Project Detail

Rush River Lake Pepin WCR_05_09

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to complete the second year of collecting water quality samples from the Rush River to be used in developing a land use model for the Lake Pepin TMDL. Lake Pepin is currently on Minnesota's 303d list for turbidity and phosphorus and is proposed to be added to the Wisconsin 303d list in 2008. Monitoring includes collection of water chemistry samples following TMDL monitoring technical guidance (WDNR 2001) for two years, including monthly sampling and storm chasing. Samples are collected by a local volunteer and lab parameters include total P, dissolved P, nitrate-nitrate N, total and volatile suspended solids and turbidity. Sampling began in October 2006 and will end in September 2008.

Objective

Collect water quality and flow data to use in developing a SWAT model for a Lake Pepin TMDL. Lake Pepin is on dissolved P, total suspended solids and turbidity. Sampling will begin in October 2006 and end in September 2007. Minnesotas 303d list (turbidity, phosphorus) and is proposed for Wisconsin. A stakeholder and technical support groups have been formed and have been meeting for over a year to develop the TMDL. Monitoring will include establishing a USGS flow monitoring station and collection of water chemistry samples. Samples will be collected by WDNR staff following the TMDL monitoring technical guidance (WDNR 2001) for one year, including monthly sampling and storm chasing. Water quality parameters will include total P,

Outcome

Water quality samples will be collected from Oct. 2006 to Sept. 2007. Data from this effort will be used to calibrate a SWAT model for the Rush River watershed. The University of Minnesota will contract with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to develop the SWAT model. This calibrated model, in conjunction another being done for the Wells Creek watershed in Minnesota, will form the basis for the nonpoint source portion of the TMDL for the driftless area directly tributary to Lake Pepin. Scheduled completion date of the TMDL is April 2009.

Project Type

Targeted Monitoring

Project Sub Type

Special Project

Project ID

WCR_05_CMP09

Year Started

2006

Status

Complete

Reports and Documents

RUSH RIVER PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2008