Pomme de Terre River, Muddy Creek to Marsh Lake, Fecal Coliform TMDL

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) listed one stream reach in the Pomme de Terre River Watershed (HUC: 07020002-501) as impaired for swimming designated use (primary contact recreation) under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The main cause contributing to impairment is excessive fecal coliform bacteria load. This Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report (report) describes the magnitude of the problem and provides direction for improving water quality for the listed reach. The Pomme de Terre River Watershed is located in the upper Minnesota River Basin. The Pomme de Terre (PdT) River originates in southern Otter Tail County and flows about 106 miles south, and discharges into Marsh Lake on the Minnesota River. Monitoring data shows that the lower portion of the PdT River from Muddy Creek to Marsh Lake is impaired for fecal coliform. Land-use is dominated by agricultural cropping and animal production. Beef and swine production represent nearly half of the approximately 64,000 animal units (AUs) in the watershed.