Project Detail

Lake Winnebago - Pool Lakes: Phosphorus load estimate validation / refinement - NER_10_CMP14

Purpose

A TMDL for the Lake Winnebago system is currently being developed. Phosphorus load estimates along with lake internal loading estimates are largely based on phosphorus data collected from Berlin (Fox River - 117900) and New London (Wolf River - 241300). These two stations are 33 and 20 miles away from the Pool Lakes, respectively. Due to these large distances, significant loading sources were missed including the Rat River (251800) which is a 303 (d) water. Additional sampling is necessary to validate the current loading estimates. A secondary purpose for this project is to help determine what percentage of phosphorus entering Lake Winnebago, via the Pool Lakes, is from internal loading versus watershed sources.

Objective

1. Validate phosphorus loading estimates from both the Fox and Wolf River Systems to the Lake Winnebago Pool Lakes; 2. Determine the percentage of phosphorus, from internal loading versus watershed, that enters Lake Winnebago via the Pool Lakes; 3. Determine proportionally, whether the sources of phosphorus entering the pool lakes via the Fox / Wolf are organic versus inorganic.

Outcome

This project will help determine phosphorus loading totals from the Fox / Wolf River systems to the Lake Winnebago - Pool Lakes. In addition, internal loading estimates from the Pool Lakes to Lake Winnebago can be adjusted to more accurately account for true environmental conditions. Lastly, a better proportional understanding of phosphorus sources via the watershed will be determined (organic versus inorganic).

Project Type

Competitive Projects

Project Sub Type

Undetermined

Project ID

NER_10_CMP14

Year Started

2013

Status

Active

Activities & Recommendations

TMDL Development