsior, MN 55331 r ~ FACETS June 2QQ9 ~~~' ~' r