Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek

Turbidity and Bacteria 

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

Assessment and Implementation Plan Development Project

Work Plan

 

 

August 2008 - June 2011

 

 

Sponsor:           Renville County

Contact:           Diane Mitchell

 

 

Fiscal Agent:  Prairie Country

              Resource Conservation & Development Council

Contact:           Randy Nelson

 

 

Cooperator:  Hawk Creek Watershed Project

Contact:           Darrell Schindler, Coordinator

                              

                              

                              


Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity and Bacteria TMDL Work Plan

I.  Applicant Information:

Name of Sponsor

 Renville County

Sponsor Information

Diane Mitchell, Coordinator

Renville County HHW and water Management

Renville county government Services center

Suite 311
105 South 5th Street
Olivia, MN  56277
Phone:  320-523-3768; Fax:  320-523-3843
Email:  diane_m@co.renville.mn.us

 Sponsor Organization

A local unit of government.  The Environmental Services has oversight of all the water resource programs in the county.

Name of Fiscal Agent

Prairie County Resource Conservation and Development Council

Fiscal Agent Information

Randy Nelson

1005 High Ave., USDA Building

Willmar, MN 56201

Phone: (320) 231-0008 ext.5; Fax: (320) 235-8751

Email: randy.nelson@mn.usda.gov

Fiscal Agent Organization

The Prairie Country RC&D is recognized non-profit corporation under IRS Code 501C3. This is a federal local partnership.

Name of Coordinator

Darrell Schindler Hawk Creek Watershed Project

Coordinator Information

Darrell Schindler

Renville County Courthouse, Lower Level

500 DePue Avenue

Olivia, MN  56277

Phone: (320) 523-3666; Fax: (320) 523-3668

Email:  hawkcreekdarrell@redred.com

Coordinator Organization

Hawk Creek Watershed Project was organized by the designated “Hawk Creek” watershed area and supported by Renville, Chippewa and Kandiyohi Counties that are part of the watershed area.

MPCA Project Manager

Information

Mark T. Hanson, Impaired Waters Coordinator

1420 East College Drive, Suite 900

Marshall, MN 56258

Phone: (507) 537-6000; Fax: (507) 537-6001

Email: mark.hanson@pca.state.mn.us

II.  Project Information:

Project Title: Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity and Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Assessment and Implementation Plan Development Project

Listed Reach Name

AUID #

Listed Pollutant

Impaired Use

303(d) List Scheduled Start//Completion Dates

Hawk  Creek

07020004-568

Fecal Coliform

Aquatic Recreation

2009 // 2013

Hawk Creek

07020004-568

Turbidity

Aquatic Life

2009 // 2013

Unnamed ditch

07020004-589

Turbidity

Aquatic Life

2009 // 2013

Beaver Creek

07020004-528

Fecal Coliform

Aquatic Recreation

2011 // 2015

Beaver Creek

07020004-528

Turbidity

Aquatic Life

2011 // 2015

Beaver Creek, West Fork

07020004-530

Fecal Coliform

Aquatic Recreation

2011 // 2015

Beaver Creek, West Fork

07020004-5

Turbidity

Aquatic Life

2011 // 2015

Grant Amount Requested:

$61,660.58

Project Dates:

August 2008 through June 2011

 

III.                Background Information: 

·        Description of the watershed:

The Hawk Creek Watershed Project (HCWP) was established in 1997 for the purpose of developing a Clean Water Partnership (CWP) Diagnostic Study and Implementation Plan.  The CWP study included a larger watershed area of smaller stream tributaries in addition to Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek.  The following information was taken from the CWP study which is the best information available, therefore, some of the information is somewhat over estimated and not necessarily specific to the TMDL.  For the purposes of consistency and for this TMDL project, the Beaver Creek area is included in the following information when the term “Hawk Creek Watershed” is used unless specifically stated.  The final TMDL Assessment Report will have specific watershed information developed for the Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek areas.

The Hawk Creek Watershed drains 612,822 acres (958 square miles) of land.  It is unique among the other major watersheds of the Minnesota River in that it is comprised of a main tributary (Hawk Creek) and several other streams that flow directly into the Minnesota River.  For this project, the watershed work area includes Hawk, Chetomba, Beaver, and West Fork Beaver creeks.  Hawk Creek originates in the lakes region of Kandiyohi County and flows approximately 65 miles to its mouth in the Minnesota River, located eight miles southeast of Granite Falls. 

Twenty-two cities, towns and small villages are found in the Hawk Creek Watershed. Several municipalities are located directly on the river or on a tributary and use the creek to discharge wastewater treatment plant effluent or stormwater effluent.  There are no municipalities directly on Hawk Creek that depend on it for drinking water or industries in the watershed that draw heavily on water resources. 

Fifteen lakes also lie within its borders, including significant waters such as Eagle, Long, Foot and Willmar.  Lake homes and lake recreational activities such as fishing, swimming and boating are common activities in the lakes region of the watershed in Kandiyohi County.  Additionally, several County/Regional parks and more than 15 State Wildlife Management areas dot the watershed’s landscape.  There is a variety of recreational opportunities in the watershed, however, the most common recreational activities are canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, nature walks, camping, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. 

 

·        Land uses in the watershed:

Agriculture is the dominating land use in the watershed.  It is estimated that nearly 98% of the original wetlands in the watershed have been drained to increase agricultural opportunities.  Agriculture’s primary use of water resources is for drainage.  Agriculture depends on the creek and an extensive network of drainage ditches, open tile intakes and sub-surface tile systems to move water off the land and make it suitable for row crop farming.  Corn, soybeans and sugar beets are the primary crops grown in the watershed.  Livestock production includes dairy, turkey, beef and swine.  There is some livestock pasturing along riparian areas in the lower portions of the watershed but it is limited and becoming less common.

·        Potential pollutant sources in the watershed:

A Clean Water Partnership Diagnostic Study and Implementation Plan was completed in 2000 for the Hawk Creek watershed area that focused on the 3 largest streams in the watershed: Hawk, Chetomba, and Beaver Creeks.  The 1999 season monitored 6 primary sites with flow data and 21 secondary sites for baseline data across the watershed.  The 6 primary sites and have continued to me monitored since then.  This sampling regime has indicated that five problems stand out in the Hawk Creek Watershed.

Sediment is a major pollutant affecting the quality of water in the Hawk Creek Watershed.  Much of this can be attributed to the high percentage of intensively farmed land in the area.  Many areas lack adequate vegetative cover, which buffers watercourses from cropland.  These areas are highly susceptible to erosion.

Fecal Coliform bacteria violations are common in river reaches listed (303d list) for this work plan.  Suspected causes of high levels of bacteria include: failing septic systems, WWTP bypasses and flushes, un-sewered communities, livestock waste from feedlots and livestock waste from land application.

Although nutrients aren’t parameters for this TMDL, nutrient loading of the watershed’s streams is also a concern.  The reduction of turbidity and fecal coliform bacteria would also have benefits to reduce nutrients throughout the watershed.  A significant portion and potential sources of nitrogen and phosphorus has been identified as coming from storm drain runoff, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, livestock, land applied manure, failing septic systems, industrial facility discharges and industrial facility sugar beet stockpiles. 

Water quantity and the speed at which it passes through the system have also proven to be a problem faced by the watershed.  With the high amount of drainage and few buffered areas, water tends to move through the watershed at a high speed, causing increased loads of sediments, fecal coliform bacteria, and nutrients.

 

IV.               Problem Statement:

·        Use impairment and pollutant

Turbidity is the pollutant that affects the designated beneficial use for aquatic life and fecal coliform bacteria is the pollutant that affects the designated beneficial use for aquatic recreation.  See the list of reaches table in Section II for specific river reach information.   The MPCA recently revised Minnesota Rules chapter 7050.  The most recent revision was approved by the EPA in June 2008, which included the replacement of the fecal coliform bacteriological standard with Escherichia coli (E. coli).  Paired comparison studies of fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria conducted by the MPCA have shown 63 percent of fecal coliform bacteria to be E. coli. The current fecal coliform standard of 200 org/100 ml would be roughly equivalent to 126 E. coli bacteria per 100 ml. Therefore, to adapt the fecal coliform concentrations based on future E. coli standards would require a simple multiplication factor of 0.63 for this “Bacteria TMDL”.  The term “bacteria” implies and references to E. coli. throughout this work plan.    

·        Water quality standard

The impaired reaches are classified as Class 2B waters in which the water quality standard for turbidity is 25 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units).

The quality of Class 2B surface waters shall be such as to permit the propagation and maintenance of a healthy community of cool or warm water sport or commercial fish and associated aquatic life, and their habitats. These waters shall be suitable for aquatic recreation of all kinds, including bathing, for which the waters may be usable.

Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria shall not exceed 126 organisms per 100 milliliters as a geometric mean of not less than five samples in representative of conditions within any calendar month, nor shall more than ten percent of all samples taken during any calendar month individually exceed 1,260 organisms per 100 milliliters. The standard applies only between April 1 and October 31.

·        Project summary

The primary goal of the project is to have an EPA-approved TMDL Assessment report and a state-approved TMDL Implementation Plan by June 30, 2011.  To accomplish this goal, it is critical to develop a partnership between a local watershed group, project participants, stakeholders, and the MPCA.  Hawk Creek Watershed Project will be primarily responsible for collecting watershed information, promoting the project, and developing an implementation plan.  The local sponsor will also be responsible for oversight and assist the HCWP during the project as needed.  MPCA will provide technical expertise and management of the project.  The MPCA will be responsible for analyzing the data, developing the TMDL assessment and completing the review and public notice process. 

 

V.          Project Activities and Schedule:

Activities

Objective 1:  Administration

 

      Task 1: Reporting

·         Semi Annual, Annual and Final Reports will be submitted by the HCWP coordinator.  These reports will be due starting August, 2008, and February 1, 2009.  The reports will be due the same dates of the following years that the project is active during the contract period.  A final progress and financial report will be due 30 days after the completion of the project.  The HCWP coordinator will be responsible to provide payment request vouchers and documentation to the MPCA for reimbursement of project expenses.                                    (40 hrs. @ $23.68 = $947.20)

·         Fiscal management of budget, payroll, documentation, and accounting will be provided by Prairie Country RC&D for a fee of 5 % of contract amount.  Budget information will be available to the project partners and provided to the HCWP for payment request of project reimbursement expenses to the MPCA.                               (5% of total work plan expenditures =  $2,936.22)

 

      Task 2: Local Assistance

·         The HCWP staff will bring the much-needed dedication and coordinated effort to complete the TMDL assessment and development of the implementation plan. They will provide services such as liaison to the citizens, project participants through the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and the MPCA project manager during the TMDL process.  They will conduct or coordinate all data gathering and assessment, public outreach and work with the MPCA on needed reduction scenarios.  The coordinator will also be responsible for working with stakeholders to develop an implementation plan.  Some of the expenses of the local assistance are also covered in Objectives 2-4.  (80 hrs. @ 23.68 = $1,894.40)

 

Time Frame:                   August 2008 through June 2011

Person(s) Responsible:     HCWP Coordinator, Prairie Country RC&D

Final Product:            Semi-annual Reports, Annual Reports and Final Report.  Fiscal accounting documentation.  TMDL data and development of TMDL Assessment and Implementation Plan.

Cost:                               $5,777.82

 

Objective 2:  Watershed Data Collection

 

      Task 1:  Pollutant Source Inventories (440 hrs @ $23.68 = $10,419.20)

·         Drainage inventory (tile intakes, open ditches)

·         Streambank erosion estimates

·         Cropping – tillage practices survey

·         Land use (wetland, cropland, woodland, grassland (pasture, buffer areas, CRP) etc.)

·         Septic compliance inventory

·        Feedlot compliance and livestock inventory

·         Livestock manure land application inventory

·         Wildlife and pets estimates

 

Task 2:  Data Compilation

·         HCWP staff will compile, organize and manage the data of the inventory information for the use in the TMDL assessment and implementation plan.  Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS are two tools that may be utilized for the assessment of the data. (100 hrs @ $23.68 = $2,368.00)

·         The water quality data will be attained and analyzed by the MPCA to develop the TMDL Assessment report utilizing Load and Flow Duration Curve models.  The MPCA will compile data for wastewater treatment facilities, unsewered communities, and stormwater information such as MS4 and construction permits. See Objective 4.

 

 

Time Frame:                   August 2008 through June 2011

Person(s) Responsible:     HCWP staff and Coordinator; MPCA

Final Product:            Completed and compiled watershed information and water quality data into databases and STORET submitted to MPCA

Cost:                               $12,787.20

 

Objective 3: Public Participation and Education

 

     

      Task 1: Public Events (Awareness)

·         This task includes the staff time for the preparation, meeting time, and follow up for the TMDL Assessment Report and Implementation Plan development process.  It is anticipated that there will be four (4) public informational and (12) stakeholder and technical committee meetings/events to complete the project. (384 hrs @ $23.68 = $9,093.12)

·         This task also includes the expenses for holding these meetings and events necessary for the completion of Objective 4.                                                                                   (16 meetings @ $62/meeting = $992.00)

 

      Task 2: Media

·         This task includes promotional items (but not limited to) such as: newsletters, brochures, postage, meeting notices, newspaper advertisements, radio promotions and other supplies as needed. Newsletter articles will be produced for watershed residents in conjunction with regular newsletters.                          (Printing = $1,150.00; newsletters= $3,031.04; public meeting notices (4) = $880.00; promotion (newspaper/radio) = $468.00)

 

      Task 3: Training Expenses

·         The coordinator (or HCWP staff) will attend TMDL workshops and educational training that will provide information for this project as needed. ($750.00)

 

Time Frame:                   August 2008 through June 2011

Person(s) Responsible:     HCWP Coordinator and staff

Final product:            Information and printed materials for display to promote the project and create public awareness.  Increase awareness of the public and project participants.

Cost:                               $ 16,714.16

 

Objective 4: TMDL Assessment Report and Implementation Plan Development

 

Task 1:  TMDL Assessment Report

·         The HCWP staff will be responsible for providing the data and information for the development of the TMDL assessment report and implementation plan. HCWP will provide assistance for the data analysis of the water quality and inventory information to be used for the pollutant source assessment, allocations and reduction strategies to complete the TMDL assessment report.  (80 hrs @ $23.68 = $1,894.40)

·         The MPCA will utilize the data to complete the final TMDL assessment report with the assistance of the HCWP staff as needed.  The MPCA will use Load and Flow Duration Curve models and methods for determining the TMDL(s) for Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek.

 

Task 2:  TMDL Implementation Plan

·         The HCWP staff will utilize the data from the TMDL Assessment report and land use inventories to complete an implementation plan to meet the TMDL water quality goals.  This may be accomplished with using statistical consultation/analysis with the project partners. (273 hrs @ $55.00 = $15,015)

·         The HCWP will complete the implementation plan document with the assistance of project partners and participants through a technical committee and stakeholder meetings.  The HCWP will submit a final implementation plan document to the MPCA for approval that meet the requirements of the Clean Water Legacy Act 114D. (400 hrs @ $23.68 = $9,472.00) 

 

Time Frame:                   November 2009 through June 2011

Person(s) Responsible:     HCWP Coordinator and staff

Final Product:            EPA-approved TMDL Assessment Report, MPCA-approved Implementation Plan

Cost:                               $26,381.40

 

      Schedule

      See Appendix A – Project Timeline – Hawk Creek and Beaver Creeks  Turbidity and  Bacteria TMDL Project

 

VI.               Equipment:

There are no special equipment requirements included in this project. 

VII.              Quality Requirement:

The water quality data was collected from previous monitoring projects.  The Quality Assurance/Quality Control of the previous water quality data collection was utilized as part of the Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP) that was developed by Roger Fisher, MPCA.  Therefore, a QAPP will not be required. 

VIII.            Data Management:

All the water quality monitoring data for this project has been submitted and entered into STORET by the Hawk Creek Watershed staff and reviewed by the MPCA.  Since existing water quality data will be utilized, no new monitoring data will be required for this project.  However, the watershed inventory data will be collected, organized and compiled by the HCWP and submitted to the MPCA.  The HCWP will utilize the watershed inventory data to develop the implementation plan to meet the TMDL goals.

IX.               Public Participation and Outreach:

a.      Public participation and outreach will be an integral component of this project.  These activities will be reported in the TMDL Assessment.  The Hawk Creek Watershed Project Coordinator is currently participating and leading the Hawk Creek citizens’ advisory committee.  This group, along with the agriculture producers and other stakeholders will be asked to participate in the TMDL process through attendance of committee meetings and through the coordinator’s attendance and participation in public meetings and events.

b.     Outreach will be attempted through public meetings and contacts with watershed residents as needed.

c.     Word of this project and requests for input will be circulated through newsletters, brochures and promotional items at public events, and the public media.  The website will be advertised through these forums and will be kept up-to-date regarding the TMDL process.

d.     The Hawk Creek Watershed staff will coordinate with the MPCA in the formal public notice process for the draft TMDL, including:

                                                               i.      Organize a public participation process for the draft TMDL and compile comments from the public.

                                                             ii.      Help respond to comments, as needed, on the draft TMDL from technical staff, citizens and other interested parties, including the EPA.

                                                            iii.      Submit public outreach materials if developed along with the draft TMDL or final report.

e.     Convene a group of stakeholders to develop the implementation plan.  This will include hosting meetings, providing data and information and reporting updates to the counties, project partners and participants.

X.                 Project Budget:

 See Appendix B – Itemized Program Objectives Budget – Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity and Bacteria TMDL Project

XI.         Reporting: final report and semi-annual reports:

a.     The Hawk Creek Watershed staff will prepare annual reports each year due February 1st and semi annual reports each year due August 1st that includes an update on the tasks and activities identified in the work plan along with an updated financial status budget report for the work completed.

b.     The Hawk Creek Watershed staff, along with the assistance of MPCA project manager, will submit a final progress report using the CWP/319/TMDL Final Report format that includes a final report, submitted electronically.  The final TMDL report will include the EPA-approved TMDL Assessment and MPCA-approved implementation plan.

XII.       Final Products:

a.     An EPA-MPCA approved “Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity and Bacteria TMDL Assessment” and MPCA approved “Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity and Bacteria TMDL Implementation Plan” will be the final products developed cooperatively by the MPCA and the Hawk Creek Watershed staff with input from project stakeholders.

b.     A final progress report with a final financial report will be submitted electronically to the MPCA.

XIII.           Respond to comments if necessary and help to finalize the Draft TMDL for submittal to EPA:

a.     The project sponsor, Renville County, along with the assistance of the Hawk Creek Watershed coordinator will coordinate with the MPCA on submission of a draft Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity-Fecal Coliform TMDL Assessment report by summer of 2010 in order to allow for comments and the necessary time for revision prior to final submittal to the MPCA/EPA. 

b.     Assistance in the revision process based on comments from technical staff, citizens and other interested parties will be conducted as requested by the MPCA.  Meetings with the MPCA will be welcomed to provide input during the process of writing the TMDL report and the public comment time.

c.     It is anticipated the draft TMDL will be submitted to the MPCA in the fall of 2010 for comment, then placed on public notice.  Assistance with any materials required for this process, such as a fact sheet, press release, or other outreach materials will be provided by the Hawk Creek Watershed coordinator.

XIV.           Responsible Parties:

The following parties will be responsible and participate in the TMDL Project.

Renville County:

Project sponsor and grant oversight.

Prairie Country RC&D:

Provide fiscal accountability.

Hawk Creek Watershed Project:

Provide day-to-day project coordination, facilitate and carry out tasks of data collection of monitoring activities and watershed assessment. 

Other project partners and stakeholders such as (but not limited to) Kandiyohi SWCD, BWSR, NRCS, MDA, DNR will be involved and provide assistance as needed.  The coordinator will also work with the partners and stakeholders to develop the implementation plan. 

XV.             Appendices:

Appendices are the separate Excel spreadsheet accompanying this work plan titled “Hawk and Beaver Creeks Turbidity-Fecal TMDL Work Plan1 Appendices” with tabs for each of the following: 

                 

Appendix A:  Project Timeline – Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity and Bacteria  TMDL Project.

Appendix B:  Project Budget - Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek Turbidity and Bacteria  TMDL Project.

Appendix C:  Maps of Hawk Creek and Beaver Creek watershed area impaired reaches.