05/02/1994 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Agriculture is still the predominant land use in a large portion of the seven county area and a major contributor of nonpoint source pollutants. Nonpoint source pollution from agriculture occurs as a result of intensive land cultivation and husbandry practices and shows up in three basic forms: soil erosion; agriculture supplements such as nutrients, pesticides and herbicides; and animal waste products. Each of these sources fill area water bodies smothering aquatic life, change the aquatic environment by limiting light penetration of the water,and result in the transmission of toxins to area water bodies. The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area is fortunate to have an abundance of lakes and rivers. These water bodies provide the area with recreational, aesthetic and educational benefits envied by other parts of the United States. Preservation of these water bodies and the associated wildlife habitat is a major component of the Council's planning framework. Measures to preserve and enhance the environment can be found in all of the Council's major system and policy plans. Policy 7 of the MDIF states that the Metropolitan Council: supports the maintenance of environmental quality throughout the region and will support programs or strategies to maintain_ or improve the natural Lar,'ronment (page 15). Reducing nonpoint source pollution to area water bodies has a number of positive outcomes. Reduced nonpoint source pollution has an overall positive effect on the environment, improves the water quality in lakes, wetlands and floodplains and allows for fishable and swimable water bodies. Water resource management has historically focused on point sources such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities. Efforts to reduce pollution from point sources has been effective. Nonpoint source pollution abatement is the next challenge that must be addressed to ensure that water bodies in this metropolitan area are protected. Existing Legislative and Policy Structure For Addressing the Nonpoint Source Pollution Problem The Minnesota Legislature Two pieces of legislation have been passed in the last decade that set a framework for addressing the nonpoint source pollution issue. However, it will take several years to put this framework in place and will require local governments to extensively revise their surface water management plans and activities. Watershed planning legislation In 1982 legislation was passed requiring Watershed Management Organizations (WMO) to prepare watershed plans that addressed water quality issues. Under this legislation each WMO is to prepare a plan that states objectives and policies for water quality and identifies alternatives for improving water quality and methods of implementation. These plans are to be reviewed by the Metropolitan Council "in the same manner and with the same authority and effect as provided for the council's review of the comprehensive plans of local government units"(Minnesota Statutes,section 103B.231 subd.8(1990)). The Council is required to determine whether the watershed plan conforms with the management objectives and target pollution loads stated in the Council's water resources plan prepared pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 473.157.