Project Background
Project
Background
The
purpose of this project is to devise both technical and regulatory protocols
for delisting District lakes. There are
9 lakes on the 303(d) list of impaired waters.
There are two causes for listing: phosphorus/nutrients and mercury. The
Engineer has determined that both causes for listing are closely related. Release of both phosphorus and methyl mercury
(which gets into fish tissues) from sediments occurs where there is little to
no oxygen present. Delisting a lake is
technical and a regulatory process.
There is no defined delisting process for mercury. This Project will
establish technical and regulatory criteria for delisting a lake for mercury
consumption.
Current
Project Status
Developed a number of lake improvement approaches for each
District lake. These improvements are
expected to improve water quality beyond State listing requirements. Prepared and provided to Managers the table
summary of the alternative methods. The
2012 Assessment Cycle Guidance Manual has been reviewed. Communication with MCPA is ongoing and
productive. Data has been complied to
initiate the reclassification of Susan and Lucy as shallow lakes. A report to the Managers will be presented in
early 2012.