Pope SWCD and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, are working together to administer water quality analysis on eight lakes in Pope County. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency initiated a project entitled the “Pope County 8 Lake TMDL Study”. The lakes identified in this project are: Ann, Emily, Gilcrest, Leven, Malmedahl, Pelican, Reno, and Strandness. All States are required under Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act to identify and restore waters not meeting the State’s standard for water quality.
A test known as ‘Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)’ is used to identify impaired water for excessive nutrients, usually phosphorus. The study will identify sources of pollutants in a body of water, determine the reductions in nutrient loads for the lake to meet State standards for water quality and develop a strategy to restore the lakes.
Malmedal Drawdown Final Report – 2012
Pope 8 Lakes TMDL Implementation Plan – October 2010 DRAFT (10MB)
TMDL Study PDF