Redwood River Fecal Coliform Total Maximum Daily Load Report

There are currently two impaired uses on the Redwood River (HUC – 07020006): Aquatic Recreation and Aquatic Life, due to fecal coliform bacteria, turbidity, and impaired biota. The Redwood River from Ramsey Creek to Minnesota River is listed as swimming impaired due to fecal coliform bacteria. The Redwood River from below trout stream southwest of Marshall to Three Mile Creek is listed as aquatic recreation impaired due to fecal coliform bacteria and aquatic life impaired due to turbidity and impaired biota. Both reaches were listed in 1992 and have immediate target start dates resulting in Phase I priority under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The portion of the Redwood from Clear Creek to the lake and all of Threemile Creek were listed on the 2006 303(d) list due to ongoing monitoring. There are other impairments due to turbidity and impaired biota, but they are not addressed directly by this plan. This Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report (Report) describes the magnitude of the problem and provides direction for improving water quality at the listed reaches, as well as reaches not formally assessed but believed to exhibit similar water quality conditions. Eight reaches are assessed in this Report. This Report evaluates the fecal coliform concentrations and load reductions needed for the eight reaches in the Redwood River to meet Minnesota water quality standards.