Lake Independence Phosphorus TMDL

In 2002, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency listed Lake Independence as impaired for aquatic recreation under Section 303(d) of the Clean Waters Act. The main cause of the impairment is excessive nutrients in the lake. This TMDL document assesses the nutrient load reductions needed for Lake Independence to comply with Minnesota water quality standards. The specific sources of nutrients, target reductions from each source, and strategies to achieve the reductions are discussed in the document. Lake Independence (MNDNR Lake ID# 27-0176-00) is an 851-acre lake located in the Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed approximately 15 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The lake is used extensively for boating, fishing, swimming and aesthetic viewing by local residents as well as the entire Twin Cities regional area. The south shoreline of the lake is within Baker Park Reserve and contains two public swimming beaches, a campground, an ADA accessible fishing pier, numerous picnic areas and a boat launch.