MPCA open to comments on Valley Branch Watershed reports

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced this week that it is accepting public comments on two reports assembled in partnership with local organizations on the health and restoration of the Valley Branch sub-watershed, which is part of the Lower St. Croix watershed.

The Valley Branch Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) and (Valley Branch Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports address the bodies of water in the sub-watershed, which includes Lake Elmo, Woodbury Afton and Oakdale. As part of Minnesota’s Watershed Approach, the reports are available online and in the MPCA’s office in St. Paul, and comments can be made via mail or email.

The watershed has been experiencing high bacteria and phosphorus levels in some areas, like Kelle’s Creek and Lake Elmo’s Sunfish Lake. The WRAPS report identifies waters that are in need of intervention and recommends methods to improve water quality, while the TMDL sets limits for pollutant levels and proposes water quality improvement methods.

The MPCA’s efforts are aided by the Valley Branch Watershed District, Washington County, Washington Conservation District, local governments and state agencies, among others.