| Watershed District helping farmers overcome problem in Yellow Medicine River |
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After diagnostic studies and water quality monitoring completed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the South Branch stretch of the Yellow Medicine River had been listed as impaired. Apprently it’s infected with Fecal Coliform, which a product of warm blooded animals, and carries the e-coli bacteria. The Yellow Medicine Watershed District held a meeting last week regarding the problem and told South Branch watershed landowners they can help with funding on cost share projects directed at decreasing the introduction of fecal coliform material into the river. According to Cindy Potz, administrator, “The Watershed District has received a grant from MPCA to offer financial assistance totaling $173,000 to landowners who are interested in improving their operation and improving water quality for the South Branch watershed.” The South Branch of the Yellow Medicine River runs from a point west of Arco to a point northwest of Minneota where it meets with the Main Branch of the Yellow Medicine River. The current project has been called the South Branch TMDL Fecal Coliform Reduction Project. “TMDL” is a term created by EPA, in which they have determined a standard amount of fecal coliform, or other pollutants, phosphorus, nitrates, etc, that a stream, lake or river can handle without being impaired. The inability to control and manage the fecal coliform allows the fecal coliform to enter the ditches and streams. The YMRW board, Potz and Chris Swedzinski, project technician, discussed the opportunities that are available to landowners who wish to participate. “The Watershed District stressed that they do not have the regulatory authority to demand that any landowner participate or take measures to control the fecal coliform being produced and unmanaged in the South Branch watershed,” indicated Potz. But, she said, “They do encourage all landowners to become aware of the project, and determine what they can do to become better stewards of the land and water in the district. “ A powerpoint presentation was given with photos shown of some of the projects that have already been funded. Approximately $121,000 remains available. Projects that are eligible for cost assistance from the Yellow Medicine River Watershed District South Branch TMDL Fecal Coliform Reduction project include: Filter strips with haying incentives; nutrient-/manure management plans; residue management incentive, alternative tile intakes, feedlot runoff reduction programs and a rotational grazing program that assists with the cost of fencing.
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