Pope County 8 Lakes Total Maximum Daily Load

Eight lakes in Pope County that are on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 303(d) list of impaired waters due to excess nutrients (total phosphorus) are the subject of this study. The lakes include Ann, Emily, Gilchrist, Leven, Malmedal, Pelican, Reno, and Strandness. The lakes are located in the Chippewa River Watershed and are tributary to the Minnesota River. The project study area is dominated by agricultural land uses. Phosphorus is identified as the primary pollutant leading to eutrophication in these lakes. An implementation strategy is presented for each lake that includes activities to address point sources, watershed loading, and internal loading of phosphorus, where applicable. The monitoring plan includes recommendations for standard in-lake monitoring, as well as additional recommendations for biological monitoring where time and budget allow. Watershed and best management practice (BMP) monitoring is also recommended