Final Program and Abstracts Book Minnesota Water …1 The Minnesota Water Resources Conference...

Minnesota Water Resources ConferenceOctober 16-17, 2012

www.wrc.umn.edu/waterconf

Saint Paul RiverCentre 175 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota

Sponsored by: Cosponsored by:Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota

Minnesota Section, American Society of Civil Engineers

Minnesota Sea Grant College Program, University of Minnesota

Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota

Final Program and Abstracts Book

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The Minnesota Water Resources Conference presents innovative, practical, and applied water resource engineering solutions, management techniques, and current research about Minnesota’s water resources. Presentations address lessons learned, best practices, effectiveness, and research into current and emerging issues. The conference facilitates interaction among engineers, water resources managers, water professionals, researchers, and local, state, and federal agency staff.

Minnesota Water Resources ConferenceOctober 16-17, 2012

New This Year Abstracts Booklet Available Only ElectronicallyThe conference abstract booklet will not be printed this year, but will be available electronically one week prior to the conference. Conference participants will receive a printed copy of the final program schedule on site at the registration desk.

This year, the University of Minnesota marks the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1862, legislation that laid the groundwork for the public research university’s ongoing mission of learning, discovery, and engagement for the common good. The University’s Water Resources Center is one of the 54 water resources research institutes established at land-grant universities throughout the U.S. and its territories that advance water-related teaching, research, and outreach. The cover painting by Alexis Jean Fournier (1865-1948) titled St. Anthony Falls and Suspension Bridge offers a glimpse of the Mississippi River circa 1885 in what is now downtown Minneapolis.

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John Baker, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota

Ann Banitt, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

John Bilotta, MN Sea Grant, University of Minnesota Extension

Judy Boudreau, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Waters

Tina Carstens, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District

Heather Dorr, College of Continuing Education, University of Minnesota

Bill Douglass, Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Lisa Goddard, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

Lori Graven, College of Continuing Education, University of Minnesota

Lorin K. Hatch, HDR Engineering, Inc.

Andrea Hendrickson, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Kimberly Hill, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Bruce Holdhusen, ASCE Representative, and Minnesota Department of Transportation

Karen Jensen, Metropolitan Council

Heather Johnson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Stephanie Johnson, Houston Engineering, Inc.

Ron Leaf, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Randy Neprash, Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition, and Bonestroo, Inc.

Shawn Schottler, St. Croix Watershed Research Station

Wayne Sicora, Natural Resource Group

* Faye Sleeper, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

Gene Soderbeck, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

James Stark, U.S. Geological Survey

Deborah Swackhamer, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

* Stew Thornley, Minnesota Department of Health

Rick Voigt, Voigt Consultants, LLC

Greg Wilson, Barr Engineering Company

Brad Wozney, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources

* Committee Co-Chairs

2012 Water Resources Planning Committee

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Program Schedule – Tuesday, October 16, 20128:00 – 8:10 Welcome Faye Sleeper, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

8:10 – 8:20 Dave Ford Water Resources Award

8:20 – 9:30 Developing Environmental Indicators for Coastal Ecosystems: Lessons Learned Lucinda Johnson, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth

9:30 – 10:00 Break

10:00 – 11:30 Concurrent Sessions I

TrACk A RooMS 1–3 TrACk B RooMS 4–6 TrACk C BALLRooM C TrACk D BALLRooM D

Engineering to Improve Stream Ecology Moderator: Lisa Goddard, SRF Consulting Group

Co-Moderator: Rick Voigt, Voigt Consultants, LLC

Island Construction – Rebuilding Natural Levees to Restore Hydrologic Connectivity in the Northern Reaches of the Upper Mississippi River

Jon Hendrickson and Andrew Sander, United States Army Corps of Engineers

Des Moines River Dam Removal, Windom, Minnesota – Lessons Learned from a Project That Started as a Dam Replacement to a Final Rock Riffle “Fish Passage” Project

Rocky Keehn, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Alternative Public Drainage Design and Construction as Means of Improving Ecological Resources – Anoka County Ditch 15/Anoka – Washington Judicial Ditch 4 (ACD 15/JD4) Case Study

Christopher Otterness and Mark Deutschman , Houston Engineering, Inc.; Phil Belfiori, Rice Creek Watershed District

Issues of Emerging ConcernModerator: Deborah Swackhamer, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

Co-Moderator: Bruce Holdhusen, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Antibiotic Resistance Gene Concentrations in Duluth-Superior Harbor and in Tertiary-Treated Municipal Wastewater Discharged into Duluth-Superior Harbor

Tucker Burch, Timothy LaPara, Patrick McNamara, and David Tan, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota; Mi Yan, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota

The Distribution and Persistence of Molecular Markers of Fecal Pollution in Sand and Sediment

Jessica Eichmiller, University of Minnesota; Michael Sadowsky, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, Randall Hicks, Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth

Investigations of Endocrine Disruption in Minnesota Lakes: Past Results and Future Directions

Sarah Elliott and Richard Kiseling, United States Geological Survey

GroundwaterModerator: Gene Soderbeck, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Co-Moderator: Wayne Sicora, Natural Resource Group

Groundwater and Surface-Water Interactions in White Bear Lake

Perry Jones, Jared Trost, and Donald Rosenbery, United States Geological Survey

Cottage Grove: A Case Study in Wellhead Protection and Stormwater BMPs

Brad Schleeter, Stantec; Steve Robertson, Minnesota Department of Health

Can Stream Baseflow Be Augmented Through Stormwater Infiltration? The Case of Minnehaha Creek Watershed

Trisha Moore, John Gulliver, and John Nieber, University of Minnesota

Innovations in Water resource MappingModerator: Judy Boudreau, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Co-Moderator: Ann Lewandowski, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

An Update of the National Wetland Inventory for East-Central Minnesota

Steve Kloiber, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Robb Macleod, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; Aaron Smith, Equinox Analytics, Inc.

Image Analysis Techniques to Evaluate Effects of Lakeshore Development on Aquatic Habitat

Marcus Beck, University of Minnesota; Bruce Vondracek, United States Geological Survey, Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit; Lorin Hatch, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota

Utilizing GIS and LiDAR for Planning and Project Development

Erik Cedarleaf Dahl, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

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Program Schedule – Tuesday, October 16, 2012 (continued)11:30 – 12:15 p.m. Lunch

12:15 – 1:00 Luncheon Presentation: Water’s Biggest Threats and Opportunities Benjamin Grumbles, U.S. Water Alliance

1:15 – 2:45 Concurrent Sessions II


The river Meets the roadModerator: Ron Leaf, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Co-Moderator: Andrea Hendrickson, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Hydraulic Research Implementation at Minnesota Department of Transportation

Petronella DeWall, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Rivers and Roads: A Portrait of the Minnesota River Along US 169

Nicole Danielson-Bartelt and Bonnie Peterson, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Improving Mobility During Flood Season on the Minnesota River

Brad Woznak, Rachel Pichel-mann, and Ron Leaf, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Surface Water Monitoring and AssessmentModerator: Karen Jensen, Metropolitan Council

Co-Moderator: Bill Herb, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Importance of Hydrologic Pathways to Urban Nutrient Loading and Implications for Current Stormwater Management Practices

Ben Janke, Jacques Finlay, Lawrence Baker, Sarah Hobbie, Bruce Wilson, and Robert Sterner, University of Minnesota

Quantifying Solids and Phosphorous Loads Captured by Catch Basins and Manholes

Melissa Baker, Capitol Region Watershed District

Stream-Cooling Demonstrations in the Vermillion River Watershed

Katherine Carlson, Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization; Jim Davidson, Curt Coudron, and Mike Isensee, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District

Considerations for BMP Design and EffectivenessModerator: Greg Wilson, Barr Engineering Company

Co-Moderator: Tina Carstens, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District

Stormwater Volume Control – Design Vs. Reality

Jesse Carlson and William Alms, WSB & Associates, Inc.

BMP Modeling and Optimization Using the Sustain Model: A Case Study in Duluth

Jennifer Olson, Bruce Cleland, and Scott Job, Tetra Tech

Documenting the Infiltration Capacity of a Swale

Farzana Ahmed, John Gulliver, and John Nieber, University of Minnesota

Education and EngagementModerator: John Bilotta, Minnesota SeaGrant/University of Minnesota Extension

Co-Moderator: Faye Sleeper, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

Moving the Maybes: How We Used Social Data to Build Successful Educational and Engagement Strategies

Karlyn Eckman, University of Minnesota Water Resources Center; Mark Hauck, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Mary Blickenderfer, University of Minnesota Extension; Steve Henry, East Otter Tail County

Communicating Science to the Public: The Online “Ask-An-Expert About the Minnesota River” Project

Kimberly Musser and Rick Moore, Minnesota State University, Mankato Water Resource Center; Scott Kudelka, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Importance of Advisory Committees: The Minnesota Trunk Highway 23 Water Quality Success Story

Della Schall Young, HDR Engineering, Inc.; Paul Rasmussen, Minnesota Department of Transportation

2:45 – 3:15 Break

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3:15 – 4:45 Concurrent Sessions III


Applied Watershed ModelingModerator: Bill Douglass, Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Co-Moderator: Ann Banitt, United States Army Corps of Engineers

A District-Wide Approach to Water Resource Modeling

Michael Lawrence, Christopher Otterness, and Mark Deutschman, Houston Engineering, Inc.; Phil Belfiori, Rice Creek Watershed District

Adding a 2nd Dimension to Watershed Analysis

Justin Klabo, Brad Woznak, and Lindsey Roberts McKenzie, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

North Dakota Highway 54, Minnesota Highway 1 Flood Mitigation

Rick Archer, Ulteig Engineers, Inc.

Water and FishModerator: Gene Soderbeck, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Co-Moderator: Greg Wilson, Barr Engineering Company

Rethinking Stormwater Pond Nutrient Removal

David Austin, CH2M HILL; Perry Forster, Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District; Roger Scharf, Jason Carroll, and Mark Enochs, CH2M HILL

Unexpected Fish in Strange Places and Impacts on Stormwater Pond Water Quality

Steve McComas, Blue Water Science; Bryan Gruidl, City of Bloomington

Exploring the Limits of Asian Carp eDNA as a Genetic Surveillance Tool

Lorin Hatch, HDR Engineering, Inc.; Kelly Baerwaldt and Richard Lance, United States Army Corps of Engineers; Duane Chapman and Jon Amberg, United States Geological Survey; Ed Perkins, United States Army Corps of Engineers; Meredith Barton, United States Fish and Wildlife Service; Edmond Russo, United States Army Corps of Engineers

City Stormwater Perspectives: Fees, Inventories, and TMDLSModerator: Randy Neprash, Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition/Bonestroo, Inc.

Co-Moderator: Lisa Goddard, SRF Consulting Group

Paying Fair Share for Runoff Impacts: Tailoring Stormwater Utility Fees in Eagan, Minnesota

Eric Macbeth, Tom Colbert, Russ Matthys, Gregg Thompson, and Jessie Koehle, City of Eagan

Eden Prairie Stormwater Infrastructure Inventory Program

Joe Bischoff, Wenck Associates, Inc.; Leslie Stovring, City of Eden Prairie; Eileen Weigel, Wenck Associates, Inc.

Creek Temperature TMDL: A Regulated City’s Perspective

Chris Kleist, City of Duluth; Gini Breidenbach, LimnoTech

Evaluating Clean Water Fund Projects and Ecosystem Services MarketsModerator: Brad Wozney, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Co-Moderator: Judy Boudreau, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Tracking Clean Water Fund Investments

Suzanne Hanson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Andy Holdsworth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Restoration Evaluation Program for Legacy Fund Projects

Wade Johnson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ecological and Water Resources

Identification of Emerging Private Markets for Ecosystem Services

Carrie Raber and Dennis Fuchs, Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District; James Klang, Kieser and Associates; Linda Meschke, Rural Advantage; Shannon Fisher and Susie Carlin, Minnesota River Board; Brian Brandt, American Farmland Trust, Kay Clark and David Bucklin, Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance

4:45 – 5:45 Reception and Poster Session

Program Schedule – Tuesday, October 16, 2012 (continued)

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Program Schedule – Wednesday, October 17, 20128:00 – 8:10 Welcome Stew Thornley, Minnesota Department of Health

8:10 – 9:30 Voluntary Conservation Works, and Further Water Quality Gains Can Be Achieved Tom Christensen, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture

9:30 – 10:00 Break

10:00 – 11:30 Concurrent Sessions IV

TrACk A RooMS 1–3 TrACk B rooMS 4–6 TrACk C BALLRooM C TrACk D BALLRooM D

Water resource Management in the red river Valley and BeyondModerator: Andrea Hendrickson, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Co-Moderator: Rick Voigt, Voigt Consultants, LLC

RDDSS: Forecasting and Communicating Drought in the Red River Basin

Stephanie Johnson and Mark Deutschman, Houston Engineering, Inc.; Charles Fritz, International Water Institute

Drainage Water Management – Recent Developments

Al Kean, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Sediment Transport Analysis of Flood Risk Reduction Diversions in the Red River Basin

Alex Nelson, United States Army Corps of Engineers

Lake BiologyModerator: Gene Soderbeck, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Co-Moderator: Lorin Hatch, HDR Engineering, Inc.

Using Biomanipulation to Achieve and Sustain Long-Term Water Quality Improvements in a Shallow Lake

Brian Vlach and Rich Brasch, Three Rivers Park District

Effects of Fisheries Management and the Timing of Stratification on the Eutrophication of Square Lake, Washington County

Meghan Jacobson, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.; Leif Hembre, Department of Biology, Hamline University

Managing Curlyleaf Pondweed with Herbicides: Experiences with Whole Lake and Partial Lake Treatments

Yvette Christianson, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District; Steve McComas, Blue Water Science; Udai Singh, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization; Kelly Dooley, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Alternative Urban Best Management PracticesModerator: Bill Douglass, Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Co-Moderator: Tina Carstens, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District

Maximizing Goals for Stormwater and Forestry in an Urban Neighborhood

Wes Saunders-Pearce and Zach Jorgensen, City of Saint Paul

Quantifying Nutrient Load Reductions Through Targeted, Intensive Street Sweeping – A Field Study by the University of Minnesota in Partnership with the City of Prior Lake, Minnesota

Paula Kalinosky, Lawrence Baker and Sarah Hobbie, University of Minnesota; Ross Bintner, City of Prior Lake; Chris Buyarski, University of Minnesota

Our Experience with Implementing Living Streets

Cliff Aichinger, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District

Nitrate Nitrogen in Surface and Groundwater: Past and Present resultsModerator: Heather Johnson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Co-Moderator: Faye Sleeper, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

Nitrogen in Minnesota Streams: Sources, Loads, and Transport

David Wall, Dennis Wasley, and Steve Weiss, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; David Mulla, University of Minnesota, Dave Lorenz, United States Geological Survey

Trends in Nitrite Plus Nitrate Concentrations in Selected Streams in Minnesota, 1968-2009

David Lorenz, United States Geological Survey; Dave Christopherson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Gary Martin, United States Geological Survey; Dave Wall, Minnesota Pollution Control

Central Sands Private Well Network 2011 Nitrate Nitrogen Results Summary

Kimberly Kaiser, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

11:30 – 12:15 p.m. Lunch

12:15 – 1:00 SWITCHing to Sustainable Urban Water Management – Global Experiences on Making the Transition Carol Howe, ForEvaSolutions – Sustainable Water Management in a Changing World

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Program Schedule – Wednesday, October 17, 2012 (continued)

1:15 – 2:45 Concurrent Sessions V


Stream IntegrityModerator: Stephanie Johnson, Houston Engineering, Inc.

Co-Moderator: James Stark, United States Geological Survey

Developing Quantitative Guidelines for In-Stream Structures: Combining Field and Laboratory Experiments with Numerical Experiments

Jessica Kozarek, Ali Khosronejad, Craig Hill, Seokkoo Kang, and Fotis Sotiropoulos, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Predicting Minnesota Fish IBI Scores: Implications for Stressor Identification

Jason Ulrich, Joe Magner, and Bruce Wilson, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota

The Response of Macroinvertebrate Community Structure and Function to Reach-Scale Restoration in Agricultural Streams of Southern Minnesota

Christy Dolph, University of Minnesota; Susan Eggert, United States Forest Service; Joe Magner, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Leonard Ferrington, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota; Bruce Vondracek, United States Geological Survey, Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, University of Minnesota

Lake Dynamics Moderator: Lorin Hatch, HDR Engineering, Inc.

Co-Moderator: Brad Wozney, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Anoxic and Oxic Release of Phosphorus from Sediments in Minnesota Lakes

Joe Bischoff, Wenck Associates, Inc.; William James, University of Wisconsin - Stout

Hypolimnetic Oxygenation in Vadnais Lake

Roger Scharf, CH2M HILL; John Blackstone, Saint Paul Regional Water Services; John Borghesi, CH2M HILL; James Bode, Saint Paul Regional Water Services; Paul Gantzer, Gantzer Water Resources; David Austin, CH2M HILL

Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) Dosage Considerations for Bald Eagle Lake, Minnesota

William James, University of Wisconsin – Stout; Joe Bischoff, Wenck Associates, Inc.; Matthew Kocian, Rice Creek Watershed District

Stormwater reuse Guidelines and ApplicationsModerator: Ron Leaf, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Co-Moderator: Bruce Holdhusen, Minnesota Department of Transportation

The Metropolitan Council Stormwater Reuse Guide: Planning for Stormwater Reuse in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area

Brian Davis, Metropolitan Council; Jodi Polzin, CDM Smith; Patti Craddock, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.; Gabrielle Grinde, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc.; Matt Rembold and Li Zhang, CDM Smith

Reuse of Stormwater for Irrigation of Municipal Ballfields in Centerville, Minnesota

Daniel Edgerton, Stantec; Dallas Larson, City of Centerville; Mark Statz, Stantec

Partnering to Improving Water Quality Through Regional Solutions

Mike Eastling, City of Richfield; James Wisker, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Water Quality Monitoring and results at Various ScalesModerator: Ann Banitt, United States Army Corps of Engineers

Co-Moderator: Heather Johnson, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Discovery Farms Minnesota – Field Scale Monitoring in Real World Conditions

Scott Matteson and Katie Rassmussen, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Discovery Farms Minnesota – 2011 Water Quality Data Review

Tim Radatz and George Rehm, Discovery Farms

Whole-Watershed Phosphorus Balance as Practical Tool to Achieve TMDL Goals

Heidi Peterson, Larry Baker, Jason Ulrich, John Nieber, Bruce Wilson, and Nick Moore, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, University of Minnesota

2:45 – 3:00 Break

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Program Schedule – Wednesday, October 17, 2012 (continued)

3:00 – 4:30 Concurrent Sessions VI


Stream Conservation and restorationModerator: James Stark, United States Geological Survey

Co-Moderator: Judy Boudreau, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Setting Priority Management Zones for the Bluff Creek TMDL Combining Tools to Enhance Specificity of Precision Conservation and Implementation Planning

Greg Wilson, Barr Engineering Company

Healing After the Flood – Owatonna Stream Bank Restoration

Matt Durand, City of Owatonna

Minnehaha Creek Urban Corridor Restoration

James Wisker, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Physical Lake ProcessesModerator: Bill Herb, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Co-Moderator: Stephanie Johnson, Houston Engineering, Inc.

Wind Sheltering of Lakes

Corey Markfort, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Emily Resseger, University of Minnesota and Metropolitan Council; Wei Zhang, Saint Anthony Falls, University of Minnesota; Fernando Porte-Agel, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne; Heinz Stefan, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Exploring Hydraulic Residence in Minnesota Sentinel Lakes: Implications for Management

Lee Engel and Joe Magner, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Estimating Sediment and Nutrient Loading from Southern Shoreline Erosion in Lake of the Woods

Stephanie Johnson, Houston Engineering, Inc.; Corryn Trask, Lake of the Woods County Soil and Water Conservation District

Best Management Practices and Low Impact Designs – With MonitoringModerator: Wayne Sicora, Natural Resource Group

Co-Moderator: Randy Neprash, Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition/Bonestroo, Inc.

A Neighborhood of Raingardens: Citizen Engagement, Design/Installation, and a Paired-Watershed Study

Rebecca Nestingen, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.; Samuel Geer, Metro Blooms

Even Stormwater Takes the LRT: Testing the CCCLRT Tree Trench Infiltration System

Pamela Massaro, Wenck Associates, Inc.; Forrest Kelly, Capitol Region Watershed District

Transforming a Nuisance Drainage Problem into a Multi-Purpose Amenity

Ron Leaf, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.; Steve Kummer and Ginny Gaynor, City of Maplewood

river Flow, Bank Erosion, and Nutrient DynamicsModerator: Karen Jensen, Metropolitan Council

Co-Moderator: Gene Soderbeck, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Climate and Land Use Effects on River Discharge and Base Flow

Satish Gupta, Andrew Kessler, and Melinda Brown, University of Minnesota

River Bank Erosion as a Function of Time, Precipitation, and Physical Features

Andrew Kessler, Satish Gupta, and Melinda Brown, University of Minnesota

River Bank Materials as Potential Carriers and a Source of Phosphorus in Lake Pepin

Ashley Grundtner, Satish Gupta, and Brandy Toner, University of Minnesota

4:30 Adjourn

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Poster Display

Paths to Reduce Nutrient Losses in Minnesota: A State Level Strategy

Wayne Anderson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Multi-Year Destratification Study of Sweeney Lake: An Urban, Temperate Climate, Eutrophic Lake System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis Integration (SUSTAIN) Model

David Austin, CH2M HILL; David Hanson, Sweeney Lake Association

Ice-Preserving Aeration System (IPAS) To Prevent Winter Fish Kill and Suppress Winter TP Cycling in a Eutrophic Lake

David Austin, CH2M HILL; Michael Casanova, Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District; Roger Scharf, Jason Carroll and Mark Enochs, CH2M HILL

The Stormwater Thief Video - Another Tool for Gaining Stormwater Compliance

David Bauer, Rice Creek Watershed District

Monitoring the Recharge Edge of the Mt. Simon Aquifer

James Berg and Scott Pearson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Development of a Tiered Aquatic Life Use (TALU) Framework for Minnesota Streams

William Bouchard, Jr., Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Chris Yoder, Midwest Biodiversity Institute; Scott Niemela, Dan Helwig, Mark Tomasek and Howard Markus, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Mapping Manure from Large Animal Feeding Operations in West-Central Minnesota Watersheds

Ed Brands, University of Minnesota, Morris

Mapping Historic Creek Alignment and Wetland Boundaries Using Aerial Photography and LiDAR (GIS)

Erik Cedarleaf Dahl, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Six Mile Creek Comprehensive Diagnostic and Feasibility Study

Erik Cedarleaf Dahl, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District; Joe Bischoff, Wenck Associates, Inc.

The Macroalga Cladophora Is a Habitat for Clostridium botulinum and May Be Responsible for Avian Botulism in the Great Lakes

Chanlan Chun, Urs Ochsner, and Michael Sadowsky, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota; Muruleedhara Byappanahalli and Richard Whitman, United States Geologi-cal Survey Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station

Innovative Approach to Sand/Iron Filtration - Dutch Lake Water Quality Project

Renae Clark, Minnehaha Creek Watershed Districtt

Assessing Iron Impacts on an Aquatic Ecosystem: A Relief Well System Example

Mark Collins and Lorin Hatch, HDR Engineering, Inc.

Measuring Wild Rice Productivity in Nine Northeastern Minnesota Lakes

Tonya Connor, Water Resources Science, University of Minnesota Duluth; John Pastor, Department of Biology, University of Minnesota, Duluth

Characterization of Concrete Sediments from Construction Operations for the Protection of Storm and Surface Waters

Stephen Druschel, Leah Roue, and Brian Wasserman, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Relationship of Land Uses with Occurrence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Streams of Southeastern Minnesota

David Fairbairn and Elizabeth Spande, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota; Pamela Rice, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; William Arnold and Paige Novak, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota; William Koskinen, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Brian Barber, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota; Deborah Swackhamer, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

Major Retrofits and Iron Filings – Reducing Pollutant Loading to Comfort Lake

David Filipiak, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.; Doug Thomas, Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District

Trillium Site Stream Corridor Restoration Project, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Bob Fossum, Capitol Region Watershed District; Kathleen Anglo, City of Saint Paul

A BMP on Steroids - The Lowry Bridge Underground Sand Filter

Lisa Goddard, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

Health-Based Guidance – Alternative Methods

Helen Goeden, Minnesota Department of Health

The Influences of Photosynthetic Active Radiation on Potamogeton crispus Growth and Early Season Herbicide Treatments in a Shallow Lake Ecosystem

Zachrie Gutknecht and Shannon Fisher, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Epiphytes Make Bad Houseguests: Implications for Phosphorus Sequestration by Aquatic Plants in Constructed Wetlands

Amy Hansen, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota; Jacques Finlay, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior University of Minnesota; Miki Hondzo, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota

How to Create SOP’s That Actually Get Used?

Jennifer Hildebrand, WSB & Associates, Inc.

Making Secondary Containment Work and Still Remain Profitable?

Jennifer Hildebrand, WSB & Associates, Inc.

Detecting and Mapping Invasive Phragmites australis in the Coastal Great Lakes with ALOS PALSAR Imagery

Brian Huberty, United States Fish & Wildlife Service; Laura Bourgeau-Chavez, Michigan Tech Research Institute

Water Quality Standards Analysis for the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, Inc.; Doug Snyder, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

The following posters will be displayed during the breaks and Tuesday reception.

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Municipal Water Supply Source Selection and Impacts to Surface Water Quality: A Comparative Analysis Between Using Groundwater Versus Surface Water For Municipal Water Supply In Minnesota

Paul M. Hudalla and Tom Roushar, WSB & Associates, Inc.

Field Evidence for Stormwater Enhancement of Eurasian Watermilfoil Growth

Meghan Jacobson and Jay Michels, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.; Chad Anderson, Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District

Field-Scale Evaluation of Escherichia coli and Nutrient Transport

Kyle Jarcho and Shannon Fisher, Water Resources Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Tracking the Effectiveness of Minnesota’s Agricultural BMPs

Stephanie Johnson, Houston Engineering, Inc.

Carp Control - Tagging for Population Estimates with Volunteers

Nathaniel Kale, Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District; Michael Majeski, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

Use of Original Land Survey Notes to Identify Historical Extent of Wetlands

Tony Kaster, Antea Group

Sorption of Phytoestrogens to Naturally-Occurring Solid Materials

Megan Kelly, University of Minnesota; Camilla Overgaard, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger; William Arnold, University of Minnesota

Stormwater Capture and Beneficial Re-Use for Cities

Rebecca Kluckhohn, Wenck Associates, Inc.

Examining Lake Water Quality Trends in Minnesota to Detect Impacts of Nutrient Management Policies

Ann Krogman and Robert Sterner, University of Minnesota

Analyzing Pond Sedimentation Surveys Relative to Watershed Characteristics

Lanol Leichty and William Douglass, Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Hydrologic Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer on Northern Forested Watersheds

Christian Lenhart, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, Kenneth Brooks Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota; Robert Slesak, Forest Resources Council and Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota; Anthony D’Amato, Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota

Cumulative Impacts of Lakeshore Residential Development on Littoral Habitat

Jessie Lepore and Jennifer Keville, University of Minnesota; Donna Dustin and Cindy Tomcko, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Bruce Vondracek, United States Geological Survey

Conservation Applications of LiDAR Data: Training Activities and Future Needs

Ann Lewandowski and Les Everett, Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

Identifying Mechanisms Controlling Nutrient Cycling and Ecological Function to Improve Lake Saint Croix Management

Suzanne Magdalene, Saint Croix Watershed Research Station, Science Museum of Minnesota; Jeffrey Ziegeweid and Richard Kiesling, United States Geological Survey; Kent Johnson, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services; Daniel Engstrom, Saint Croix Watershed Research Station, Science Museum of Minnesota

Headwaters Wetlands and Impaired Watershed Management

Beth Markhart, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

One Waters, Two State Standards, 19 Impairments

Pamela Massaro, Wenck Associates Inc.; Mary Homan, Lac qui Parle - Yellow Bank Watershed District; Katherine Pekarek-Scott, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Agricultural BMP Handbook for TMDLs in Minnesota

Thomas Miller, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.; Joel Peterson, University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Weather - Extreme Trends: The Minnehaha Creek Watershed Stormwater Adaptation Study

Trisha Moore, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Leslie Yetka, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Double-Averaged Rough-Bed Hydrodynamics Associated with High Glossosoma (Trichoptera) Larval Spatial Density

Mark Morris, Miki Hondzo, Mohammad Hajit and Stephanie Day, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Mary Power, Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley; Fotis Sotiropoulos, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis INtegration (SUSTAIN) Model

Jennifer Olson, Bruce Cleland, and Kevin Kratt, Tetra Tech, Inc.

Genetic Diversity and Persistence of Enterococcus Spp. Strains in the Lake Superior Watershed

Qinghong Ran and Brian Badgley, Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota; Nicholas Dillon and Gary Dunny, Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota; Michael Sadowsky, Biotechnology Institute/Department of Soil, Water & Climate, University of Minnesota

Denitrifying Bioreactors: Field and Lab Performance

Andry Ranaivoson, University of Minnesota; Gary Feyereisen, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; John Moncrief, University of Minnesota; Mark Dittrich, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Early Spring Effect on Wetlands and Mosquitoes

Nancy Read, Sandy Brogren, Diann Crane, and Carey Lamere, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District

Wind Variability Over a Small Wind- Sheltered Lake

Emily Resseger, University of Minnesota; Corey Markfort, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Richard Kiesling, Minnesota Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey; Heinz Stefan, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota

Poster Display–Continued

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The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Please call 612-624-3708.

© 2012 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. CPE-0527-01/8.12

Updating the Metropolitan Area Groundwater Model: Clean Water Fund Projects Support Regional Water Supply Management

Lanya Ross, Metropolitan Council; Tim Brown and Evan Christianson, Barr Engineering Company

Assessment and Mitigation of Bovine Fecal Loading in the Little Jordan Creek Watershed

Michael Sadowsky; BioTechnology Institute, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota; Brian Badgley, BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota; Richard Sawdey, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota

Numeric Water Quality Standards: Integrating GIS with Pollutant Load Modeling to Identify Cost-Effective Solutions

Kurt Schoen, AECOM

Urbanization and DOC Character

Robert Sterner, University of Minnesota; Mitchell Haustein, Anoka Conservation District

Dissolved Oxygen TMDLs for Five Low-Gradient Streams

Jeffrey Strom, Wenck Associates, Inc.; Diane Sander and Dan Nadeau, Crow River Organization of Waters

Water and Habitat Quality Correlations with Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in an Impaired Watershed

Brady Swanson and Shannon Fisher, Minnesota State University, Mankato

At the Water Quality, Watershed, and Planning/Implementation Interface – The Cedar Basin Case Study

Bill Thompson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Full Circle: Restoring Ditched Wetlands to Meet Water Quality Goals

Lisa Tilman and Jason Naber, Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

Remote Sensing of Wetlands: A More Efficient Permit Process

Bryan Tolcser, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Site Configuration and Maintenance for Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring to Avert Biofouling in a Small, Productive Stream

Justin Valenty and Marylee Murphy, Three Rivers Park District

Innovations in Acoustic Mapping of Aquatic Vegetation: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Four Alternative Methods

Ray Valley, Matthew Johnson, and Mike Lauenstein, Contour Innovations LLC

Modeling a Low-head Dam Retrofit with a 2D Hydraulic Model (Adaptive Hydraulics)

Jeff Weiss, Barr Engineering Company

Crystal Lake’s In-Lake Flocculation Treatment System of Hypolimnetic Surface Water to Meet the Crystal Lake TMDL

Peter Willenbring, WSB & Associates, Inc.; Richard McCoy, City of Robbinsdale

Poster Display–Continued

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Minnesota Water Resources Conference

October 16-17, 2012Saint Paul RiverCentre

175 West Kellogg BoulevardSaint Paul, Minnesota

Book of AbstractsArranged by session in order of presentation

Index of first authors on page 76

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Book of AbstractsTuesday, October 16

Plenary Session I 8:20 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Developing Environmental Indicators for Coastal Ecosystems: Lessons LearnedLucinda Johnson ([email protected]), Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth

In an era of declining resources, managers require well-calibrated environmental indicators to quantify conditions and track changes in site degradation or recovery. Indicators are only effective if they pertain to the full range of environmental variation of the system under consideration. Therefore, the process of indicator identification and calibration must consider large spatial scales and broad gradients of condition. Responses to specific (agricultural vs. urban) stresses can help diagnose causes of impairment and suggest mitigation and restoration actions. A team of scientists from across the Great Lakes Basin has been involved in the identification of indicators of condition for the coastal areas of the basin. Teams of scientists from across the basin developed indicators to estimate ecological condition and suggest plausible causes of ecosystem degradation across the NA Great Lakes coastal region based on birds, amphibians, fish, macroinvertebrates, vegetation, diatoms and targeted contaminants. This effort, which began in 2001, continues today and is informing a number of different management and reporting efforts within the Great Lakes Basin, including the recently revised Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Johnson is Director of the Center for Water and the Environment at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth MN. She is an aquatic and landscape ecologist with a Ph.D. from Michigan State University, an M.S. from the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a B.A. from Duke University. Johnson’s research focuses on the impacts of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems with emphasis on human activities such as land use, and climate change. Johnson holds leadership positions in the Association of Ecosystem Research Centers (President 2008-2010; currently Secretary) and the North American Benthological Society (now the Society for Freshwater Science; President 2010), serves on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board Committee for Ecological Processes and Effects, and several technical and advisory committees in the state and across the Great Lakes.

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Concurrent Session I 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Track A: Engineering to Improve Stream Ecology

Island Construction – rebuilding Natural Levees to restore Hydrologic Connectivity in the Northern reaches of the Upper Mississippi riverJon Hendrickson ([email protected]), Andrew Sander ([email protected]), United States Army Corps of Engineers

Over ten miles of islands have been constructed during the last 25-years on the Upper Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin to restore hydrologic connectivity and fish and wildlife habitat. Funding for this effort came through the Upper Mississippi River Environmental Management Program (EMP), a Federal program authorized in 1986, and reauthorized in 1999. An interagency, multi-discipline team including personnel from state natural resource agencies, the USFWS, and USACE worked together to plan and design these projects, which are located in the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Public meetings, boat tours, and information kiosks were used to keep the public connected with this planning and design process – the result being outstanding public support.

Natural levees are the high areas along either side of flowing channels where sediment deposits during floods. They are some of the most important geomorphic features in river valleys separating flowing channels from floodplain areas during most of the year, and being overtopped only during seasonal high water events. This seasonal overtopping, which temporarily increases hydrologic connectivity, results in the exchange of sediments, nutrients and organic matter between the river and its floodplain and provides seasonal habitat needs. On the Upper Mississippi River, however, lock and dam construction in the 1930s submerged the floodplain and most of the natural levees, leaving only the highest portions as islands. Submergence and subsequent island erosion increased connectivity between channels and the submerged floodplain (now called backwaters) to high levels that persist year-round rather than seasonally. This created a number of problems including reduced light penetration and aquatic vegetation growth, loss of over-wintering fish habitat, increased sediment deposition, and altered conditions in adjacent channels.

The island projects have rebuilt some of the natural levees, partially restored seasonal hydrologic connectivity and improved habitat for various species of fish, birds, and animals. Island design was based on opportunities, constraints, objectives, and performance criteria linking physical and biologic objectives. Construction of islands within navigation pools presented its own challenges. Complexities due to site accessibility, material placement, dredging technologies, and surveying of completed works all added to the uniqueness of these projects.

Design concepts, examples, and lessons learned during this 25-year restoration effort under the EMP will be included in this presentation.

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Track A: Engineering to Improve Stream Ecology, continued

Des Moines river Dam removal, Windom, Minnesota–Lessons Learned from a Project That Started as a Dam replacement to a Final rock riffle “Fish Passage” ProjectRocky J. Keehn ([email protected]), Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.

In September 2008 the City of Windom started the process of removing or replacing a low head dam (about 6 feet) on the Des Moines River that had failed when river flow began to flow around the east abutment. A feasibility study completed by SEH in 2008 proposed solutions of replacing the dam. However, they could not be constructed based on current funds allocated to the project and thus the project was put hold while the City could look for other funding alternatives. For about three years the river continued to flow around the dam during low flows until early in 2011 when the removal option was selected and the project moved forward. The focus of the presentation is on the final project development. One key discussion component is the fact the Windom rock riffle solution is a fish passage project and not a dam replacement project. The presentation will also compare the final project two other in the area (Jackson a dam replacement and Luverne a pool control project) and how critical it is to understand the purpose of the project and how it relates to other nearby projects when discussing the project. Since the Windom project was constructed after the other two local projects, lesson learned during construction of the other two projects will be discussed and how special bid items were used to attempt to reduce change orders on the project. The presentation will also discuss the challenges in working on a project with several funding sources and agency input while trying to complete a project that meets the interest of the primary client, the City of Windom. The project was constructed in winter of 2011 and final clean-up will be done in the spring of 2012 and from a construction perspective was very successful with no major change orders.

Alternative Public Drainage Design and Construction as Means of Improving Ecological resources – Anoka County Ditch 15/Anoka – Washington Judicial Ditch 4 (ACD 15/JD4) Case StudyChristopher Otterness ([email protected]) and Mark Deutschman ([email protected]), Houston Engineering Inc.; Phil Belfiori ([email protected]), Rice Creek Watershed District

Located within Anoka and Washington Counties and managed by the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), the ACD 15/JD 4 public drainage system provided drainage to not only adjacent agricultural lands but also to an expanding urban landscape. Due to deterioration, the capacity and function of this public drainage system has greatly diminished. Rather than undertake a traditional repair of the public drainage system resulting in impacts to a considerable amount of wetland acreage, the RCWD foresaw an opportunity to design and construct a multi-purpose public drainage system that not only saved but also restored more than 100 acres of wetland habitat, while at the same time reestablishing the function of the public drainage system and providing flood storage. The presentation will focus on the unique ecological and engineering standards used to design the project and construction methods used to ensure the public drainage not only continues to convey water, but minimizes the likelihood of being contrary to successful hydrologic restoration.

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Track B: Issues of Emerging Concern

Antibiotic resistance Gene Concentrations in Duluth-Superior Harbor and in Tertiary-Treated Municipal Wastewater Discharged into Duluth-Superior HarborTucker Burch ([email protected]), Timothy LaPara ([email protected]), Patrick McNamara ([email protected]) and David Tan ([email protected]), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota; Mi Yan ([email protected]), Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota

This completed study evaluated the effect of tertiary-treated municipal wastewater discharge into pristine surface waters with respect to concentrations of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes (representing bacterial biomass), three tetracycline resistance genes (tet(A), tet(W), and tet(X)), and the integrase of a class 1 integron (IntI1). Water samples were collected at 13 locations in the St. Louis River, Duluth-Superior Harbor, and Lake Superior. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were used to quantify each gene in triplicate for each sample. Concentrations of 16S rRNA genes were approximately equal for most of the sample locations. However, concentrations of tet(A), tet(W), tet(X), and IntI1 near an outfall discharging tertiary-treated municipal wastewater into Duluth-Superior Harbor were higher by more than one order of magnitude when compared to all other sample locations. These results demonstrate that municipal wastewater treated to extremely high standards can be a point source of antibiotic resistance genes in surface waters.

The Distribution and Persistence of Molecular Markers of Fecal Pollution in Sand and SedimentJessica J. Eichmiller ([email protected]), Michael J. Sadowsky ([email protected]), Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota; Randall E. Hicks ([email protected]), Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth

Fecal contamination in Minnesota waterways is widespread. Demand for fast and accurate water quality monitoring will lead towards a shift from the use of culture-based methods to the quantification of molecular markers of fecal pollution. Sand and sediment are reservoirs of fecal indicator bacteria; however, the distribution of molecular markers in sand and sediment is unknown. A shoreline site 100 m from a treated wastewater outfall was sampled monthly in 2010 and 2011 for effluent, beach water, sand, and sediment. Markers for enterococci, total Bacteroides, and human-specific Bacteroides were quantified by qPCR. The concentration of markers in beach water were significantly correlated with effluent but not sand and sediment. Lab and field persistence experiments revealed potential for long-term persistence of enterococci and total Bacteroides markers in sand and sediment. In contrast, these results support the use of human-specific Bacteroides as an indicator of recent contamination.

Investigations of Endocrine Disruption in Minnesota Lakes: Past results and Future DirectionsSarah Elliot ([email protected]) and Richard Kiesling ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey

Little is understood about the environmental factors that directly influence endocrine disruption and what the long-term, population level effects may be on native fish communities. The U.S. Geological Survey and State and University partners have conducted a series of field and experimental studies to better understand the mechanisms that influence endocrine disruption in Minnesota lakes. A statewide survey of contaminants of emerging concern in lakes confirmed the presence of endocrine active compounds (EACs) in water and sediment and provided some evidence of endocrine disruption in resident and caged fish. To further understand fish response to EAC exposure, a multi-generational exposure of fathead minnows and bluegills to 17β-estradiol was conducted. Expression of measured biomarkers was highly variable and suggests that effects may vary with environmental factors and exposure timing. Current research is investigating effects of EAC exposure on fish nesting near sites of direct septic inputs to lakes.

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Track C: Groundwater

Groundwater and Surface Water Interactions in White Bear LakePerry Jones ([email protected]), Jared Trost ([email protected]) and Donald Rosenberry ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey

Over the past 2 years, White Bear Lake and other lakes in the northeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area have been at historically low water levels. The U. S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with State, county, and municipal agencies, watershed organizations, and private organizations, conducted a 1-year study to characterize groundwater and surface-water interactions in White Bear Lake. Analysis of covariance of annual data indicates that the relation between annual lake level change and annual precipitation was significantly different from 2003 through 2011 compared with 1978 through 2002, indicating an average of 4 additional inches of precipitation per year needed to maintain the lake level between 2003 and 2011. Stable-isotope analyses of water samples collected from wells, precipitation, and lakes indicate that wells downgradient from White Bear Lake, which are extracting water from the Prairie du Chien and/or Jordan aquifers, are receiving a mixture of surface water and groundwater.

Cottage Grove: A Case Study in Wellhead Protection and Stormwater BMPsBrad Schleeter ([email protected]), Stantec Consulting Services

Objective: This presentation will emphasize the need to balance stormwater quality, more specifically runoff volume control, goals with wellhead protection concerns. The presentation will highlight the efforts of the City of Cottage Grove to implement stormwater quality retrofit improvement projects that incorporate a wellhead protection design component.

Approach: In accordance with Minnesota Rules 4720.5100 to 4720.5580, municipalities operating public water systems are required to delineate, inventory, and manage an inner wellhead management zone, including the development of a Wellhead Protection (WHP) Plan. To comply with this requirement, the City of Cottage Grove developed a WHP Plan in two parts between 2002 and 2005. The City’s WHP Plan was prepared and ultimately approved by the Minnesota Department of Health in 2003 (Part 1) and 2005 (Part 2).

In July 2007, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) developed a guidance document titled, “Evaluating Proposed Stormwater Infiltration Projects in Vulnerable Wellhead Protection Areas”. This guidance document provides guidance and recommendations related to infiltrating stormwater in areas that could potentially impact drinking water resources, in particular, vulnerable wellhead protection areas.

As a general rule, the soil characteristics in Cottage Grove are highly conducive to infiltrating stormwater as a means to address stormwater volume control. However, with the completion of the City’s WHP Plan and in conjunction with the guidance provided by the MDH regarding stormwater infiltration, it became evident that wellhead protection concerns will have a significant impact on runoff volume management strategies in Cottage Grove.

Methodology: Shortly after the MDH guidance information was made available, the City began requiring that all stormwater management facilities within a vulnerable wellhead protection area be lined with clay to limit infiltration.

Since 2007, the City has successfully implemented more than 10 public improvement projects that included a wellhead protection design component to incorporate a clay liner into the design. In addition, the City has worked with a number of private development projects to include clay liners in the design of their stormwater management systems.

This presentation will include background information on wellhead protection planning and MDH guidance, look specifically at the sub-surface conditions in Cottage Grove that drive the vulnerability ratings identified in the city, and examine 2-3 retrofit pond improvement projects in Cottage Grove that incorporated wellhead protection measures into the project design.

Status: The City’s approach to wellhead protection has been in place since 2007 and the retrofit pond improvement projects examined in this presentation have been completed.

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Track C: Groundwater, continued

Can Stream Baseflow Be Augmented Through Stormwater Infiltration? The Case of Minnehaha Creek WatershedTrisha Moore ([email protected]), John Gulliver ([email protected]) and John Nieber ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

Minnehaha Creek is among the most valued surface water features in the Twin Cities area, attracting roughly half a million visitors to its park and falls area near its confluence with the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, MN. Flow in Minnehaha Creek is heavily dependent on discharge from the stream’s origin at the Grays Bay outlet of Lake Minnetonka. To maintain lake elevation during dry periods, Grays Bay outlet is closed, resulting in low to zero flow conditions in Minnehaha Creek and contributing to the creek’s impaired status for biotic integrity. Stormwater runoff from the creek’s urbanized watershed exacerbates extremes in flow conditions. Due to the cultural and ecological value of this stream system, there is great interest restoring the ecosystem services provided by Minnehaha Creek through improved management of stormwater runoff.

The objective of this project is to evaluate the potential to augment baseflow in Minnehaha Creek through infiltration and storage of stormwater runoff. An initial understanding of groundwater – surface water interactions in the watershed was developed through analysis of spatial, surficial geology datasets and application of streamflow-based systems models to infer physical characteristics of the shallow aquifer. Results of these approaches indicate that, in addition to the effects of closures at Grays Bay and probable effects of urban development throughout the watershed, sustained baseflow in Minnehaha Creek is likely also limited by rapid vertical transit of water infiltrated at the land surface to underlying bedrock aquifers, the median travel time of which is on the order of 0.5 days. As such, it is likely that only a small portion of the shallow aquifer (< 1%) contributes baseflow to the creek. Fieldwork to be completed this spring and summer will corroborate the results of multiple methodologies to further quantify the contributions of surface and groundwater to baseflow in the creek. These methodologies include thermal mapping of stream surface and pore waters to identify areas of groundwater discharge, direct measurement of groundwater discharge to Minnehaha Creek with seepage meters, monitoring of piezometers installed in the creek’s riparian area to measure stream-groundwater dynamics over time, and analysis of O-18 and deuterium isotopes in the creek, its contributing surface waters, and the shallow aquifer system to separate streamflow into its source components. With the understanding of groundwater and surface flow interactions in Minnehaha Creek gained through these field methodologies, we will then develop a model of the stream-aquifer system to simulate the effect of local infiltration and channel geometry on baseflow (to be completed in Fall 2013). These results will be used to guide stormwater management and stream restoration efforts by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.

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Track D: Innovations in Water Resource Mapping

An Update of the National Wetland Inventory for East-Central MinnesotaSteve Kloiber ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Robb Macleod ([email protected]), Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; Aaron Smith ([email protected]), Equinox Analytics, Inc.

The National Wetland Inventory (NWI) is an essential tool for wetland management and restoration planning. The NWI is the only spatially comprehensive wetland inventory for Minnesota; however, the original NWI is 20 to 30 years out-of-date. Many changes in wetland extent and type have occurred since the original inventory was completed. Changes in land use have resulted in wetland loss while changes in wetland policies and programs have resulted in wetland gain. Production-level re-mapping of wetlands for 13 counties in east-central Minnesota started in 2010. Updated data have been produced for half of this project area with the remainder scheduled for completion by September 2012. These data were created using a combination of object-oriented image analysis, RandomForest™ classification, and manual photo-interpretation. Input data included high-resolution, multi-spectral aerial imagery as well as various metrics extracted from radar imagery, LiDAR, and soils GIS data. A rigorous quality control program was implemented including a web-based review tool and a random sample of over 500 field sites. Initial results indicate that the wetland-upland classification accuracy is better than 95%.

Image Analysis Techniques to Evaluate Effects of Lakeshore Development on Aquatic HabitatMarcus Beck ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; Bruce Vondracek ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey, Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit; Lorin Hatch ([email protected]), Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota

Lakeshore property is highly valued, particularly in Minnesota where an abundance of lakes has allowed numerous opportunities for residential development. However, excessive lakeshore development has the potential to negatively impact aquatic habitat. Researchers lack efficient techniques to evaluate lakeshore development and are often limited to in situ assessments. Image analysis techniques with remotely sensed data could be used to quantify lakeshore development, such as the number of docks and boat lifts per kilometer of shoreline. We have developed automated techniques to quantify lakeshore development in Minnesota using high-resolution aerial photos. The amount and spatial extent of lakeshore development for 4,300 lakes managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been quantified using these techniques. This presentation will provide an overview of the developed techniques, a summary of the extent of lakeshore development in Minnesota, and an application of the data to evaluate potential impacts on aquatic habitat.

Utilizing GIS and LiDAr for Planning and Project DevelopmentErik Cedarleaf Dahl ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) utilized historic aerials and LiDAR to assist in planning efforts to identify remeander opportunities along Minnehaha Creek as well as display approximate wetland boundaries and locations to determine lost wetlands and restoration opportunities.

The objective of the project was to create a planning tool for exploring opportunities to restore the Minnehaha Creek’s hydrologic function to pre-settlement values while maintaining the current land use. This objective was achieved by geo-referencing historic aerials and combining them with current LiDAR to present locations of wetlands and uncover the historic alignment of Minnehaha Creek. This GIS analysis portion of the project is complete and is often utilized as a planning tool to illustrate land use changes and their collective effect on the hydrology and water quality of Minnehaha Creek. The information is an effective tool in presentations to surrounding communities to demonstrate the impacts that land use changes have had on our water resources.

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Luncheon Presentation 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Water’s Three Biggest Threats and OpportunitiesBenjamin Grumbles ([email protected]), U.S. Water Alliance

Local conditions matter but so do national mindsets. Some of water’s greatest threats transcend local boundaries and become widespread syndromes with regional impacts. Three of the most obvious threats and opportunities:

Water is forgotten and taken for granted. Shifting the paradigm from invaluable to invisible is hard but worth the effort. One of the first steps is to recognize price, cost, and value are all distinct.

Water policies and programs are fragmented and fractured. Silos aren’t just for food; they crop up in water organizations and laws. “One water management” helps integrate and coordinate for more effective, efficient, and equitable results, from nutrient management to energy-nexus challenges such as hydraulic fracturing.

Water policy is frozen and water players (e.g. policymakers and practitioners) are fearful of change. Green infrastructure can replace some of the gray and private-public partnerships can prevent the “public rust doctrine” from decaying and delaying needed infrastructure improvements.

Benjamin Grumbles is President of the Clean Water America Alliance, a not-for-profit educational organization based in Washington, DC and committed to uniting people and policies for water sustainability throughout the country. For 25 years Grumbles has taught law students and environmental professionals about water and environmental policy.Most recently, he led Arizona’s Department of Environmental Quality working on air quality and climate change, energy policy and waste management, water efficiency, and wastewater recycling. Regional priorities included protecting the Grand Canyon, Colorado River, and Arizona-Mexico border environment.Grumbles served as Assistant Administrator for Water at US EPA from 2003 through 2008 where he was known for using collaboration, innovation, and technology to improve environmental performance and reduce costs. He launched EPA’s water efficiency labeling program, WaterSense, and initiatives on green infrastructure, water and climate change, and pharmaceuticals.Grumbles serves on various boards and committees, including the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences; Solutions from the Land, an educational nonprofit forging integrated and sustainable policies for agriculture, forestry, and conservation in the U.S. and globally; and the nominating committee of the Stockholm Water Prize administered by the Stockholm International Water Institute.

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Concurrent Session II 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Track A: The River Meets Road

Hydraulic research Implementation at Minnesota Department of TransportationPetronella DeWall, ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Transportation

Many older MnDOT culverts were designed years ago for hydraulic conveyance, safety and cost without consideration for fish migration. As these structures age and need rehabilitation or replacement, fish passage becomes a key consideration in our design.

We are currently investigating how best to design road crossing and retrofit existing structures to be fish friendly. Research has been completed on the costs of doing alternative culvert installations and another project is underway to examine structures built several years ago with fish friendly features to see the impact these structures have had on the surrounding area.

At MnDOT, we are currently exploring alternate culvert designs including burying pipes, creating downstream obstructions to back water structures and retrofitting boxes with fish friendly baffles. We have had mixed results and this presentation is to discuss what has and hasn’t worked. Several roadway crossings will be discussed in detail.

rivers and roads: A Portrait of the Minnesota river Along US 169

Nicole Danielson-Bartelt ([email protected]), Bonnie Peterson ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Transportation

The Minnesota River presents constant challenges to highway preservation: lateral migration undermines highway shoulders as the river meanders; flood flows cause contraction and local scour around bridges; and broad floodplains with alternate flow paths require in-depth flood modeling for bridge design. These issues come together in a new design project at Bridge No. 40002 at MN Highway 22 in St. Peter to build an overflow structure and raise the roadway, with illustrations from other situations nearby on the Minnesota River.

The MnDOT Bridge Hydraulics Group maps rivers with depth sounders and an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to quantify scour problems and collect flood flows for bridge and scour countermeasure design. River depth mapping, combined with upland elevations from the new lidar data sets are required for 2D hydraulic modeling. Flow measurements and velocity mapping provides a reality check and illuminate the correlation between scour and velocity.

Improving Mobility During Flood Season on the Minnesota riverBrad Woznak ([email protected]), Rachel Pichelmann ([email protected]), Ron Leaf ([email protected]), Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.

In February 2011, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) initiated the Minnesota River Flood Mitigation Study to investigate lower-cost, shorter-term ways to improve local and regional mobility during seasonal flooding in the Minnesota River Valley. Frequent flooding has resulted in closures of Trunk Highway 101 between the Cities of Chanhassen and Shakopee and Trunk Highway 41 in the City of Chaska costing the traveling public millions of dollars each closure event. These river crossings have closed due to flooding six times between spring 1993 and spring 2011 with closure times varying from several days to several weeks. While a long-term replacement solution has been identified for the Highway 41 river crossing, it will be decades before that crossing is replaced given current funding levels.

The study identified feasible design options for each river crossing that minimized the risk of flooding and maximized the benefit/cost without causing an increase in the 100-year flood elevation. The study was completed in September 2011 and currently waits construction funding.

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Track B: Surface Water Monitoring and Assessment

Importance of Hydrologic Pathways to Urban Nutrient Loading and Implications for Current Stormwater Management PracticesBen Janke ([email protected]), Jacques Finlay, Lawrence Baker ([email protected]), Sarah Hobbie ([email protected]), Bruce Wilson ([email protected]) and Robert Sterner ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

As part of a broader project to understand flowpaths of pollutants through urban systems, we analyzed data from the Capital Region Watershed District’s (CRWD) stormwater monitoring program from 2005 to 2011. In 2011, we also acquired split samples from CRWD to analyze for soluble organic nutrients and other non-standard parameters. Some key findings for the major storm drains: (1) a substantial fraction of the N and P loads (up to 70% of N) occur during baseflow; (2) chloride levels in mid-summer at near or above the water quality standard, indicating road salt contamination of groundwater; (3) dissolved and particulate organic N and P, which are almost never measured in standard monitoring programs, comprise a significant fraction of total loadings. These findings highlight the fact that “stormwater” exiting urban areas is both runoff and groundwater, and that the effect of infiltration ( for example, leaching of chloride and nitrate) must be incorporated into stormwater management.

Quantifying Solids and Phosphorous Loads Captured by Catch Basins and ManholesMelissa Baker ([email protected]), Capitol Region Watershed District

The Capitol Region Watershed District constructed eight infiltration trenches beneath two residential streets in Saint Paul, Minnesota as part of a capital improvement project that aimed to reduce localized flooding and improve the water quality of Como Lake; an impaired water body in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Each trench is comprised of two, parallel 10-inch perforated pipes in an aggregate backfill. To maintain the performance of the trenches, 16 sumped manholes and 30 sumped catch basins were incorporated to pre-treat stormwater runoff.

During routine inspections, significant volumes of gross solids (litter, organic debris, and coarse sediments) which accumulated in the sumps were observed. In 2011, a study was conducted to quantify the gross solids and total phosphorous (TP) loads captured by the catch basins and manholes. Samples were collected from the 30 catch basins and analyzed for bulk density, TP, and particle size.

Mean bulk density and TP concentrations of samples collected from the catch basins were 1.28 g/mL (80 lbs/cf) and 402 mg/kg, respectively. These values, in addition to measured volumes of gross solids that accumulated in each unit annually, were used to determine annual pollutant loads captured by each unit from 2007 to 2010. Results showed that all pre-treatment units cumulatively captured an average of 23,000 lbs of gross solids and 9 lbs of TP each year. Individually, catch basins captured an annual average of 560 lbs of gross solids and 0.22 lbs of TP. Manholes captured an annual average of 400 lbs of gross solids and 0.19 of lbs TP.

Stream-Cooling Demonstrations in the Vermillion river WatershedKatherine Carlson ([email protected]), Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization; Jim Davidson ([email protected]), Curt Coudron ([email protected]) and Mike Isensee ([email protected]), Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District

The Vermillion River Watershed in Dakota County hosts a self-sustaining brown trout population at risk from thermal impacts of urban stormwater runoff. The watershed initiated a project to measure impacts of thermal-reduction stormwater best management practices (BMPs) at several demonstration sites. Many thermal-reduction studies show that infiltration practices successfully reduce heat loading; this project focuses on eight mechanical cooling BMPs (including rock crib, bottom draw pond outlet, and pond bench trench filter), about which less is known. Thermal field data were used to evaluate the BMPs by comparing flow temperatures into and out of each BMP during summer rain events. Weighted averages, based on rainfall duration and distribution, indicate that some BMPs reduced stormwater runoff temperature between 0.47 and 3.66 degrees Celsius. Mechanical cooling BMPs may be appropriate where infiltration is infeasible due to low soil permeability, high surficial groundwater, or stormwater hotspots. The study concludes in September 2012.

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Track C: Considerations for BMP Design and Effectiveness

Stormwater Volume Control – Design Vs. realityJesse Carlson ([email protected]) and William Alms ([email protected]), WSB & Associates, Inc.

Currently in the state of Minnesota two typical methods are being utilized by regulatory agencies for requiring volume reduction of stormwater runoff. The first is a simplified method for calculating volume reductions. This method requires stormwater volume reduction BMPs to hold the entire volume of stormwater runoff from a ½” or 1” of rainfall over the impervious surfaces. The second approach is a dynamic method for calculating volume reduction. This method allows for the use of modeling data to size BMPs. This method allows for BMPs to be reduced in size by accounting for the volume of water that is infiltrated while a storm event is occurring. We have conducted monitoring on old and new infiltration systems within the City of St. Paul. We will compare these two calculation methods against the field data and provide a summary on the economic impact on the resources of the regulated cities.

BMP Modeling and Optimization Using the Sustain Model: A Case Study in DuluthJennifer Olson ([email protected]), Bruce Cleland ([email protected]), Scott Job ([email protected]), Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is supporting the U.S. EPA in conducting a series of pilot projects throughout the Midwest that utilize a variety of BMP optimization models (SUSTAIN and BMP-DSS) and tools (performance curves) in an effort to determine the applicability, usefulness, challenges and limitations of these models/tools. In addition, the pilots provide on-the-ground examples that utilize these models and support local planning and water quality work. A total of five pilots and a final contract report that will include documentation and guidance will have been completed by the summer of 2012.

A case study will be presented for the Duluth Area that is currently part of the pilot effort. The pilot area drains in part to Amity Creek which is impaired for turbidity and Lake Superior. The SUSTAIN model is being used to determine cost-effective BMPs that will help to meet local waters quality goals. As part of this pilot, several new BMPs are being modeled in SUSTAIN including street sweeping and tree planting in addition to various forms of bioretention, porous pavement, rainwater harvesting, ponds, green roofs, and filters. The results will show the optimal suite of BMPs to meet various sediment and peak flow reduction goals as well the cost-effectiveness of BMP implementation based on BMP performance. These results will help to set reasonable goals for sediment loading and peak flow reductions.

This talk will introduce BMP optimization models, discuss the overall findings related to local implementation of these models, and present the results of the Duluth Area case study.

Documenting the Infiltration Capacity of a SwaleFarzana Ahmed ([email protected]), John S. Gulliver ([email protected]) and John Nieber ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

Swales, or roadside drainage ditches, can be an excellent stormwater best management practice through the infiltration of stormwater that runs off the road. It was recently discovered that the high spatial variation of the infiltration capacity of a swale increases the uncertainty associated with one or two infiltration measurements. We have developed a methodology to measure infiltration parameters that will be described in this talk. A case study of saturated hydraulic conductivity point measurements will be described, including:

• how many measurements are required for a given level of accuracy

• where these measurements should be taken across a swale, and

• where these measurements should be taken along the swale length.

• Finally, a monitoring case study will be presented which will compare the ultimate infiltration of a swale with that predicted by infiltration point measurements.

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Track D: Education and Engagement

Moving the Maybes: How We Used Social Data to Build Successful Educational and Engagement StrategiesKarlyn Eckman ([email protected]), University of Minnesota Water Resources Center; Mark Hauck ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Mary Blickenderfer ([email protected]), Minnesota Extension; Steve Henry ([email protected]), East Otter Trail County

Itasca and Otter Tail counties participated in the Native Shoreland Buffer Incentives Project, concluding in 2011. The project goal aimed at adoption of lake-friendly shoreland practices by property owners. We used the KAP (knowledge-attitudes-practices) study methodology to obtain pre/post project data for audiences in both counties, and for efficacy analysis. Baseline data highlighted gaps and barriers in audience preferences, behaviors and knowledge. KAP data highlighted specific opportunities to improve educational content and delivery, and to reframe outreach materials, images, and packaging. Social networking was used to foster engagement and to disseminate peer-to-peer messages. We repeated the surveys at project termination. Second-round data showed improved audience knowledge and evidence of adoption of recommended practices. Audience attitudes had shifted in a positive direction, and barriers to participation were addressed. Direct contact with a shoreland professional was highly effective at motivating adoption, while financial incentives where shown to be ineffective with these audiences.

Communicating Science to the Public: The Online “Ask-An-Expert About the Minnesota river” ProjectKimberly Musser ([email protected]) and Rick Moore ([email protected]), Water Resources Center Minnesota State University Mankato; Scott Kudelka ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Citizens have the opportunity to learn directly from experts about the latest Minnesota River research in the “Ask-an-Expert about the Minnesota River” online video project. The goal of this project is to use new media techniques to bring the latest science to citizens in order to increase public awareness about the condition of the Minnesota River. The Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato launched this interactive web site in June 2012. It features video clips of scientists working in the field as they answer key questions about the river’s health. Other interactive features like Google-Earth flybys, 360 degree panoramic images, and animations give web site users an immersive experience to clarify the physical setting of these complex river issues. Some videos segments are coupled with educational materials that can be used in classrooms across the basin. To learn more, visit: Minnesota River Basin Data Center (mrbdc.mnsu.edu)

The Importance of Advisory Committees: The Minnesota Trunk Highway 23 Water Quality Success StoryDella Schall Young ([email protected]), HDR Engineering, Inc.; Paul Rasmussen ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Transportation

Central Minnesota contains many high quality water resources with importance to the economy of the region. Between 2001 and 2002 the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) developed detailed design plans in the region to reconstruct a 2-lane trunk highway into a 4-lane divided highway with associated service roads. To better protect the water resources there, MNDOT prepared an interagency agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) with a primary goal of no net increase in pollutant loads from the new roadway construction. The group created a Water Quality Advisory Committee to assist and advise MNDOT’s Detail Design team with the preparation of a detailed water quality plan to achieve no net increase (or, if possible, a decrease) in nutrients and to control storm water runoff rates. As a result of planning and use of a variety of best management practices, ten years of post-construction monitoring data shows that no net increase in total phosphorus or total suspended solids has occurred. The main focus of this presentation is the use of a technical and citizens committees to successfully screen a large number of best management practices to achieve the stated goal.

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Concurrent Session III 3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Track A: Applied Watershed Modeling

A District-Wide Approach to Water resource ModelingMichael Lawerence ([email protected]), Christopher Otterness ([email protected]) and Mark Deutschman ([email protected]), Houston Engineering, Inc.; Phil Belfiori ([email protected]), Rice Creek Watershed District

The Rice Creek Watershed District initiated a 3-year program in 2008 to develop a comprehensive suite of water resource modeling tools spanning the entire District. Referred to as the District Wide Modeling Program (DWMP), the District initiated the Program because of the need for updated flood inundation maps for use in the Regulatory Program and modeling tools for completing District projects. The DWMP generated an integrated array of hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality models, in addition to high resolution topographic data ( from LiDAR) for the entire District. The results of these models were made easily accessible through a web-based GIS viewer (called HydroViewer). This presentation provides an overview of the standards implemented to create the models, the extensive assortment of products created, the approaches required to integrate the modeling results into the viewer, and some of the lessons learned.

Adding a 2nd Dimension to Watershed AnalysisJustin Klabo ([email protected]), Brad Woznak ([email protected]) and Lindsey Roberts McKenzie ([email protected]), Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.

This project used LIDAR and a combination of 1 and 2 dimensional modeling to determine where the water really goes in a complicated drainage system.

Located in Northwest Indiana, Porter County has a history of flooding issues linked to large areas of flat topography and depressional storage along with inadequate storm water drainage infrastructure. SEH assisted the county with development of a countywide comprehensive drainage plan to identify known storm water management issues, prioritize those issues and recommend mitigation alternatives.

Building off a countywide survey of resident’s observations and concerns, SEH utilized county wide LIDAR data in conjunction with HEC-GeoHMS and XPSWMM/XP2D programs to quickly identify/corroborate drainage issues and evaluate remedial actions. The 2-dimensional capabilities of XPSWMM allowed for incorporation of depressional storage areas and inclusion of complex overland flow into the analysis and development of alternatives. The study is transitioning to implementation in 2012.

With much of the state of Minnesota now having LIDAR data available, this approach could prove valuable for projects in the state.

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Track A: Applied Watershed Modeling, continued

North Dakota Highway 54, Minnesota Highway 1 Flood MitigationRick Archer ([email protected]), Ulteig Engineers, Inc.

North Dakota Highway 54 is located at Oslo, Minnesota crossing the Red River of the North about 23 miles north of Grand Forks, North Dakota and is at the southeast corner of Walsh County, North Dakota. The highway runs west to east from Interstate 29 to the state border, where it crosses the Red River before entering Oslo. In Minnesota the highway becomes Minnesota Trunk Highway 1 where it continues to travel west to east through Marshall County, Minnesota. The project is bound by Highway 54 (ND Hwy 54) to the north; the south project limits are approximate-ly 1.2 miles south of ND Hwy 54 where flows break out into Interstate 29 (I-29). On the west it is bound by I-29 and to the east approximately 2 miles east of Oslo.

In 1997, the City of Oslo experienced a major flood of record that required human intervention to protect residents for flooding. Natural earthen levees were constructed on both sides of the river were temporarily raised with sandbags at various locations between Oslo, and Grand Forks, North Dakota. In 2010, Oslo experienced another major flood topping its previous record high stage of 1997 by more than 4 inches. Unusually high backwater from ice formations in the river coupled by low ambient temperatures forced floodwaters to move at a crawl downstream while the slow moving water could not keep pace with the more rapid snowmelt runoff upstream in the Red River Valley.

In 2011, Oslo experienced its third year in a row of major flooding, where flood stages reached its third highest stage on record. However, local sources indicate that the river did not have the same set of boundary conditions such as ice build-up in the river channel downstream, thus creating a new set of backwater conditions. Downstream backwater is influenced by more than one factor besides ice. For all these flood events, water levels in Oslo were so high it caused overtopping and the closing of all major highways including a portion of Interstate 29 that leads to and from the community. The massive flooding turned the community into a tiny island in the Red River only to be protected by the ring levee that surrounds the town. Residents that chose to remain and battle the flood or were unable to get out in time were completely isolated by floodwaters thus leaving them stranded with no way out. The only means for residents to leave Oslo was to travel by boat over distances up to about 2 miles. The near catastrophic occurrences and frequent disruptions to the community during events like this have helped lead to the development of this project as one effort to provide safe travel routes to and from the city.

It is challenging to model hydraulic capacities of bridge openings when historically the Red River has produced similar stage heights with significantly different peak flow rates. Therefore, one cannot fully develop design criteria for any proposed highway modification alternative that is based solely on river discharges. The hydraulic tasks associated with this project include developing HEC-RAS modeling scenarios that incorporate existing and new field topographic data including descriptions of culvert locations for the main and lower drainage systems, and developing a step-backwater analysis for the Red River of the North that encompasses effective flow limits of the river through the roadway. An integrated modeling approach was used to evaluate backwater conditions for various historical floods and provide a summary of recommendations to reduce flooding for the highways. Results from the analyses were used to assess different mitigation alternative to eliminate the overtopping of I-29, ND Hwy 54 and MN T1 and to allow safe traffic in and out of Oslo during extreme flood conditions.

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Track B: Water and Fish

rethinking Stormwater Pond Nutrient removalDavid Austin ([email protected]), CH2M HILL; Perry Forster ([email protected]), Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District; Roger Scharf ([email protected]), Jason Carroll ([email protected]) and Mark Enochs ([email protected]), CH2M HILL

A stormwater pond study in the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District observed high inter-storm total phosphorus concentrations, sometimes > 1,000 μg/L. Other stormwater ponds had soluble TP near the ecoregion value of 150 μg/L. Solubilization of settled, particulate P is responsible for the high concentrations. Downstream mass loading from high concentrations ponds ranged from 60% to 11,000% higher than those modeled by P8 for the precipitation events. None of the poorly performing ponds were hydraulically compromised.

A rapid assessment protocol (RAP) was developed to assess the potential for high inter-storm TP concentrations. The RAP is intended to avoid widespread sampling of ponds. Results suggest that low RAP scores predict pond P removal performance is predicted by P8, but high scores predict poor net TP removal. A 2012 study of 100 ponds will provide a preliminary statistical foundation for the RAP. Results of studies from 2010-2012 will be presented.

Unexpected Fish in Strange Places and Impacts on Stormwater Pond Water QualitySteve McComas ([email protected]), Blue Water Science; Bryan Gruidl ([email protected]), City of Bloomington

A core function of a stormwater pond is to reduce nutrient loading to downstream water resources. Optimizing the performance of a stormwater pond network is an ongoing challenge. Within the City of Bloomington, for a number of ponds, phosphorus concentrations were higher than predicted based on phosphorus models. When we conducted fish surveys using mini-fyke nets about 75% of the surveyed ponds had high densities of fathead minnows as well as other fish species. The extremely high abundance of fish in the shallow stormwater ponds (over 100 pounds per acre) was unexpected. Winterkill apparently kills predator fish, but oxygen-tolerant fish are able to survive. In an experiment, when fish were removed from two ponds, data show water quality improved. It appears stormwater ponds act like shallow lakes and implementing biomanipulation techniques in ponds are a cost-effective approach for optimizing stormwater pond performance.

Exploring the Limits of Asian Carp eDNA as a Genetic Surveillance ToolLorin Hatch ([email protected]), HDR Engineering, Inc.; Kelly Baerwaldt ([email protected]) and Richard Lance ([email protected]), United States Army Corps of Engineers; Duane Chapman ([email protected]) and Jon Amberg ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey; Ed Perkins ([email protected]), United States Army Corps of Engineers; Meredith Barton ([email protected]), United States Fish and Wildlife Service; Edmond Russo ([email protected]), United States Army Corps of Engineers

Environmental DNA is a surveillance tool used to detect the genetic presence of bighead or silver carp. This technology was first employed in 2009 in the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS) and its use is expected to continue as a sensitive tool to detect Asian carp environmental DNA (eDNA) and as an indicator of potential carp presence. eDNA has recently been used for monitoring the Asian carp invasion front in Minnesota as well. However, there are still many unknowns about what a positive eDNA result means. To calibrate and refine this methodology, a federal interagency team has undertaken a calibration study (ECALS) to clarify issues such as alternate viable sources (vectors) of eDNA, determine the influence of environmental variables on eDNA stability and detection, investigate measures to make collection and processing more efficient, and begin to understand how many fish are contributing to an eDNA positive sample. Here we present the ECALS experimental design and share preliminary results from our work, and also how lessons learned in the CAWS can benefit the use of eDNA in Minnesota.

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Track C: City Stormwater Perspectives: Fees, Inventories, and TMDLS

Paying Fair Share for runoff Impacts: Tailoring Stormwater Utility Fees in Eagan, MinnesotaEric Macbeth ([email protected]), Tom Clobert ([email protected]), Russ Matthys ([email protected]), Gregg Thompson ([email protected]) and Jessie Koehle ([email protected]), City of Eagan

In 1990, the Eagan city council adopted a comprehensive, water quality management plan—the first among Minnesota cities—and established a stormwater utility fee to fund operations and maintenance of its water quality and storm drainage programs. The stormwater utility fee translates literally into widespread, sustainable community support for these programs. But since its adoption, the city had not evaluated if properties were contributing fees equitably to the runoff levels they were generating. This presentation will describe a 2010 integrative process that: 1) determined appropriate revenue needs for the stormwater programs, 2) used results of a 2007 nondegradation review required by the city’s NPDES MS4 permit and compared historical revenues to discover inequitable payments among land use classes according to respective stormwater impacts, and 3) adjusted utility rates to support “fair-share” payments from residents and businesses. In 2011, rates were reduced for low- and medium-density residential properties and were increased for high-density residential, business, and institutional properties.

Eden Prairie Stormwater Infrastructure Inventory ProgramJoe Bischoff ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.; Leslie Stovring ([email protected]), City of Eden Prairie; Eileen Weigel ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.

The City of Eden Prairie’s stormwater system consists of approximately 950 water bodies including constructed stormwater ponds, wetlands, lakes, infiltration BMPs, and creek segments. A primary goal in the City’s stormwater program is to ensure adequate maintenance of all constructed ponds, infiltration BMPs, and stormwater wetlands that are either City-owned or receive public drainage. Wenck Associates Inc. and the City of Eden Prairie spent 2010 and 2011 conducting visual inspections and sedimentation surveys of 162 stormwater water bodies within the Staring Lake watershed. The sedimentation survey included a bathymetric survey of the basin, estimation of accumulated sediment depth, water surface elevation, and basin outlet/overflow data. Wenck and the City also reviewed grading and as-built plans when available.

Overall, 43 basins were identified as candidates for either sediment removal or expansion resulting in potentially over $2M worth of projects not including mitigation costs. Even if all of these projects were completed, they would only result in an additional 34 pounds of phosphorus removal on an annual basis. To put this in perspective, modeling for Staring Lake suggests that an almost 2,000 pound P reduction is required to meet state water quality standards. Consequently, small incremental improvements in pond performance may not be the best expenditure of stormwater funds in every case due to the small return on investment. Those funds may be better invested in larger retrofit or water quality improvement projects that will have a greater water quality benefit to the lake or watershed.

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Track C: City Stormwater Perspectives: Fees, Inventories, and TMDLS, continued

Creek Temperature TMDL: A regulated City’s Perspective Chris Kleist ([email protected]), City of Duluth; Gini Breidenbach ([email protected]), LimnoTech

Miller Creek is a small DNR designated trout stream that flows through the cities of Duluth and Hermantown. It discharges into the St. Louis River estuary and its watershed has a mix of urban and rural development. The stream is listed as impaired for temperature, lack of cold water assemblage, chloride, impaired aquatic macroinvertebrates, and bacteria. A temperature TMDL developed for the creek is currently in draft form.

In concept, TMDL’s are beneficial for water resources. They are resource specific, have attainable numeric targets, and implementation plans to use as a guidebook to meeting necessary load reductions. However in application in an urban setting, TMDLs can create requirements that conflict with zoning codes, riparian setbacks, land availability, BMP operations and maintenance, and public education objectives.

This presentation will focus on the City of Duluth’s (the largest stakeholder with respect to both waste load and load allocations in the Miller Creek temperature TMDL) perspective on the process and how other cities as well as water resource professionals might benefit from this experience.

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Track D: Evaluating Clean Water Fund Projects and Ecosystem Services Markets

Tracking Clean Water Fund InvestmentsSuzanne Hanson ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Andy Holdsworth ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota agencies released their first collaborative report in February 2012 to help Minnesotans clarify con-nections between Clean Water Funds invested, actions taken and outcomes achieved in FY2010-2011. Eighteen measures in the report provide a snapshot of how Clean Water Fund dollars are being spent and what progress has been made. The measures are organized into three sections: investment, surface water quality, and drinking water protection.The report indicates the state is on track with its investments so far, though many challenges remain, including: For every state dollar invested in implementation activities such as improvements to municipal sewage plants and buffers to control agricultural runoff, an additional $1.45 was leveraged through local and federal partnerships.

Although the pace of activities to restore polluted lakes and streams is being accelerated by Clean Water Funds, requests for clean-up funds are about three times greater than what is available. Drinking water protection efforts are on track, but there is a growing concern about nitrate levels in new wells and in certain vulnerable aquifers.

Learn more about this effort and how Clean Water Fund investments will be tracked into the future.

restoration Evaluation Program for Legacy Fund ProjectsWade Johnson ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ecological and Water Resources

A requirement to evaluate habitat restoration projects funded by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment was enacted into State Statute in 2011. BWSR was given responsibility to evaluate Clean Water projects, DNR to evaluate Parks & Trails projects, and there is joint responsibility for Outdoor Heritage projects. The evaluation process is to provide a higher level of transparency and accountability in the use of these public funds. The program will determine if projects meet planned goals, what issues exist in implementation and what modifications may improve outcomes. This talk will outline how projects are selected, field assessment methods used, how a panel of technical experts evaluates outcomes, and reporting requirements. Examples will be drawn from the first set of site assessments completed in the summer of 2012. An initial report on findings will be submitted fall 2012 with annual reports to follow each fiscal year.

Identification of Emerging Private Markets for Ecosystem ServicesCarrie Raber ([email protected]) and Dennis Fuchs ([email protected]), Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District; James Klang ([email protected]), Kieser and Associates; Linda Meschke ([email protected]), Rural Advantage; Shannon Fisher ([email protected]) and Susie Carlin ([email protected]), Minnesota River Board; Brian Brandt ([email protected]), American Farmland Trust; Kay Clark ([email protected]) and David Bucklin ([email protected], Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance

Conservation Marketplace of the Midwest (CMM) has established a voluntary ecosystem service market. CMM serves as a niche market to advance conservation adoption by increasing the economic sustainability of farm operations while providing an efficient implementation method for others with conservation goals and objectives. The market-based structure allows for payments to producers who implement conservation practices in exchange for measureable credits that manage nutrients, create habitat, or perform other critical ecological services. Examples of successful market transactions will be presented. In addition to identifying and supporting the emergence of new markets, CMM is also utilizing new and advancing technologies to better calculate the outcomes and credit values of best management practices (BMPs) for conservation. This work includes efforts to test and calibrate the Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT), a field level model. We will illustrate how new technologies help standardize and add certainty to credit estimations for ecosystem service markets.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.1. Paths to reduce Nutrient Losses in Minnesota: A State Level StrategyWayne Anderson ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Minnesota is one of a dozen states in the Mississippi River Basin developing a state-level nutrient reduction action strategy to achieve meaningful and achievable progress for reducing point and nonpoint nutrient losses. The strategy is driven by a need to reduce excess nutrients in Minnesota’s waters as well as contribute with other states to restoration of downstream waters such as the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Winnipeg and Lake Superior. The anticipated strategy will include priorities, monitoring strategies, and ways to use existing programs and new initiatives to continue making progress in reducing nutrient losses. The strategy will be used by policy makers, agencies and organizations to focus and adjust state-level and regional programs, and will be used by key sectors and watershed managers to translate ideas and priorities into effective local BMP implementation.

2. Multi - Year Destratification Study of Sweeney Lake: An Urban, Temperate Climate, Eutrophic Lake System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis Integration (SUSTAIN) ModelDavid Austin ([email protected]), CH2M Hill; David Hanson ([email protected]), Sweeney Lake Association

An aeration system for destratification has been in operation since 1973 at Sweeney Lake, in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Water quality data are available for 19 years in 1972-2010. Aeration was turned off Apr-Oct 2007-2008 to evaluate the effect of destratification on water quality. Aeration never achieved the Lorenzen and Fast (LF) destratification airflow criterion of 9.2 m3/min/km2. At 51% LF, hypoxia (DO < 2.0 mg/L) occurred Jun-Aug at the lake bottom. At 65% LF, bottom hypoxia occurred for four weeks late Jul-Aug. There were no systematically significant differences (p > 0.05) in median Secchi disk depths, chlorophyll-a, or surface TP between destratified and stratified lake conditions. Inter-annual variability linked to other influences dominated water quality. The median Apr-Oct lake TP mass was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in stratified conditions (67 kg) than in destratified conditions (44 kg). Destratification can suppress internal phosphorus loading provided the LF criterion is met.

3. Ice-Preserving Aeration System (IPAS) to Prevent Winter Fish kill and Suppress Winter TP Cycling in a Eutrophic LakeDavid Austin ([email protected]), CH2M Hill; Michael Casanova ([email protected]), Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District; Roger Scharf ([email protected]), Jason Carroll ([email protected]) and Mark Enochs ([email protected]), CH2M Hill

Lake Lucy is a dimictic, eutrophic lake in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Spikes of hypolimnion total phosphorus occur in the summer (up to 1,500 μg/L) and winter (up to 820 μg/L), leading to poor water quality. An Ice-Preserving Aeration System (IPAS) was installed in December 2011 to prevent winter fish kill and winter hypolimnion TP spikes. IPAS design criteria depended on prior winter lake monitoring and sediment oxygen demand measurements. The IPAS induced constant turnover of the lake, establishing high bottom redox conditions that suppressed hypolimnion TP. A mild winter naturally contributed to the effects of the IPAS. The IPAS configuration prevented open water through most of the winter except for warmer weather periods in February and March - small open water around the IPAS (1-3 foot opening) was experienced during this period. Effects of high winter DO on summer TP spikes will be observed in 2012 and reported at the conference.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.4. The Stormwater Thief Video – Another Tool for Gaining Stormwater ComplianceDavid Bauer ([email protected]), Rice Creek Watershed District

Failure rates of have dropped from 66% to 16% in recent years for new bioretention basins constructed to meet stormwater regulations in the Rice Creek Watershed District. Active maintenance of bioretention has increased from 5% to 45%. Methods of increasing the success of these basins will be shared, featuring “The Stormwater Thief,” a video tool that was developed earlier this year by a 23-entity partnership. The memorable, 10-minute melodramatic training video was targeted at contractors who are unable to attend more formal training. The video shows things to keep in mind during installation of these features and is done in a humorous way. Goldy Gopher co-stared in this video.

5. Monitoring the recharge Edge of the Mt. Simon AquiferJames Berg ([email protected]) and Scott R. Pearson ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The deepest bedrock aquifer of southeastern Minnesota is the thick (50 to >200 feet) Cambrian Mt. Simon sandstone aquifer. This aquifer supplies water to over one million Minnesotans. Water levels in this aquifer have been declining in the Mankato area (locally) and Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area (locally and regionally) from municipal and industrial use. To help determine recharge pathways and sustainable limits for this aquifer, the western recharge edge was investigated with observation well installations at 24 sites, water level monitoring, groundwater chemical analysis, and aquifer capacity testing. The youngest Mt. Simon aquifer groundwater (7,000-8,000 years) found in south-central Minnesota indicates the aquifer is very slowly recharged from a large source area located south of the Minnesota River. Along the northwestern extent of the aquifer, 14C residence time values less than 2,000 years indicate more rapid recharge through scattered occurrences of focused recharge. Planned long term water-level monitoring of the wells installed by this investigation will help hydrogeologists and resource managers evaluate the local and regional effects of current and future Mt. Simon aquifer groundwater use.

6. Development of a Tiered Aquatic Life Use (TALU) Framework for Minnesota Streams

Will Bouchard, Jr. ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Chris Yoder ([email protected]), Midwest Biodiversity Institute; Scott Niemela ([email protected]), Dan Helwig ([email protected]), Mark Tomasek ([email protected]) and Howard Markus ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is currently developing a Tiered Aquatic Life Use (TALU) framework for streams. TALU will allow the MPCA to use biological potential to appropriately classify rivers and streams and will enhance our ability to identify and protect high quality resources. Many of the technical tools required for the adoption of TALU have been developed and include a statewide stream classification, class specific Indices of Biotic Integrity

(IBIs), a human disturbance model, reference site dataset, biological condition gradient (BCG) models, and a habitat assessment model. Using BCG models and reference sites, biological criteria have been developed for each stream class for Exceptional, General, and Modified Use waters. Before stream assessment occurs, a use designation analysis involving the biology ( fish and macroinvertebrates), chemistry, and habitat will be used to determine the attainability of the tiered uses. Following use designation, a comprehensive assessment will be conducted to determine attainment or non-attainment of the designated use. We are currently finalizing an implementation plan and guidance documents with the final adoption of this rule scheduled for 2014.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.7. Mapping Manure from Large Animal Feeding Ooperations in West-Central Minnesota WatershedsEd Brands ([email protected]), University of Minnesota, Morris

Animal feeding operations (AFOs) are now the predominant method of raising livestock in Minnesota and are associated with numerous water quality impairments across the state, including segments of the Pomme de Terre and Chippewa rivers. Crop year 2010-2011 manure records for a nine county area in west central Minnesota were collected from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which required that all large AFOs (more than 300 animal units) begin submitting annual reports on March 1, 2012. The main goal of the project is to create a database and sub-watershed level maps of large AFO manure generation, transfer, and application to land in two west-central Minnesota watersheds. A second goal is to explore relationships between manure application methods, amounts, and timing with existing water quality monitoring data. The presentation will include preliminary findings, with a project completion date of June 1, 2012.

8. Mapping Historic Creek Alignment and Wetland Boundaries Using Aerial Photography and LiDAr (GIS)Erik Cedarleaf Dahl ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District


The objective of the project was to create a planning tool for exploring opportunities to restore the Minnehaha Creek’s hydrologic function to pre-settlement values while maintaining the current land use. This objective was achieved by geo-referencing historic aerials and combining them with current LiDAR to present locations of wetlands and uncover the historic alignment of Minnehaha Creek. This GIS analysis portion of the project is complete and is often utilized as a planning tool to illustrate land use changes and their collective effect on the hydrology and water quality of Minnehaha Creek. The information is an effective tool in presentations to surrounding communities to demonstrate the impacts that land use changes have had on our water resources.

9. Six Mile Creek Comprehnsive Diagnostic and Feasibility StudyErik Cedarleaf Dahl ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District; Joe Bischoff ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.


The objective of the project was to create a planning tool for exploring opportunities to restore the Minnehaha Creek’s hydrologic function to pre-settlement values while maintaining the current land use. This objective was achieved by geo-referencing historic aerials and combining them with current LiDAR to present locations of wetlands and uncover the historic alignment of Minnehaha Creek. This GIS analysis portion of the project is complete and is often utilized as a planning tool to illustrate land use changes and their collective effect on the hydrology and water quality of Minnehaha Creek. The information is an effective tool in presentations to surrounding communities to demonstrate the impacts that land use changes have had on our water resources

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.10. The Macroalga Cladophora Is a Habitat for Clostridium botulinum and May Be responsible for Avian Botulism in the Great LakesChanlan Chun, ([email protected]), Urs Ochsner, and Michael J. Sadowsky ([email protected]), Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota; Muruleedhara Byappanahalli ([email protected] ) and Richard Whitman ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station

Outbreaks of botulism have caused large mortalities among birds and fish on a yearly cycle and have recently become more common in the Great Lakes over the last15 years. This disease is caused by bird ingestion of the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a spore-forming, gram positive, anaerobic bacterium. Spores of C. botulinum are ubiquitous in nature and are widely distributed in aquatic and soil environments, but the ecophysiological factors in the Great Lakes which lead spore germination, toxin production, and botulism outbreaks are not well understood. We hypothesiz that the filamentous, nuisance green alga Cladophora potentially harbors C. botulinum, and toxin production by this bacterium and its subsequent transfer to birds, directly or via other vectors, leads to the die-off of birds in the Great Lakes. In this study, algal mats were collected from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE) in the Lake Michigan and other shorelines of the Great Lakes between June and October 2011. The presence and the relative abundance of C. botulinum in algal mats, and the type of botulism neurotoxin (BoNT) genes present in Cladophora-borne C. botulinum was determined by using most-probable-number PCR (MPN-PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) using primers specific for BoNT A, B, C, E, and F). MPN-PCR results showed that 40 of 53 algal mats (76%) collected during the summer contained BoNT-E genes (up to 15,000 MPN per gram of dried algal mat) which is known to affect fish-eating birds. In addition, BoNT-A and -B genes, which cause high risk to humans, were detected in a few algal samples. Generally, algal mats collected in August had higher populations of C. botulinum than those collected in June and October, suggesting water temperature or algal growth characteristics may affect population density. We are currently determining if Cladophora-borne bacteria actively produce botulism toxins using intravenous (IV) mouse bioassays. Our results suggest that Cladophora is a likely habitat for C. botulinum, warranting additional studies to obtain a more detailed understanding of the association between this toxic bacterium and algae.

11. Innovative Approach to Sand/Iron Filtration – Dutch Lake Water Quality ProjectRenae Clark ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Project Purpose:The primary purpose of the project is to remove dissolved phosphorus from a portion of flow through a stream channel flowing ultimately to Dutch Lake which is listed as an Impaired Water due to high phosphorus concentrations.

Methodology: Sand/iron filtration is new to stormwater management. Past studies by the University of Minnesota have applied this concept to stormwater ponds and have proven it effective in controlled settings. This project uses the technology in a new way to remove dissolved P from a stream system.

Approach: A portion of flow from rain events in the channel is diverted towards two off-line filter cells that are parallel to the stream bed. The cells contain a mix of coarse sand and 7% iron filings by weight. The diverted flow returns back to the stream channel through an open swale.

Status and Monitoring: The project was completed in March 2012. Automated, continuous water quality samplers and flow monitoring equipment will be installed spring 2012 to measure the effectiveness of the project and determine long term maintenance needs.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.12. Assessing Iron Impacts on an Aquatic Ecosystem: A relief Well System ExampleMark Collins ([email protected]) and Lorin Hatch ([email protected]), HDR Engineering, Inc.

Excessive amounts of iron, in both dissolved and particulate forms, have the potential to negatively alter aquatic ecosystem structure, function, and ecosystem services. For example, iron in groundwater impacts thousands of Minnesotans across the state. While some iron-related impacts are simply due to natural conditions, human activities that alter the environment also have environmental consequences. A relevant example is a pumped storage energy facility operated by Xcel Energy. The project is comprised of upper and lower reservoirs formed by earthen dams; a power tunnel connecting the two reservoirs; a powerhouse with two reversible pump-turbine units producing 300 MW; and transformers and other appurtenant facilities. A relief well system has been constructed in the lower earthen dam, which contributes a pulsed discharge of water downstream to a trout stream. Trout populations were anecdotally reported to be undersized in the reach immediately downstream of facility.

Xcel conducted several studies to verify and assess potential ecological impacts of the facility on the trout population, including hydraulics, surface and groundwater quality, characterization of the macroinvertebrate communities, and fish population surveys. The studies showed that numbers of trout are unaffected, but verified the observations of the trout size. The discharge of the relief well system was shown to be rich in ferrous iron, which oxidizes and precipitates downstream of the facility. At low flow, the relief well pulsed discharge approximately doubles the magnitude of the base flow. Macroinvertebrate populations are stressed immediately below the facility. Thus, it appears the undersized trout are caused by the relief well discharge.

High iron concentrations increase the potential maintenance requirements for applying traditional methods of iron removal at this site, and more cost effective solutions are sought. An adaptive management plan is proposed, beginning with eliminating the pulsed discharge and additional characterization of the in situ iron oxidation process.

13. Measuring Wild rice Productivity in Nine Northeastern Minnesota Lakes Tonya Connor ([email protected]), Water Resources Science, University of Minnesota, Duluth; John Pastor ([email protected]), Department of Biology, University of Minnesota, Duluth

Though valuable to humans and aquatic ecosystems, much more remains to be learned about the ecology of wild rice (Zizania palustris). Studies are hampered by a lack of standardized procedures for measuring productivity. We investigated fluctuations in population structure on nine wild rice lakes in relation to productivity. Wild rice plants from four lakes were collected at maturity, dried, and weighed in order to determine an equation for plant weight based on height. We tested the potential of a method for measuring productivity by examining the populations based on an existing 14-year dataset collected by the 1854 Treaty Authority. We found that height of wild rice plants is a good proxy for weight in some cases, but not all, and when combined with density can be used to estimate site and whole lake productivity. Pedicel number could also be used as a strong predictor of plant weight. We found that in lakes with declining productivity, open water increased and higher density areas disappeared. Plant height and weight were relatively stable over time. Our study suggests that wild rice may ascend or decline in a pattern that relates to its ability to form dense monocultural stands in healthy populations; and, that the effects of open water may be accumulative if populations cannot recover from a crash. Our findings also suggest that measuring wild rice plant density using this standardized method on a broader geographic scale would be an effective way to increase our understanding of wild rice ecology and population trends.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.14. Characterization of Concrete Sediments from Construction Operations for the Protection of Storm and Surface WatersStephen Druschel ([email protected]), Leah Roue ([email protected]) and Brian Wasserman ([email protected]), Minnesota State University, Mankato

Objective: Sediments composed of cement or concrete particles are created as byproducts of concrete construction from such operations as demolition, grinding, and saw cutting of existing concrete, and placement and finishing of new concrete or mortar. These sediments have proven difficult to control in stormwater management best management practices designed for soil-derived sediments. Highway and bridge construction is particularly affected by the difficulty with concrete sediments due to the proximity of ditches, stormwater piping and surface water. This work attempted to identify and characterize cement and concrete-derived sediments so that soil-sediment based stormwater best management practices design could be adjusted to improve capture and management of the cement and concrete-derived sediments.

Method: This work identified and characterized cement and concrete-derived sediments from a wide range of construction operations:

• Bridgedeckdemolition

• Sawcutting,dowelling,andreplacementofconcretepavement

• Profilegrinding

• Sawcuttinggreenconcrete

• Bridgedeckpour

• Bridgepiertremiepour(underwaterconcrete)

• Concretetruckwashout

• Foundationinstallation

• Mortarmixinganduseinmasonry

• Formworkandconcreteplacementforculvertwingwalls

• Bridgeparapetconstruction

• Supersackmortarstation

• Stainedconcrete

• Stuccoconcrete

• Shotcrete

• Gunit

Site visits were conducted for most of the construction operations. Identification included assessing the source, relative magnitude, mobility and potential risk of sediments from each operation. Laboratory evaluation of grain size, gradation, particle shape, acidity and erodibility was done to characterize selected sediments. Adjustments to the soil-sediment based stormwater best management practices design were developed to improve capture and management of the cement and concrete-derived sediments. continued

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.Characterization of Concrete Sediments from Construction Operations for the Protection of Storm and Surface Waters, continuedResults: Large volumes of concrete sediments were observed created by demolition, saw cutting and pavement grinding, with smaller amounts of cementitious particles observed created by concrete and mortar placement operations. Demolition operations created larger particle sizes, widely distributed over a range of sizes. Saw cutting and pavement grinding created fine particles of a uniform size. Concrete and mortar placement had limited amounts of fine cementitious particles. Grain size distribution and shape were determined for selected sediment sources representative of greater mobility and/or volume associated with environmental risk. Erodibility was both a time-dependent variable and a grain size-associated factor.

Potential Application: Concrete sediment characterization is applicable to protection of storm and surface waters adjacent to all forms of construction incorporating, rehabilitating or reconstructing concrete.

Policy Implications: Concrete sediments can be controlled using existing stormwater best management practices (BMPs) if adjustments are made for sediment grain size, uniformity, angularity and activity.

15. relationship of Land Uses with Occurrence of Contaminants of Emerging Concert in Streams of Southeastern MinnesotaDavid Fairbairn ([email protected]) and Elizabeth Spande ([email protected]); Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota; Pamela Rice ([email protected]), Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; William Arnold ([email protected]) and Paige Novak ([email protected]), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota; William Koskinen ([email protected]), Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Brian Barber ([email protected]), Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota; Deborah Swackhamer ([email protected]), Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) have been detected in surface waters, including compounds suspected or known to cause adverse human or ecological effects. Goals of the project are to (1) characterize CEC profiles and land uses associated with sub-watersheds and (2) identify CEC-land use “fingerprints” (unique profiles of chemical mark-ers) to indicate the influence of a given land use on water quality. Our approach includes collecting water and sedi-ments samples, five times per year for two years, at four sites near Rochester, MN. Sample extracts (solvent and/or solid phase) are analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. Land use analysis (McGhie Betts, Inc), water chemistry and flow will accompany the CEC data. Sampling began in 2011 and the project will be complet-ed in June 2013. Anticipated results will provide tools to identify sources of surface water contaminants in Minnesota and other locations, providing insight for targeting the most effective mitigation approaches.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.16. Major retrofits and Iron Filings - reducing Pollutant Loading to Comfort LakeDavid Filipiak ([email protected]), SRF Consulting Group, Inc.; Doug Thomas ([email protected]), Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District

Washington County secured federal, state and local funds to reconstruct the I-35 & County Road 2 interchange and local roads, greatly improving safety and mobility in the area. The project also included significant improvements in the drainage system, including water quality improvements. The interchange and drainage improvements were constructed in 2011, with the remainder of the project completed in the summer of 2012.

The project area drains to Comfort Lake (impaired for nutrients) via a waterway referred to as JD 2, which conveys stormwater runoff from an older part of the City of Forest Lake. The existing storm water systems were designed before the advent of modern environmental regulations and delivered un-treated stormwater directly to JD 2 and Comfort Lake.

The proposed stormwater system utilizes a number of cutting edge elements to increase the expected pollutant removals beyond the typical bio-filtration basin design, including a unique approach to the use of iron filings within the filtration basin and additional filtration volume, all within a very flat section of town with a high water table. The presentation will include the design process and concerns, phosphorous removal enhancements, in-construction challenges, and plans for a future monitoring plan.

The final design reflects input from numerous stakeholders, including Washington County, the City of Forest Lake, the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District, MnDOT, and the University of Minnesota.

17. Trillium Site Stream Corridor restoration Project, Saint Paul, MinnesotaBob Fossum ([email protected]), Capitol Region Watershed District; Kathleen Anglo ([email protected]), City of Saint Paul

The City of St. Paul, over the next several years, plans to develop a new Trillium Nature Sanctuary. The new park will be developed in an approximately 41 acre brownfield that has been acquired by the City. The Trillium Site Master Plan calls for recreating a new stream segment running the length of the park along with associated wetlands/ponds. The new stream segment will approximate the location of the original Trout Brook which was placed in a storm sewer below grade in the late 1800s.

CRWD in partnership with the City of St. Paul has completed a feasibility study and preliminary engineering of the stream segment and wetlands/ponds for the Trillium Site. The stream segment will be approximately 3,000 feet and 3-6 wetland/pond features. Additionally, CRWD analyzed up to 12 different water sources for the water features on the Trillium Site. The preferred water source option was determined to be a combination of harvesting stormwater from an adjacent residential neighborhood and construction of a gravity flow pipe from an upstream pond and Trout Brook Storm Sewer.

The Trillium Site water features, will process the incoming source water to a condition more conducive to natural ecology. The completed system will provide critical functions for biological habitat for water-dependent flora and fauna as well as supporting wildlife habitat. It is the intent of the City and CRWD to utilize these facilities as educational and wildlife appreciation activities. Upon completion, the Trillium Stream Segment will represent the largest open channel stream segment in the City of St. Paul. The project will accomplish the multiple goals of stormwater management, habitat creation, demonstration, education to effectively “Bring Water Back to St. Paul.”

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.18. A BMP on Steroids - The Lowry Bridge Underground Sand FilterLisa Goddard ([email protected]), SRF Consulting Group, Inc.

Since the early 1900s, Lowry Avenue (Hennepin CSAH 153) has been a significant transportation corridor, and the bridge across the Mississippi River provided an important connection between north and northeast Minneapolis. Historically, the bridge drained directly to the River through its open-grate deck. Another 127 acres of mixed land uses drained through the project corridor via a municipal storm sewer that discharged untreated stormwater to the River at the base of the east abutment. With limited land available for a surface BMP, a large underground sand filter was designed that could provide treatment for the Lowry Avenue corridor and for low flows from the 127 acres. The design was coordinated with public works staff to ensure ease of maintenance and with park board staff as the roof of the filter also functions as a gateway plaza for a city park. The filter is expected to prevent over 14,000 pounds of TSS from reaching the River annually. The system was designed to facilitate future research on the effectiveness of various admixtures to enhance pollutant removal.

19. Health-Based Guidance – Alternative MethodsHelen Goeden ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Department of Health contracted with a researcher to evaluate alternative methods for the development of health-based guidance for contaminants of emerging concern in drinking water. The outcome of this project is to determine if viable alternative methods are available to develop guidance for chemicals with limited available toxicity information.

20. The Influences of Photosynthetic Active radiation on Potamogeton crispus Growth and Early Season Herbicide Treatments in a Shallow Lake EcosystemZachrie Gutknect ([email protected]) and Shannon J. Fischer ([email protected]), Minnesota State University, Mankato

The Duck Lake Association has coordinated efforts to reduce Potamogeton crispus using Aquathol-K in Duck Lake, MN. The main objective of this project is to determine herbicide treatment effectiveness and resulting native plant response via systematic vegetative surveys. Secondary objects are to determine the effects of the serviced treatments on larval fish populations and investigate the effects of light level though winter months on the growth and propagation of Potamogeton crispus turions. Macrophytes were sampled with a vegetative rake pre-herbicide treatments and post-treatment every three weeks until September. Larval fish were sampled using a modified quatrefoil light trap initiated a week following water temperatures 15.6oC. Potamogeton crispus turions were sampled randomly within the designated litoral zone (1.1-2.2m) using an Ekmen Dredged. Currently plant biomass and diversity, larval fish distribution, along with turion propagation and growth results are being analyzed from 2011 and through the 2012 sampling season.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.21. Epiphytes Make Bad Houseguests: Implications for Phosphorus Sequestration by Aquatic Plants in Constructed WetlandsAmy Hansen ([email protected]), University of Minnesota, Department of Civil Engineering; Jacques Finlay ([email protected]), University of Minnesota, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Miki Hondzo ([email protected]), University of Minnesota, Department of Civil Engineering

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) has major effects on physical and chemical water properties. SAV leaves and stems typically host dense assemblages of smaller, attached plants, algae, diatoms, bacteria and fungus, collectively called epiphytes, which may alter SAV metabolism and surrounding water chemistry. In this study, we investigated the effect of epiphytes on soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations within SAV canopies in a constructed wetland. Vertical DO and SRP concentration profiles were measured throughout a growing season. The results of this study show that epiphyte removal resulted in lower SRP and higher DO concentrations throughout the water column. In laboratory experiments in a recirculating flow cell, epiphyte detachment was shown to be a function of fluid velocity. The findings from this completed investigation indicate that epiphytes, although small, can play a large role in nutrient cycling and that epiphyte detachment could be encouraged by manipulating flow conditions.

22. How to Create SOP’s That Actually Get Used?Jennifer Hildebrand ([email protected]), WSB & Associates, Inc.

A community is often burdened with the responsibility to create a standardized SOP for their public works or engineering department that clearly outlines how to properly maintain their stormwater systems. SOP’s which are actually implemented contain five critical elements. This presentation will highlight these elements and provide examples of well written and poorly written procedures. Along with the content of SOP’s, this presentation will also provide strong educational examples that will share tools for proper communication and implementation of these SOP’s. Finally, the presentation will highlight potential community challenges with drafting and implementing typical SOP’s and what steps these communities may choose to initiate this process with minimal resistance.

23. Making Secondary Containment Work and Still remain Profitable?Jennifer Hildebrand ([email protected]), WSB & Associates, Inc.

Not Your Mother’s Construction Site……

A construction site meeting NPDES requirements functions very differently in 2012, than it did 5, 10, or 20 years ago. Perhaps the single most influential component of how that site functions, or doesn’t function, is how the company manages hazardous materials. This presentation will illuminate national trends in secondary containment. It will focus on items that are portable and re-useable. In addition, the presentation will illuminate typical expected cost savings for construction firms that choose to use these practices. Finally, this presentation will provide attendees with standard detailed drawings they will be able to integrate into their next SWPPP. Often times water quality BMP’s are focused on after construction is complete these BMP’s are to preserve the integrity of water quality during the construction process.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.24. Detecting and Mapping Invasive Phragmites australis in the Coastal Great Lakes with ALOS PALSAr ImageryBrian Huberty ([email protected]), United States Fish & Wildlife Service; Laura Bourgeau-Chavez ([email protected]), Michigan Tech Research Institute

Phragmites australis is a non-native invasive plant that can form dense monocultures, causing negative impacts on coastal Great Lakes wetlands by reducing ecosystem services including habitat and therefore, biological diversity. Through Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, ALOS PALSAR imagery was used to map the invasive plant as it occurs in monoculture stands of the U.S. coastal Great Lakes wetlands. These invasive Phragmites maps are being used as part of a USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) program to identify major environmental drivers of invasive Phragmites distribution, to assess areas vulnerable to new invasion, and to provide this information to regional stakeholders through a decision support tool.

The invasive Phragmites map is the first U.S. basin-wide map to be produced on the distribution of this species. Methods include maximum likelihood classification of multi-season ALOS PALSAR HH and HV polarization data. PALSAR is an L-band (23 cm wavelength) imaging radar sensor which is sensitive to differences in plant biomass and inundation patterns, allowing for the extraction of these tall (up to 15 m), high-density, high-biomass Phragmites wetland stands. To improve discrimination of Phragmites australis, the three date (spring, summer, fall) dataset is being used, which takes advantage of phenological changes in vegetation and inundation patterns over the seasons. The minimum mapping unit is ½ acre and thus all field sites were sampled at ½ acre units. Extensive field collections of training and randomly selected validation data were conducted in 2010-11 to aid in mapping and for accuracy assessments. Overall basin-wide map accuracy was 87%, with 86% producer’s accuracy and 43 % user’s accuracy for invasive Phragmites. Field data, image mosaics and mapping results are being shared through a project web page at http://www.mtri.org/phragmites.html.

25. Water Quality Standards Analysis for the Mississippi Watershed Management OrganizationTodd Hubmer ([email protected]), WSB & Associates, Inc.; Doug Snyder ([email protected]), Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

This research was developed to assist the MWMO in discussing the development water quality standards in highly developed urban settings. The study presents an analysis of the benefits resulting from various water quality standards and policies being used by many stormwater regulators in Minnesota and elsewhere. This analysis evaluates policies based on single-storm events as well as on average-annual rainfall and their impact on stormwater volume and pollutant reductions. The study compares the costs associated with the various standards and illustrates the effectiveness and efficiency of the various approaches in improving water quality.

The effectiveness of infiltration practices and their costs depend on the infiltration characteristics of the soils and other limiting factors at urban sites. This study recommends procedures for designing infiltration systems by providing a methodology for assessing infiltration potential and designing for improved system efficiency while minimizing the risk of system failure.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.26. Municipal Water Supply Source Selection and Impacts to Surface Water Quality: A Comparative Analysis Between Using Groundwater Versus Surface Water for Municipal Water Supply in MinnesotaPaul Hudalla ([email protected]) and Tom Roushar ([email protected]), WSB & Associates, Inc.

Demands for water in Minnesota are increasing. As a result, the importance of planning water supply systems and the need for groundwater preservation is also increasing. At the same time, the number of impaired waters on the 303(d) List is increasing and significant efforts are being undertaken to improve surface water quality and to achieve TMDL goals. Although the issues of water supply and surface water quality are generally regulated and planned independent of each other, the interface between these systems are inextricably linked. This presentation outlines the results of a comparative analysis between the two primary sources for municipal water supply – groundwater and surface water. The extent that each of these sources effect the quantity and quality of surface waters, and the methods used to complete the analysis will be presented. The existing regulatory framework and other issues influencing water source selection will also be discussed. This information will provide valuable insight for policy-makers, planners, and engineers to consider when evaluating water supply sources.

27. Field Evidence for Stormwater Enhancement of Eurasian Watermilfoil GrowthMeghan Jacobson ([email protected]) and Jay Michaels ([email protected]), Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.; Chad Anderson ([email protected]), Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District

Green Lake, a 5,500-acre mesotrophic lake located in Kandiyohi County, is an outstanding recreational and economic resource and was considered at low risk for Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM, Myriophyllum spicatum) establishment. Following watershed development and stormwater outlet construction, the lake experienced rapid establishment and spread of EWM. We tested the effect of stormwater flow on EWM propagation through statistical comparisons of EWM biomass, sediment properties, and inlet proximity at 30 sites in Green Lake in 2010. We observed that total vegetative biomass, sediment nutrients, and fine sediment fractions increased with increasing proximity to stormwater inlets, and sediment nutrients and fine sediment fractions were higher at sites where EWM was present. Treatment efforts for EWM that same year limited the statistical significance of results. Nevertheless, these results provide additional support for the hypothesis that stormwater flows increase the propagation of EWM in previously not at risk lakes. (Project completed)

28. Field-Scale Evaluation of Escherichia coli and Nutrient TransportKyle Jarcho ([email protected]) and Shannon Fisher ([email protected]), Water Resources Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato

An agriculture field-scale project was done to gain insight about the movement of E. coli and nutrients into subsurface tile drainage systems. Differences in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and nutrient concentrations in subsurface drainage water from manure and non-manure agricultural fields, with and without surface tile intakes, were studied from 2008-2010. Water samples were collected at each rain event by an Isco 6712 automated sampler. Samples were analyzed for total and orthophosphorus, nitrite+nitrate, total suspended solids and E. coli concentration. Sites with manure and surface tile intakes had the widest range of total phosphorus, orthophosphorus, E. coli, and total suspended solids, with 74% of total phosphorus samples (0.09 mg/L) and 40% of E. coli samples (126 Cfu/100ml) above state standards. These data provide information that can be used to improve water quality and best management practices in agricultural crop production.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.29. Tracking the Effectiveness of Minnesota’s Agricultural BMPsStephanie Johnson ([email protected]), Houston Engineering, Inc.

Minnesota’s Draft 2012 303(d) List has over 2,100 waterbodies listed as impaired for water quality and in the need of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study. The plans to address these impairments (that result from the TMDL process) rely heavily on the use of best management practices (BMPs) and, given the primary role that nonpoint sources generally play in TMDLs, more specifically on agricultural BMPs. The availability of thorough and accurate information on agricultural BMPs is, therefore, vital to developing realistic and effective TMDL implementation strategies and achieving water quality goals in the State of Minnesota. Unfortunately, no one good source of agricultural BMP data currently exists.

The Ag BMP Database was created to provide a comprehensive collection of information related to agricultural BMPs and their application toward cleaner waters in Minnesota and bordering states. A primary focus of its development was to hold and provide reports on the observed effectiveness of agricultural BMPs at reducing sediment, nutrient, and pesticide loadings to surface waters. The database also has a tracking component to its design, where users can log in and track the implementation of BMPs within their service area.

Development of the Ag BMP Database was funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The Database is publically-accessible through both an online version, which users can actively update with new BMP data, and as a downloadable Microsoft Access file. The focus of this poster is to present the Ag BMP Database, highlight some of its key functionalities, and detail how Minnesota’s water resource professionals can utilize this newly available tool.

30. Carp Control – Tagging for Population Estimates with VolunteersNathaniel Kale ([email protected]), Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District; Michael Majeski ([email protected]), Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

Common Carp can be a significant contributor to internal phosphorus loading in nutrient-impaired lakes. After a TMDL study for Spring Lake (Scott County) identified 49% of the overall loading to the lake as internal, the Watershed District took a second look at the 100 pounds of carp per acre target carp concentration identified in earlier plans, and developed a strategy based on current carp research to determine carp population in the system. The initial step of tagging was extremely successful, with 1,752 fish tagged, 1,363 fish measured for length, and 669 weighed. A key element of that success was both collaboration with the U of M, and the use of high school student volunteers. Despite a setback in conducting a second seining to gather a population estimate, the District is on track to use population data to inform level of effort in upcoming years.

Our first two seining events were extremely informative regarding what does and does not work for carp counting and tagging. Weather conditions, insurance scares, people falling through the ice, and gawkers all increased the challenge, but preparation, outside help, and above all flexibility helped us pull off a successful carp tagging event. We anticipate that a successful seining in winter 2012-2013 will give us rough population estimate, and future electrofishing events will help us keep track of migration.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.31. Use of Original Land Survey Notes to Identify Historical Extent of WetlandsTony Kaster ([email protected]), Antea Group

In the 1800’s the General Land Office conducted a survey at the section level. This survey provides information regarding the landscape prior to European settlement. Descriptions of vegetative cover and landscape features of hydrologic features such as wetlands, streams, and lakes can be found in the survey notes, as well as maps that were created by the surveyors. This information has been used to determine the presence and extent of wetlands prior to European settlement. Example studies include a case where a wetland claimed to be man-made was shown to have existed at the time of the survey, and to identify changes over time in stream alignment within a floodplain. When compared with fixed features such as lakes and deeply incised streams, the survey is often shown to be accurate. The usefulness of the survey is limited to section lines where the survey was conducted.

32. Sorption of Phytoestrogens to Naturally- Occurring Solid MaterialsMegan Kelly ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; Camilla G. Overgaard ([email protected]), Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger; William Arnold ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

This work studied the sorption of phytoestrogens (estrogenic compounds produced by legumes and other plants) to sediments, clays, and iron oxides. Sorption edges and isotherms for genistein, daidzein, and biochanin A on montmorillonite, kaolinite, goethite, Ottawa sand, and natural sediments were constructed. For sorption edges, the pH was varied from 4 to 12 and the ionic strength was varied from 10 mM to 510 mM, using either sodium chloride or calcium chloride. Preliminary data suggest that sorption may be an important removal mechanism for phytoestrogens in natural systems, with KD values up to 750 L kg-1 for the clays. For goethite, a strong pH dependence on the equilibrium constant is observed. These results suggest phytoestrogen sorption warrants further investigation.

33. Stormwater Capture and Beneficial re-Use for CitiesRebecca Kluckhohn ([email protected]) , Wenck Associates, Inc.

Capture and beneficial re-use of stormwater can be a cost effective technique to provide treatment for stormwater runoff, natural resource protection, and recreational amenities at once. Stormwater runoff from the City of Kimball, Minnesota drained untreated into Willow Creek, a trout stream. Willow Creek is tributary to a chain of high-value recreational lakes, several of which are impaired by excess nutrients. The Clearwater River Watershed District implemented stormwater capture and beneficial re-use project to reduce phosphorus to downstream lakes while protecting Willow Creek trout habitat. The stormwater is filtered and used to irrigate the city’s baseball field, replacing the potable water once used and providing a cost savings to the city. The presentation will present the Kimball case study and two others to outline design challenges and considerations when considering capture and beneficial re-use.

The SIP also offers flexibility to adjacent property owners as to how the infiltration features are restored. The City standard option includes turf grass restoration, which minimizes the maintenance responsibility of adjacent property owner. However, at the request of the adjacent property owner, the SIP allows property owners to restore the infiltration features with rain garden plantings, provided that they purchase and maintain these plantings.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. 34. Examining Lake Water Quality Trends in Minnesota to Detect Impacts of Nutrient Management PoliciesAnna Krogman ([email protected]) and Robert Sterner ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

Phosphorus has been targeted for control to improve Minnesota lakes. This research attempts to determine if there are detectable improvements in water quality as a result of these measures. The Seasonal Kendall test was used to calculate trends in surface phosphorus concentrations throughout Minnesota. Initial results show that for lakes with at least ten years of consecutive data, phosphorus levels are decreasing in more lakes than they are increasing. However, there was a higher proportion of lakes examined with significant trends in the metro than non-metro. Additionally, sampling of lakes surrounded by known land-covers in 2002 and 2010 has shown that there is a reduction in average phosphorus in lakes surrounded by high levels of lawn. These results are consistent with phosphorus control. Trends in nitrogen will be compared to determine if the decreases are associated with overall improvements in water quality or more specifically due to phosphorus control.

35. Analyzing Pond Sedimentation Surveys relative to Watershed CharacteristicsLanol Leichty and William Douglas (billdo@bolton-menk), Bolton & Menk, Inc.

The MS4 General Permit requires inspections of ponds. Anti-degradation requirements are also anticipated to include removal efficiency evaluations for targeted pollutants. Determining sediment accumulation in a storm water treatment pond will likely become a critical component of establishing and/or proving compliance with the various waste load allocations associated with urban storm water. Tracking sediment build-up is also a key component of establishing pond efficiency, prioritizing maintenance, and developing budgeting needs. In 2009, Bolton & Menk, Inc. conducted inspections of the City of Elko New Market’s wet retention ponds to determine the levels of sedimentation relative to the original design. The study was conducted to determine necessary maintenance, but the data collected includes valuable field measurements that can be used to assess pond performance in varying conditions. The project included 63 sediment ponds.

Prior to the field inspections, an asset management database was created for the ponds. The database includes a unique pond identification number, subdivision location, parcel legal description, year constructed, sediment depth, condition of inlet and outlet, and so on. After collection, the database was augmented to include the watershed areas developed as part of the City’s SWMP.

Upon completion of the database, correlations between watershed characteristics and sediment loading in the ponds were drawn. Watershed land uses, slopes and the age of the sedimentation pond are all factors which may increase or decrease sediment loading in any given pond. Using the measured sediment depth and watershed characteristics, the effectiveness of sediment removal in a “treatment train” (ponds constructed in series) could also be evaluated.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. 36. Hydrolic Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer on Northern Forested WatershedsChristian Lenhart ([email protected]), Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota; Kenneth Brooks ([email protected]), Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota; Robert Slesak ([email protected]), Forest Resources Council and Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota; Anthony D’Amato ([email protected]), Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota

As the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) spreads across Minnesota, it is expected to decimate large areas of black ash wetlands in northern Minnesota with unknown hydrologic and ecological consequences. Large scale mortality of this species could increase water levels resulting in localized flooding and affect site conditions for the establishment of replacement trees. To assess potential impacts of EAB on water levels and develop mitigation strategies, experimental treatments were applied in 2012 at the Chippewa National Forest. One-acre treatments include girdling, clearcutting and selective cutting, with a control, replicated 8 times. Monitoring of precipitation, water levels, throughfall and geochemistry in 2011 showed that water levels are dominated by local surface flow with some lateral groundwater movement. As the water tables receded in summer, pronounced diurnal water table fluctuations were observed from forest evapotranspiration. Ongoing monitoring of water budget components, including sap flow, will help explain hydrologic changes under the different treatments.

37. Cumulative Impacts of Lakeshore residential Development on Littoral HabitatJessie Lepore ([email protected]) and Jennifer Keville ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; Donna Dustin ([email protected]) and Cindy Tomcko ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Bruce Vondracek ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey

Littoral habitat is an important component of lake ecosystems that supports diverse fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages. This critical habitat may be lost or altered by lakeshore residential development. In-water structures, such as docks and boatlifts, in addition to modification of riparian areas, may impact aquatic communities at a variety of spatial scales. We sampled fish, macrophytes and coarse woody structure (CWS) at developed and undeveloped sites across 30 small Minnesota lakes to investigate localized, as well as cumulative, impacts to aquatic communities. Riparian land use was evaluated using Score Your Shore, a shoreline property assessment tool developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Preliminary analyses suggest that submerged biovolume and CWS abundance are affected by development at a local scale. Fieldwork was completed in August 2012. Our results will be incorporated into a framework to assist lake managers in the implementation of sustainable near-shore development practices.

38. Conservation Applications LiDAr Data: Training Activities and Future NeedsAnn Lewandowski ([email protected]) and Les Everett ([email protected]), Water Resources Center, University of Minnesota

The objective of this project is to enable natural resource managers to effectively employ LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) digital elevation data in planning and implementing conservation activities. The UMN Water Resources Center coordinated the development and delivery of six full- and half-day training modules across the state for technicians who use Geographic Information System or Computer Aided Design software for natural resource management. A total of 34 sessions were presented. Training materials are available online at z.umn.edu/lidar and at the MnGeo LiDAR web site for the long term. Module titles are: Basics of Using LiDAR Data, Terrain Analysis, Engineering Applications, Hydrologic Applications, Wetlands Mapping, and Forestry and Ecological Applications. Participants came from local units of government, private firms, and state and federal agencies. This poster summarizes responses to a post-workshop on-line survey asking participants how they anticipate using LiDAR data and what further training is needed. Results will be helpful in decisions about developing further LiDAR training and derivative products.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. 39. Identifying Mechanisms Controlling Nutrient Cycling and Ecological Function to Improve Lake Saint Croix Management Suzanne Magdalene ([email protected]). Saint Croix Watershed Research Station, Science Museum of Minnesota; Jeffrey Ziegeweid ([email protected]) and Richard Kiesling ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey; Kent Johnson ([email protected]) Metropolitan Council Environmental Services; Daniel Engstrom ([email protected]), Saint Croix Watershed Research Station, Science Museum of Minnesota

The lower 25 miles of the St. Croix River comprise Lake St. Croix, a riverine lake that integrates the water quality of the entire St. Croix River basin. Despite reductions in point-source nutrient loads, nutrient concentrations in the lake still exceed water-quality standards. The objective of this study is to improve management of Lake St. Croix by identifying the mechanisms controlling nutrient cycling and ecological function. Historical nutrient-loading estimates have been improved through expanded flow and water-quality measurements at tributaries, deep-lake pools, and main stem river sites, including the installation of a USGS index-velocity gage at Stillwater. In deep pools, internal nutrient loads were estimated using bed-sediment incubations, phytoplankton growth rates were estimated using laboratory bioassays, and rates of zooplankton predation on phytoplankton were estimated using grazing experiments. Upon completion in 2013, this study will assist a follow-up study that will produce a CE-QUAL-W2 hydrodynamic lake model in 2015.

40. Headwaters Wetlands and Impaired Watershed ManagementBeth Markhart ([email protected]), Emmons & Olivier Resources

Large, partially drained wetland complexes continue to offer significant opportunity for solving impaired watershed problems. Presented is a case study of upstream wetland management within a multi-component watershed project to reduce nutrient impairment and regulate the hydrologic system. We assume fluctuating redox wetlands conditions, episodic phosphorus release potentials, and multi-component hydraulic system management that allows for pore water nutrient fluctuation and accounts for wetland phosphorus cycling dynamics. System-based outcomes monitoring establishes multiple-component management and monitoring as the baseline to start measuring success, and downplays the role that single components can play as a solution. As such, wetland management monitoring data will not be evaluated alone, but integrated into a whole system evaluation plan. This multi-component project is expected to show substantially reduced construction and engineering fees, longer-term projections for success, and reduced risk compared to placing all of your eggs in one basket.

41. One Waters, Two State Standards, 19 ImpairementsPamela Massaro ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.; Mary Homan ([email protected]), Lac qui Parle – Yellow Bank Watershed District; Katherine Pekarek-Scott ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Lac qui Parle - Yellow Bank Watershed District is located in west central Minnesota, on the southwest side of the Minnesota River. In April 2009, Wenck commenced the TMDL assessment to address 19 impairments (bacteria, turbidity and low dissolved oxygen) on the Lac qui Parle and Yellow Bank Rivers. The headwaters of both rivers originate in South Dakota. A key point of policy to share is how this TMDL deals with multiple impairments across state lines with different water quality standards for the same streams. Bacteria and turbidity impairments were based on load duration curve-based TMDL equations. The computational framework, or model, chosen for determining the DO TMDL was the River and Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2K). As of early March 2012, the TMDL report was being readied for public notice. The MPCA and US EPA were finalizing their reviews.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. 42. The Agricultural BMP Handbook for TMDLs in MinnesotaThomas Miller ([email protected]), Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.; Joel Peterson ([email protected]), University of Wisconsin, River Falls

The first agricultural bmp handbook focusing on local and regional water quality research was created for the state of Minnesota. The purpose of this handbook is to present the findings of a comprehensive inventory of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that address water quality impairments in Minnesota. This handbook provides Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) practitioners with the information necessary to identify suitable agricultural-BMPs for TMDLs and implementation plans in the agricultural watersheds of Minnesota. This document includes the most up to date information regarding TMDLs in agricultural watersheds and the BMPs that can be used in implementation plans. Literature was reviewed from all sources with particular attention given to water research conducted in the fields of Minnesota and the upper Midwest. This handbook will be a perpetual reference in TMDL projects throughout rural Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

43. Weather – Extreme Trends: The Minnehaha Creek Watershed Stormwater Adaptation StudyTrisha Moore ([email protected]), Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Leslie Yetka ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Stormwater infrastructure is typically designed to manage flow based on a design storm, which is based on the probability that a storm of a given magnitude will occur. What if that probability is significantly changing? Current trends indicate an increase in the frequency and magnitude of severe rainfall across Minnesota, putting communities at risk for overwhelmed stormwater systems and flooding-related issues including property damage, public safety, and degradation of our water resources.

This study is looking at these risks and how communities can adapt to future conditions. EPA SWMM models have been used to assess existing drainage network capacities under future precipitation and land use scenarios, and adaptation strategies including LID practices and infrastructure upsizing to mitigate future flooding. Technical information – including costs – is being combined with a community-led public planning process to provide a framework for developing local adaptation plans. Expected completion date for this study is August, 2013.

44. Double Averaged rough-Bed Hydrodynamics Associated with High Glossosoma (Trichoptera) Larval Spatial DensityMark Morris ([email protected]), Miki Hondzo ([email protected]), Mohammad Hajit ([email protected]), and Stephanie Day ([email protected]), Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Mary Power ([email protected]), Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley; Fotis Sotiropoulos ([email protected]), Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Caddisfly larvae (Glossosoma spp.) are dominant grazers in lotic food webs, indicate water quality, and are capable of suppressing stream periphyton. We developed a scaling relationship between Glossosoma density and local hydraulic variables. Habitat was quantified in three rough-bed streams using velocity distributions, turbulence characteristics, and stream bed roughness elevations double-averaged in time and space over characteristic length scales provided by variogram analysis of substrate roughness heights. Our data demonstrate the applicability of the wake and power laws to open-channel flow for which relative submergence of bed roughness is too low for the universal logarithmic velocity law to develop. Our proposed power-law scaling relationship explained 71% of the variance in the spatial Glossosoma density. Large eddy simulation (planned completion by May, 2012) of a 10 m study riffle with high Glossosoma abundance is based on 0.01 m resolution light detection and ranging bathymetry in Valley Creek, Minnesota.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.45. System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis INtegration (SUSTAIN) ModelJennifer Olson ([email protected]), Bruce Cleland ([email protected]) and Kevin Kratt ([email protected]), Tetra Tech

Various structural and non-structural stormwater best management practices (BMPs) have become the national focus for the mitigation of stormwater pollution. Analytical tools are needed to help agencies evaluate management options and optimize cost. Tetra Tech supported the U.S. EPA in development of the System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis INtegration (SUSTAIN) model which provides a comprehensive modeling system available in the public domain for systemically evaluating the location, type, and cost of wet-weather flow BMPs.

The SUSTAIN model provides a thorough, practical, and informative assessment of management alternatives considering the economic, environmental, and engineering factors. SUSTAIN supports evaluation of BMP placement at multiple scales from a few city blocks to large watersheds and has been used throughout the Midwest.

This poster will provide an overview of the SUSTAIN model including a description of SUSTAIN’s watershed/site tiered analysis, key model components and their functions, and example features.

46. Genetic Diversity and Persistence of Enterococcus Spp. Strains in the Lake Superior Watershed Qinghong Ran ([email protected]) and Brian Badgley ([email protected]), BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota; Nicholas Dillon ([email protected]), and Gary Dunny ([email protected]), Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota; Michael Sadowsky ([email protected]), BioTechnology Institute, Department of Soil, Water & Climate, University of Minnesota

The overall objectives of the study were to examine the quantity, persistent potential, and species distribution of enterococci in the Lake Superior Watershed from May to September over a 2-year period. We also examined the genetic diversity of E. faecalis populations in sand, sediment, water, and soil at several sites. Results of this study indicated that enterococci densities, measured by MPN analyses, were generally high in summers. Enterococcus spp. composition was spatially and temporally dynamic, with the dominant species being: E. hirae, E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. mundtii and E. casseliflavus. Moreover, the E. faecalis population, as assessed by DNA fingerprinting, was genetically diverse, in part due to spatial and temporal changes. The occurrence of genetically unique E. faecalis strains within each sampling year suggested that enterococci do not become naturalized to these environments, but rather a few dominant strains occupied the habitats and get replaced each year.

47. Dentrifying Bioreactors: Field and Lab PerformanceAndry Ranaivoson ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; John Moncrief ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; Gary Feyereisen ([email protected]), Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Mark Dittrich ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Wood-chip denitrifying bioreactors reduce common contaminants from agricultural drainage water. The objectives of this research are to monitor nitrate and herbicide concentrations and loads of field bioreactors located at two sites in Minnesota, and to investigate the performance of agricultural residue-based materials as bioreactor filter media at laboratory scale. Flow, nutrient concentrations, water and reactor temperatures, pH, dissolved oxygen, and oxidation-reduction potential of the field bioreactors were monitored for two years. Bioreactor capability to reduce loads of two common herbicides, acetochlor and atrazine, was checked during three six-day long experimental runs at one site. Field results showed load reductions of 21-48% for nitrate-nitrogen, 47-79% for total phosphorus, and 70% and 53% for acetochlor and atrazine, respectively. Nitrate-nitrogen concentration and load reductions of four media materials in six combinations are being compared at 17°C and 2°C in a temperature-controlled chamber. The experiment at 17°C is to be completed in early September.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.48. Early Spring Effect on Wetlands and MosquitoesNancy Read ([email protected]), Sandy Brogren ([email protected]), Diann Crane ([email protected]) and Carey Lamere, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District

The record-breaking temperatures in March of 2012 had significant effects on the timing of mosquito populations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. For many species, first occurrence was 4 weeks earlier than normal. Habitat for mosquito larvae in the spring is usually cool snow-melt pools. In this poster we describe recent trends in species first occurrence, compared with degree-day accumulations (air temperature) and information available on estimating water temperature. We also examine possible effects of increased frequency of early spring and increasing spring temperature variability given expected climate change, and implications for mosquito control and wetland habitats.

49. Wind Variability Over a Small Wind-Sheltered LakeEmily Resseger ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; Corey Markfort ([email protected]), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota; Richard Kiesling ([email protected]), Minnesota Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey; Heinz Stefan ([email protected]), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota

Wind is one of the most important, highly uncertain, and least investigated drivers of lake processes. In lake modeling, the wind over a lake is often estimated from point measurements at a nearby weather station. Whether the surrogate wind data is representative of a lake’s wind field depends on distance from the weather station as well as sheltering of the lake by trees and topography. To better understand the actual wind field over a small wind-sheltered lake we deployed five anemometers in different locations on Trout Lake, MN, for four months. We compared wind speeds and directions recorded on Trout Lake to Grand Marais Airport, 10 miles away. The measured wind field over the lake was also correlated with an empirical wind sheltering model. Our long-term goal is to identify the data and analysis required to reduce uncertainty in lake water quality and fish habitat models.

50. Updating the Metropolitan Area Groundwater Model: Clean Water Fund Projects Support regional Water Supply ManagementLanya Ross ([email protected]), Metropolitan Council; Tim P. Brown ([email protected]) and Evan Christianson ([email protected]), Barr Engineering Company

Rivers and aquifers of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area supply drinking water to over half of Minnesota’s population. The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Water Supply Plan has a single goal: to ensure a sustainable water supply for current and future generations. A regional groundwater model, Metro Model 2, supports the plan by allowing water resource managers to evaluate the cumulative long-term impacts of the region’s independent water supply decisions. However, the Metro Model 2 does not currently reflect new technical information provided by Clean Water Fund-supported projects. The Metropolitan Council is updating the model to include new aquifer level measurements, aquifer property data, and information about surface water-groundwater connections and recharge pathways. The updated conceptual model, including recharge model files, will be complete in the summer of 2012. The following year will be spent calibrating and evaluating the model’s predictive uncertainty. Model deliverables will support updated policy plans and guidance.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.51. Assessment and Mitigation of Bovine Fecal Loading in the Little Jordan Creek Watershed Michael Sadowsky ([email protected]), BioTechnology Institute, Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota; Brian Badgley ([email protected]), BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota; Richard Sawdey ([email protected]), Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota

Mitigation of fecal contamination in environmental waters requires an understanding of fecal sources in the watershed. We monitored concentrations of culturable fecal indicator bacteria and a bovine-specific marker gene in the Little Jordan creek in Southeastern Minnesota in 2008 and 2009. The goals were to: (1) determine the scale and source of fecal loading to the creek; and (2) subsequently to employ a best management practice (BMP) to mitigate fecal loading to the system. E. coli concentrations at all locations exceeded state and federal water quality standards in 2008 and were highest at the most downstream sites. Likewise, the bovine marker was detected on all dates in 2008. Remediation plans were initiated in 2009 to mitigate cattle impacts to the creek. In 2009 coliform and E. coli levels decreased from 2008, and the bovine marker gene was detected less frequently. These data suggest that the BMP helped reduce fecal loading to the creek, illustrating the potential for BMPs to reduce fecal contamination at the watershed scale.

52. Numeric Water Quality Standards: Integrating GIS with Pollutant Load Modeling to Identify Cost-Effective SolutionsKurt Schoen ([email protected]), AECOM

Objectives: Until recently, the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit required a 40 percent reduction in total suspended solids (TSS) within developed urbanized areas. In addressing this requirement, the water resources community developed modeling tools to calculate urban pollutant loadings and identify potential best management practices; these tools are directly applicable to TMDL compliance in Minnesota. The objective of this project was to identify potential best management practices (BMPs) for the city of Marshfield, Wisconsin. Project results included a list BMPs sufficient to comply with permit requirements and a cost-benefit analysis ranking of the BMPs.

Approach: This engineering approach creates GIS files representing model input parameters, utilizes a model batch processor to create and analyze model files, and exports model results into GIS for display and analysis. Methodologies

The Windows version of the Source Loading and Management Model (WinSLAMM) inputs include soil classification, land use, drainage type, and existing BMPs. In GIS, we created data layers to depict watershed boundaries and each of these input parameters. The WinSLAMM processor compiled the data files required to model all necessary input parameter combinations. Following model execution, model results were post-processed in a Microsoft Access database. We tabulated existing pollutant loads and compared them to permit requirements, thereby determining the level of pollutant load reduction necessary for permit compliance. By plotting pollutant load densities (pounds/acre/yr) color-coded across a spectrum with high loading areas as orange and low loading areas as green, we were able to produce a map that very quickly identifies high loading source areas. The same layer can be plotted transparently over aerial photography and combined with drainage basin, parcel, and storm sewer system mapping to facilitate location of potential best management practices. In addition to rapidly identifying pollutant loading sources, this mapping allows viewers to visualize what areas would be treated by potential BMPs, identify connections to existing storm sewer, and see how parcel boundaries could affect BMP placement.

Once potential BMPs were located, pollutant removal efficiencies were assigned to potentially treated areas and planning level cost estimates were prepared for each BMP. The results of the two calculations combined to determine the projected cost efficiency of each BMP, measured in dollars per ton of TSS removed per year.

This project is complete and the final deliverable included a list of BMPs sufficient to comply with permit requirements.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.53. Urbanization and DOC CharacterRobert Sterner ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; Mitchell Haustein ([email protected]), Anoka Conservation District

Studies of shallow lakes in the Twin Cities metropolitan area were conducted to elucidate the relationships between urbanized land use and Dissolved Organic Carbon quality and quantity. We found a consistent decline in DOC amounts with increased urbanization but this could just as readily be attributed to changed amounts of agricultural influence as to higher urbanization. However, there were consistent shifts in DOC character associated with urbanization from types associated with allochtohonous to types associated with autochthonous production, suggesting a reduction in supply of DOC from the watershed as the landscape is paved. Microbial respiration assays indicated greater carbon limitation in less urbanized sites where DOC is presumably less available for microbial growth. Changes in DOC character can affect ecosystem function and may be useful to trace flowpaths in the heterogeneous urban landscape.

54. Dissolved Oxygen TMDLs for Five Low-Gradient StreamsJeffrey Strom ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.; Diane Sander ([email protected]) and DanNadeau ([email protected]), Crow River Organization of Waters

In 2012, Wenck Associates developed TMDLs for five low-gradient tributaries to the North Fork Crow River. Synoptic surveys were performed on each stream during summer low-flow conditions to document longitudinal water chemistry and characterize diurnal DO fluctuations. The River and Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2K) was used to establish TMDL wasteload and non-point source load allocations. All five streams are heavily ditched and contain soft sediments that are a mixture of fine silt and organic material. The modeling indicated biochemical oxygen demand in these sediments (SOD) during summer low-flow conditions has the ability to significantly lower in-stream DO concentrations. Additionally, all five streams contain lake or wetland headwaters and/or at least one flow-through wetland system. Data shows these wetland systems consume a significant amount of oxygen through sediment processes and create large diurnal DO swings through photosynthesis. Proposed implementation for these TMDLs include wetland restorations as well as channel alterations to reduce SOD coverage and increase reaeration.

55. Water and Habitat Quality Correlations with Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in an Impaired WatershedBrady Swanson ([email protected]) and Shannon Fisher ([email protected]), Minnesota State University, Mankato

Physical and chemical characteristics of fluvial ecosystems hold the capacity to shape and alter their biotic communities. Our primary objective was to identify whether detectable significant relationships existed among physical habitat characteristics, water quality parameters, and biotic assemblages in the impaired Greater Blue Earth River Watershed. Data were collected from 2008 to 2011. Methods utilized for sampling stream biota included the EPA Rapid Bioassessment dip net and backpack electrofishing protocols and Hester-Dendy artificial substrate samplers. Habitat characteristics were scored with the EPA Rapid Bioassessment Habitat Assessment and Physical Characterization procedures. Both chemical analysis and field measurements of water quality were conducted throughout the duration of the study. Statistical analyses of potential relationships and trends among habitat scores, water quality measurements, and metrics of biotic integrity are underway and several interesting correlations are emerging. Our results could help managers target specific restoration objectives that correlate with the greatest biotic response.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.56. At the Water Quality, Watershed, and Planning/Implementation Interface - The Cedar Basin Case StudyBill Thompson ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Cedar River Basin in Minnesota includes the Cedar River Watershed (586 square miles) and the Shell Rock River Watershed (254 square miles). Lake many watersheds, a variety of programmatic efforts have been taken, or are underway, to improve both water quality and water quantity. As a turbidity and excessive nutrient TMDL is being completed, watershed district plans are being updated and implemented, agricultural conservation practices are being done, and municipal stormwater management programs are being carried out. A compiled timeline will be displayed that illustrates current programmatic trends. Efforts to coordinate these programs will be described and analyzed. This information will be useful to watershed technicians and conservation/water management personnel charged with the development of more comprehensive protection and improvement strategies.

57. Full Circle: restoring Ditched Wetlands to Meet Water Quality GoalsLisa Tilman ([email protected]) and Jason Naber ([email protected]), Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

Drainage ditches have been utilized to drain wetlands with the intent of producing arable land or reducing flood elevations. In many cases, however, the constructed ditches are not fully effective and have remained as a vestige of past practices. More recently these artifact ditches are utilized for regional stormwater management. In the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District, an abandoned ditch system conveys runoff from an urbanized area through a series of wetlands to an impaired lake. Taking a watershed based approach, the District evaluated a suite of options to address flooding and nutrient export. Monitoring data collected during the project identified the partially drained wetlands as important opportunities for restoration and water quality enhancement. The recommended implementation project takes advantage of the observed capacity for wetland water storage and uptake. The project demonstrates that wetland restoration can be integrated into a comprehensive stormwater management effort focused on water quality improvement.

58. remote Sensing of Wetlands: A More Efficient Permit ProcessBryan Tolcser ([email protected]), Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.

The wetland permitting process can be cumbersome for large projects involving many site design and construction alternatives. Remote sensing can be used as a tool during preliminary project planning to identify wetland areas to be avoided during site design and project alternatives analysis. Recent data acquisitions by MNDNR make it possible to achieve a level of wetland mapping adequate for the environmental review process in Minnesota, allowing for a more efficient project. A remote sensing assessment of wetlands was completed using MNDNR aerial imagery and LiDAR data. This poster will describe how remote sensing was used to streamline the environmental process for two projects in Northern Minnesota, demonstrate the use of high resolution data, show the results of the remote sensing analyses, and compare these results with field delineation boundaries. The remote sensing analyses were completed during the winters of 2011-2012 with field verification to be completed in summer 2012.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.59. Site Configuration and Maintenance for Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring to Avert Biofouling in a Small, Productive StreamJustin Valenty ([email protected]) and Marylee Murphy ([email protected]), Three Rivers Park District

Three Rivers Park District monitored dissolved oxygen (DO) at 15-minute intervals with six YSI XL600 sondes between May and October, 2010-2012 in Elm Creek to support the watershed-wide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study for multiple impairments, including low DO. The creek drains a 106 mi2 suburbanizing watershed in northwestern Hennepin County and supports aquatic plant, algal, and periphyton communities that contribute to microclimate development around in situ sensors. We employed two site configurations based on the water level and the degree of biofouling expected, incorporated upstream obstructions to reduce aquatic plant accretion on the installed sondes, and performed weekly cleanings to stem the algal accumulation and periphyton growth on the sondes. We analyzed the presence of biofouling at each site from the DO differential before and after cleaning and from blind checks. The site closest downstream from Rice Lake, a large in-line reservoir, displayed the highest degree of biofouling.

60. Innovations in Acoustic Mapping of Aquatic Vegetation: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Four Alternative MethodsRay Valley ([email protected]), Matthew Johnson ([email protected]) and Mike Lauenstein ([email protected]), Contour Innovations LLC

Aquatic plants provide critical habitat for a variety of aquatic organisms and are important regulators of lake water quality regimes. Until recent advances in hydroacoustic and GIS technologies, researchers and lake managers have been unable to assess plant abundance at sufficiently large scales to monitor lake-wide changes, much less unequivocally judge the success of aquatic plant management interventions. More recently, researchers and lake managers have been using sonar units that range in price and sophistication, and have applied a range of manual and quasi-automated methods to produce bathymetric and vegetation maps. We present a cost:benefit analysis of four techniques and demonstrate significant cost savings and water resource benefits of fully automated analysis of lake bottom data from Lowrance HDS fish finders and analyzed with ciBioBase; a cloud-based GIS platform.

61. Modeling a Low-head Dam retrofit with a 2D Hydraulic Model (Adaptive Hydraulics)Jeff Weiss ([email protected]), Barr Engineering Company

Adaptive Hydraulics (AdH) was used to model a recently constructed low-head dam retrofit project in which boulders were used to create a step-pool sequence that allows fish passage. AdH is a 2-dimensional hydraulic model developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Detailed survey data of the retrofit project was taken by using a 3D scanner during a dry period in which no water was flowing through the project. The 3D scanner is capable of creating an accurate 3D surface by generating points within millimeters of each other. AdH was used to model the existing retrofit project, and the results were compared to HEC-RAS results. HEC-RAS, a 1-dimensional hydraulic model that was also developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is often used in the design of in-stream structures and retrofit projects such as these because it is a well-known model, easy to use, and does an excellent job of predicting upstream impacts a project may cause; however one of its primary limitations is its inability to model localized velocities. The modeling effort with AdH provides a more detailed view of the hydraulics through all portions of the retrofit project. In addition, various boulder spacings were modeled to determine impacts on velocities and pool elevations in order to target various fish species and create a more natural look in future designs.

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Poster Session 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.62. Crystal Lake’s In-Lake Flocculation Treatment System of Hypolimnetic Surface Water to Meet the Crystal Lake TMDLPeter Willenbring ([email protected]), WSB & Associates, Inc.; Richard McCoy ([email protected]), City of Robbinsdale

In 2010 the City initiated a project to design and to construct an in-lake flocculation treatment system to restore Crystal Lake. This treatment process will take water from the Lake, treat it with Aluminum Sulfate and discharge the clean water back into the Lake.

This presentation will include aspects of the project from design, permitting, construction, operation, and monitoring of in-lake improvements for the first season of operation.

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Book of AbstractsWednesday, October 17

Plenary Session II 8:10 a.m. – 9:30 a.mVoluntary Conservation Works, and Further Water Quality Gains Can Be AchievedTom Christensen ([email protected]), Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2011 Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act report, over 2,200 individuals identified water quality and availability as the highest priority natural resource concern in the nation. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is meeting this public expectation by working with farmers and other landowners to implement voluntary conservation systems that improve the quality of water coming off of their land. To have the greatest impact, NRCS has implemented eight water quality–driven Landscape Conservation Initiatives, including the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI), which target the most pressing resource concerns and the most vulnerable acres within small watersheds. Building on the success of these initiatives, in FY2012 NRCS launched the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) to further focus on water quality investments on critical subwatersheds throughout the country.

To assess the impacts of MRBI, NRCS is expanding its edge-of-field water quality monitoring as part of a partnership effort with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state water quality agencies to augment implementation of three-tiered monitoring. NRCS is also piloting a new technical tool known as the Water Quality Index for Agriculture (WQIag), an online application that shows the relative magnitude of water quality improvements at the edge of fields on which conservation systems are implemented.

Further building the scientific foundation of the impact of conservation systems is NRCS’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). Initiated in 2003, CEAP was developed to quantify the effects of conservation practices at the watershed scale and estimate their effects and benefits at regional and national scales. Five CEAP Regional Cropland Assessments have been released since 2010 and have shown that the voluntary, incentives-based approach to conservation works, that conservation planning and targeting are essential, and that full treatment of the most vulnerable acres requires a full suite of conservation practices, because no single practice is a universal solution.

The CEAP Regional Cropland Assessments have also shown that opportunities exist to further reduce sediment and nutrient losses from cropland. To achieve these reductions and other environmental outcomes, NRCS relies not only on the dedication and financial investments of the landowners it serves, but also increasingly on the complementary and sometimes matching investments of other federal agencies, state and local agencies, and nonprofit and private investors.

To learn more about NRCS’s work, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.

Tom Christensen is the Regional Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Central Region. Christensen directs NRCS personnel, programs and activities, acting as a representative of NRCS Chief David White in regional partnerships, initiatives, and at meetings. He also supervises the 15 State Conservationists in the Central Region.

Mr. Christensen graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Forest Management. He received a M.S. in Renewable Natural Resources Conservation from the University of Connecticut. He also attended Duke University’s Institute of Public Policy through the NRCS’s Public Administration Program. Christensen has worked over 29 years for NRCS, including eight locations in North Carolina, New York, Idaho, and Illinois, prior to the last thirteen years at National Headquarters. He previously held the positions of Deputy Chief for Programs, Director of Financial Assistance Programs, Director of Conservation Operations, Director of Animal Husbandry and Clean Water Programs, Agency Chief Information Officer, State Conservationist in Illinois, Assistant State Conservationist in Idaho, Area and District Conservationist in New York, and Soil Conservationist in North Carolina.

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Concurrent Session IV 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Track A: Water Resource Management in the Red River Valley and Beyond

rDDSS: Forecasting and Communicating Drought in the red river BasinStephanie Johnson ([email protected]) and Mark Deutschman ([email protected]), Houston Engineering, Inc.; Charles Fritz ([email protected]), International Water Institute

Drought is a pervasive and perennial problem, across the United States and throughout the world, with substantial social and economic impacts. Mitigating these impacts requires the development of technically feasible methods and techniques that can be implemented operationally to accurately forecast drought and convey these forecasts in near-real time to affected stakeholders. The National Weather Service North Central River Forecast Center (NCRFC) currently issues forecasts for high water events in their service area, which includes the Red River of the North. The goal of the Regional Drought Decision Support System (RDDSS) is to incorporate the methods and techniques developed by the National Weather Service research and operational staff to forecast conditions at the other end of the hydrologic spectrum, during times of drought.

The RDDSS includes a number of tools and reports that use the NCRFC forecasts to compute and communicate drought conditions and risks to a diverse stakeholder group. Agricultural producers and water supply users are of particular interest with products derived around forecasted soil moisture states. Setting these products in the context of permitted water use, local drought management plans, and observed hydrologic/ meteorological conditions, provides a basis upon which decisions can be made.

Drainage Water Management – recent DevelopmentsAl Kean ([email protected]), Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Agricultural drainage, particularly pattern tile, is a hot topic in regard to the effects on flood flows and water quality. High commodity prices, intense rainfalls and a continuing relatively wet period in the Red River Basin and other areas of Minnesota have spurred pattern tiling. Recent research, studies and demonstrations have helped develop new and evolving drainage water management practices for subsurface, as well as surface drainage. These practices reduce peak flows, sediment transport and nutrient transport, to protect downstream water quality and reduce flooding. This presentation will provide a summary of practices and programs for drainage water management.

Sediment Transport Analysis of Flood risk reduction Diversions in the red river BasinAlex Nelson ([email protected]), United States Army Corps of Engineers

As part of the design of the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the potential for sediment issues in the proposed diversion channel is being evaluated in detail. While the Red River is efficient at passing moderate amounts of fine clays and silts that dominate its valley, some of its tributaries like the Sheyenne River carry significant concentrations of sand. Two existing Sheyenne River diversions have experienced moderate erosion and up to ten feet of deposition. By calibrating a one-dimensional HEC-RAS sediment transport model to the past 20 years of operation of the existing systems, important lessons can be learned about successful and unsuccessful aspects of each diversion’s design. This model can serve as a good reference for a comparable model of the proposed diversion, allowing determination of the configuration and size of the diversion channel that would reduce future sediment issues.

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Track B: Lake Biology

Using Biomanipulation to Achieve and Sustain Long-Term Water Quality Improvements in a Shallow LakeBrian Vlach ([email protected]) and Rich Brasch ([email protected]), Three Rivers Park District

Cleary Lake is a shallow lake (zmax = 9 ft.) located in Scott County in Cleary Lake Regional Park. The lake is impaired for excessive nutrients and has historically been afflicted with severe algal blooms that have persisted throughout the summer. A lake drawdown in the fall of 2003 and 2004 was the centerpiece of a suite of primarily in-lake management measures that were implemented to control curlyleaf pondweed, improve the native plant community, restructure the fish community, and improve water quality conditions. Since the drawdown, the lake has transitioned from an algal dominated system to a rooted aquatic plant system dominated by native species. Water quality changes included a notable decrease in phosphorus and chlorophyll-a concentration. This presentation will effective these shallow lake management measures have been in achieving and sustaining improvements in water quality as well as in the plant and fish community in the eight years since the management measures were undertaken.

Effects of Fisheries Management and the Timing of Stratification on the Eutrophication of Square Lake, Washington CountyMeghan Jacobson ([email protected]), Emmons & Olivier resources, Inc.; Leif Hembre ([email protected]), Department of Biology, Hamline University

Square Lake has historically provided unique recreational opportunities (e.g., trout fishing, scuba diving) for Twin Cities residents. However, over the past 20 years, increased algae has caused decreases in water clarity. Though algae have increased, phosphorus has not, suggesting that altered food web structure may be responsible for the eutrophication trend. Large-bodied Daphnia abundance is known to be negatively correlated with algal biomass in Square Lake and Daphnia abundances have declined over the past decade. We investigated diets of zooplanktivores (including stocked trout) to determine which predators consume Daphnia. Trout consumed significantly more Daphnia per capita of any zooplanktivore examined. Historical temperature/oxygen data were examined to evaluate changes in the volume of Daphnia refuge habitat over time. We propose that predation on Daphnia by trout and earlier onset of stratification (due to climate warming) interact to diminish the size of Daphnia refuge and may be responsible for the eutrophication trend.

Managing Curlyleaf Pondweed with Herbicides: Experiences with Whole Lake and Partial Lake TreatmentsYvette E. Christianson ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District; Steve McComas ([email protected]), Blue Water Science; Udai Singh ([email protected]), Mississippi Watershed Management Organization; Kelly Dooley ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

A five year curlyleaf management program was initiated in 2007 to treat Gleason Lake with herbicide to control heavy growth of curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus). The objectives were to determine if herbicide treatment for invasive aquatic vegetation could produce long-term control, improve water quality, and enhance growth of native vegetation in Gleason Lake.

Curlyleaf pondweed was treated using Aquathol ® K herbicide on a whole-lake basis for 2007, 2008, and 2009 with partial treatments in 2010 and 2011. Post-treatment aquatic plant surveys showed herbicide treatments were effective in all years, significantly reducing heavy growth of curlyleaf pondweed. Late summer aquatic plant surveys showed native vegetation distribution increased. In addition, water transparency improved and total phosphorus concentrations have decreased since the 5 years of herbicide treatment began in 2007. However, ongoing partial curlyleaf treatment will likely be necessary to control future heavy growth, sustain native aquatic plants, and improve water quality.

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Track C: Alternative Urban Best Management Practices

Maximizing Goals for Stormwater and Forestry in an Urban NeighborhoodWes Saunders-Pearce ([email protected]) and Zach Jorgensen ([email protected]), City of Saint Paul

The value of blending stormwater management and trees is becoming better understood. This is particularly relevant with the emergence and management of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) as a significant forest pest in the Twin Cities. This presentation will illustrate how stormwater and forestry needs were integrated on a Saint Paul Public Works street project to maximize City resource goals.

The City of Saint Paul annually reconstructs residential roadways in various neighborhoods as part of its long-term Residential Street Vitality Program (RSVP). Stormwater management for the 2012 RSVP in the Prior-Goodrich neighborhood was constrained by poorly draining soils as well as existing utility lines. In response, Saint Paul expanded its design toolbox to better align cross-discipline goals for tree canopy cover and sustainable stormwater management. Areas of the neighborhood will be improved to include new deciduous trees receiving stormwater in depressed boulevards featuring structural (Cornell University, or “CU”) soil.

The presentation will give the audience a strong visual understanding of how the stormwater features were constructed. Technical information about stormwater sizing and costs for CU soil installation will be shared. The audience will learn about Saint Paul’s citywide tree canopy inventory and canopy cover goals; the City’s approach to controlling and responding to Emerald Ash Borer infestations; and discover the delicate balance between resource management goals and property owner perspectives on a linear project in an urban neighborhood.

Quantifying Nutrient Load reductions Through Targeted, Intensive Street Sweeping – A Field Study by the University of Minnesota in Partnership with the City of Prior Lake, MinnesotaPaula Kalinosky ([email protected]), Lawrence Baker ([email protected]), and Sarah Hobbie ([email protected]), University of Minnesota; Ross Bintner ([email protected]), City of Proir Lake; Chris Buyarksi ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

A two-year field study investigating the influence of tree canopy density and street sweeping frequency on nutrient loads in street sweeper waste provides compelling evidence that source control can be a cost-effective strategy for stormwater management. Over 350 street sweeping events from August 2010 – July 2012 were sampled to determine the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content in fine, coarse organic, and soluble fractions. Results show that coarse organics contain 40-97% of the nitrogen and up to 87% of phosphorus load in sweeper waste each month. Seasonal loads as high as 0.74 lb/curb-mile of phosphorus and 4.96 lb/curb-mile of nitrogen can be removed for as little as $28/lb in targeted sweeping events. Optimization of sweeping practices is expected to keep average costs at $40-100/lb. Development of a guidance manual providing methods for quantifying nutrient removal through sweeping for use in stormwater management plans and TMDLs will be completed by December 2012.

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Track C: Alternative Urban Best Management Practices, continued

Our Experience with Implementing Living StreetsCliff Aichinger ([email protected]), Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District

In 2009, the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District began the preparation of a Green Streets Plan for the City of North St. Paul. This plan was designed to develop the benefits, design and approach for implementing a green streets (renamed to Living Streets by the planning task force) approach for the replacement of the city streets. All city streets needed new utilities and would, therefore, need reconstruction and offered a unique opportunity to narrow streets and incorporate stormwater treatment practices citywide.

The City adopted the plan in 2010. Staff and consultants then selected a pilot project street for initial implementation. The process of design started which also included a very involved neighborhood participation process. However, that was met with considerable resistance and ultimately the pilot project was not recommended for implementation by the City Council.

Following the cancellation of the program in North St. Paul, the District brought the concept to the City of Maplewood for implementation of a pilot project. The Living Streets approach was then applied to a city street project slated for construction in 2012. The project was approved by the City and construction is planned for June to October of 2012. The experience, difficulties, costs and final results will be presented.

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Track D: Nitrate Nitrogen in Surface and Groundwater: Past and Present Results

Nitrogen in Minnesota Streams: Sources, Loads, and TransportDave Wall ([email protected]), Dennis Wasley ([email protected]), and Steve Weiss ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; David Mulla ([email protected]), Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota; Dave Lorenz ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey

Stream nitrogen levels and sources were characterized across Minnesota during a two-year study involving several agencies. Historical and recent monitoring, along with SPARROW model results and other modeling, shows priority watersheds for nitrogen reduction. Nitrogen amounts delivered to land and streams from different point and nonpoint sources and pathways were estimated and compared. In-stream nitrogen losses were evaluated. Trend analyses showed areas of the state where stream nitrate is increasing and decreasing. Cost/benefit scenarios for reducing nitrogen losses in watersheds were also developed. This foundation of science on stream nitrogen is being used for developing a state-level strategy to reduce nutrient losses to waters, and to inform stream nitrogen standard evaluation efforts. An overview of the project findings will be presented.

Trends in Nitrite Plus Nitrate Concentrations in Selected Streams in Minnesota, 1968-2009David Lorenz ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey; Dave Christopherson ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Gary Martin ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey; Dave Wall ([email protected]), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Many actions have been taken to reduce nutrient concentrations in streams in Minnesota as a result of the Clean Water Act and subsequent regulations. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has collected nutrient data on selected streams (Milestone Sites) since the middle 1960s. The data collected at these sites were analyzed for long-term nonmonotonic trends in nitrite plus nitrate concentrations using a time-series approach. Additional sites monitored by several agencies (Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, and U.S. Geological Survey) were analyzed for recent, shorter-term monotonic trends in nitrite plus nitrate concentrations from 1993 through 2009 using a seasonal Kendall analysis. Preliminary results from the long-term analysis showed short-term trends that were variable over time but reasonably consistent within drainage basins. The recent, shorter-term trends were also more variable across the State.

Central Sands Private Well Network 2011 Nitrate Nitrogen results SummaryKimberly Kaiser ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Concerns about high nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in private wells led to the development of the Central Sands Private Well Monitoring Network. The first goal, which is completed, was to determine current nitrate concentrations in private wells in Central Minnesota. The second goal is the development of a long-term private well network that will establish long-term nitrate concentration trends. In 2011, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, with Clean Water Funding, coordinated the random sampling and analysis of 1,555 private drinking water wells from 14 counties in Central Minnesota. Over 88.6 percent of the wells sampled had nitrate nitrogen concentrations less than 3 mg/L, 6.8 percent of the wells ranged from 3-10 mg/L and 4.6 percent were greater than 10 mg/L of nitrate as nitrogen. Analysis of the well owner surveys demonstrate that well construction, age and depth are important factors affecting the quality of water in private wells.

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Luncheon Presentation 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.SWITCHing to Sustainable Urban Water Management – Global Experiences on Making the TransitionCarol Howe ([email protected]), ForEva Solutions – Sustainable Water Management in a Changing World

Climate change, population, economics, aging infrastructure, technology improvements, more stringent environmental regulations and changing community expectations are all affecting how we plan for and manage our urban water infrastructure.

This presentation will explore how cities around the world have begun to transition their water infrastructure, institutional and economic systems to be more sustainable. The successes and failures in bringing institutions and people together through “Learning Alliances” will be discussed including the results of visioning and scenario analysis.

Innovative climate adaptation activities taken by cities will be highlighted. The talk will conclude with recent findings from the International Water Association on key activities that urban water professionals can take to speed up the pace of change within our own industry.

For the past 30 years, Howe has worked globally as a wastewater operator, utility manager, consultant and researcher, promoting sustainable urban water solutions. She leads the International Water Association’s “Cities of the Future - Urban Water Transitioning Program” which explores the factors that hinder or help economic, institutional, regulatory or cultural change in the water industry. Until recently Carol managed the SWITCH program for the UNESCO Institute of Water Education in The Netherlands. SWITCH was a 5 year, European Union, action-research program where 33 organizations from 17 countries worked with local stakeholders in twelve cities to move toward more sustainable, urban water management. Prior to SWITCH, Carol was Director of the Australian Government’s Future Cities and Urban Water Program, Manager of Strategic Planning for Sydney Water, a Principal Planner with MWH Consulting in Northern California and a residuals manager and wastewater treatment plant operator at ALCOSAN in Pennsylvania. Carol has a B.S. from Penn State University and is a Fellow of the International Water Association. She is the author of books on Triple Bottom Line Reporting, Water Sensitive Cities and Climate Adaptation for Urban Water and an editor of the IWA Journal of Water and Climate and the Springer Publication – Reviews in Environmental Science and Biotechnology.

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Concurrent Session V 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Track A: Stream Integrity

Developing Quantitative Guidelines for In-Stream Structures: Combining Field and Laboratory Experiments with Numerical Experiments Jessica Koarek ([email protected]), Ali Khosronejad ([email protected]), Craig Hill ([email protected]), Seokkoo Kang ([email protected]), and Fotis Sotiropoulos ([email protected]), St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Rock vanes, cross vanes, bendway weirs and other similar flow control structures have been studied as part of a multifaceted research program to improve quantitative design guidelines for frequently used stream restoration structures. These structures are typically used in stream restoration projects with the intent of protecting unstable streambanks, preventing undesired lateral migration, or improving aquatic habitat. Despite their frequent use, extensive research-based quantitative design guidelines do not readily exist. This project combined small scale laboratory flume experiments, near full scale experiments in an instrumented meandering channel, and high resolution numerical modeling to evaluate structure installation in different stream channels. These experiments provide insight into the complex interactions between flow and sediment transport in the vicinity of instream structures to inform restoration design.

Predicting Minnesota Fish IBI Scores: Implications for Stressor IdentificationJason Ulrich ([email protected]), Joe Magner ([email protected]) and Bruce Wilson ([email protected]), Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has launched an effort to assess the waters of the state using biological attributes and expressed as an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Waters identified as impaired or falling below an IBI threshold will require further analysis using a stressor identification process. The stressor identification (SID) attempts to link pollutants (sediment, nutrients, etc) to biological communities and their inferred or measured response. To aid the SID process we constructed over 300 regression models to explore which stressors are most correlated with fish IBI scores.

Fish IBI regression models with 1-to-3 independent variables were constructed using fish IBI scores developed by the MPCA from 1996-2010. Regressions were conducted across scale: 11-digit HUC (or HUC11), Agro-ecoregion up to basin (HUC4) using 39 predictor variables such as land use, channel facet, habitat attribute, sediment, flow and chemical data (DO, TN, TP, etc). Analysis was conducted using automated regression methods in R statistical software.

Results showed the highest R2 occurred with the smallest scale; R2 of 0.83 for HUC11 compared to R2of 0.19 for basin scale. The most frequent predictors across all scales were: % fines (38), mean depth of fines (21) and % forest (21). At the HUC11 scale, mean depth of fines was the most frequent predictor (8) with an R2 of 0.84. Percent fines, channel gradient and mean channel width each had a prediction frequency of 6 and R2 of .79 of higher. The strongest R2 (0.98) was associated with mean buffer width.

The results of this effort suggest that sediment, particularly fine sediment coupled with other channel dynamics drove the fish IBI data collected in Minnesota using statewide historic fish IBI scores.

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Track A: Stream Integrity, continued

The response of Macroinvertebrate Community Structure and Function to reach-Scale restoration in Agricultural Streams of Southern MinnesotaChristy Dolph ([email protected]), Water Resources Science Program, University of Minnesota; Susan Eggert ([email protected]), Center for Research on Ecosystem Change, United States Forest Service; Joe Magner ([email protected]), Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Leonard Ferrington ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota; Bruce Vondracek ([email protected]), United States Geological Survey, Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, University of Minnesota

Recent studies suggest that stream restoration at the reach scale may not increase stream biodiversity, raising concerns about the utility of this conservation practice. This study examined whether reach-scale restoration in disturbed agricultural streams was associated with changes in (1) macroinvertebrate taxa richness, (2) seasonal variability in macroinvertebrate community composition, and (3) secondary production (i.e., macroinvertebrate biomass over time). We collected macroinvertebrate samples over the course of one year from restored and unrestored reaches of three streams in southern Minnesota. We found no difference in richness between restored and unrestored reaches. Both compositional similarity and secondary production were higher in restored reaches relative to unrestored reaches, suggesting that reach-scale restoration may have ecological effects beyond influences on diversity. Secondary production estimates for the streams in this study were considerably lower than those reported for other similar-sized agricultural streams; these low values may be indicative of stressful conditions for biotic life.

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Track B: Lake Dynamics

Anoxic and Oxic release of Phosphorus from Sediments in Minnesota LakesJoe Bischoff ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.; William James ([email protected]), University of Wisconsin - Stout

As more and more excess nutrient Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) are developed for lakes in Minnesota, detailed phosphorus budgets for these lakes need to be developed. A critical aspect of any lake phosphorus budget is quantifying sediment phosphorus release from lakes sediments. To support TMDL and lake diagnostic studies, Wenck, in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers and University of Wisconsin-Stout collected intact sediment cores from over 40 lakes in Central Minnesota and measured oxic and anoxic release of phosphorus from sediments under laboratory-controlled conditions. Anoxic (<2 mg dissolved oxygen) sediment release varied from 0 mg/m2/day to as high as 30 mg/m2/day. Oxic (>2 mg dissolved oxygen) was measured in 20 lakes and was much less variable ranging from 0 to 0.8 mg/m2/day. Results of these studies suggest that internal sediment phosphorus release is an important process in most Minnesota lakes and should be quantified as a part of any diagnostic study. Patterns in sediment phosphorus release suggest will be explored for shallow and deep lakes with varied sediment chemistry.

Hypolimnetic Oxygenation in Vadnais LakeRoger Scharf ([email protected]), CH2M Hill; John Blackstone ([email protected]), Saint Paul Regional Water Services; John Borghesi ([email protected]), CH2M Hill; James Bode ([email protected]), Saint Paul Regional Water Services; Paul Gantzer ([email protected]), Gantzer Water Resources; David Austin ([email protected]), CH2M Hill

Lake Vadnais provides up to 130 million gallons per day of raw water to the McCarron’s Water Treatment Plant, serving Saint Paul and 13 surrounding communities. In September 2011 a hypolimnetic oxygenation system was installed to protect raw water quality. The system sparges pure oxygen into a linear diffuser at the deepest lake depth. It replaced an aerator installed in 1989 that had reached the end of its operational life.

Design of the oxygenation system entailed analysis of aerator performance and new design methods. Determination of hypolimnetic oxygen demand used sediment oxygen demand measured in situ and analysis of hypolimnion oxygen depletion rates. Sediment redox dynamics and diffuser induced oxygen demand were also important to system design. The project represents the first application of this technology for lake management in Minnesota. Data from the first season of operation (2012) will be presented and compared to the previous aeration system performance.

Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) Dosage Considerations for Bald Eagle Lake, MinnesotaWilliam James ([email protected]), University of Wisconsin – Stout; Joe Bischoff ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.; Matthew Kocian ([email protected]), Rice Creek Watershed District

Bald Eagle Lake is a eutrophic system located in the Rice Creek Watershed District, Ramsey County, Minnesota. Mean summer total phosphorus (P) exceeds 90 μg/L and internal P loading from sediment accounts for about 44% of the lake P budget (Wenck 2012). Intact sediment cores were collected at various lake depths to estimate rates of anoxic P release under laboratory-controlled conditions. Anoxic P release varied as a function of lake depth, with highest rates (> 10 mg/m2 d) occurring at depths > 25 ft (max depth = 39 ft). Extractable P fractions (i.e., loosely-bound, iron-bound, and labile organic P) were also highest in the deepest area of the lake. The Rydin and Welch (1999) assay procedure was used to estimate the concentration of alum required to bind at least 90% or more of the loosely-bound and iron-bound P fraction (i.e., redox-sensitive P) in the sediment. We found that the upper 4 cm sediment layer should be treated at a minimum and that an Al dosage of ~ 100 g/m2 to inactivate sediment P in the upper 10-cm sediment layer provided the best long-term effectiveness for the cost. This sediment P-based dosage is well below the maximum allowable dosage based on pH and total alkalinity of the water, representing a significant cost savings from old dosing methods.

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Track C: Stormwater Reuse Guidelines and Applications

The Metropolitan Council Stormwater reuse Guide: Planning for Stormwater reuse in the Twin Cities Metropolitan AreaBrian Davis ([email protected]), Metropolitan Council Environmental Services; Jodi Polzin ([email protected]), CDM Smith; Patti Craddock ([email protected]), Short Eilliot Hendrickson Inc.; Gabrielle Grinde ([email protected]), Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc.; Matt Rembold ([email protected]), Li Zhang ([email protected]), CDM Smith;

Stormwater capture, treatment, and infiltration technologies are increasing in popularity across the country, include right here in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The primary purpose of these technologies is to enhance surface water quality by decreasing the volume and/or rate of runoff, and by capturing and/or treating nutrients and sediment. The beneficial reuse of captured stormwater is not commonly incorporated in such projects, although interest in such reuse applications for irrigation is increasing, as exemplified by recent projects such as the Target Field rainwater harvesting, treatment and reuse system.

The recently completed Metropolitan Council Stormwater Reuse Guide introduces effective alternative techniques for stormwater reuse for the purpose of reducing demand on Twin Cities metropolitan area potable water supplies. Tailored for city planners, engineers, and green thinkers, the Guide provides step-by-step instructions that describe how to bring a stormwater reuse project from concept, to assessment, to implementation. A stepwise series of tools are provided to characterize the source stormwater, identify the intended use, assess the feasibility of the concept, and then select and implement the appropriate collection, storage, treatment, and distribution components of the project. The Guide is designed to be visually appealing and easy to navigate, both electronically and on paper. The Guide is a creation of the Metropolitan Council in partnership with CDM Smith, Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), and Hoisington Koegler Group, and is funded through the Clean Water Fund.

reuse of Stormwater for Irrigation of Municipal Ballfields in Centerville, MinnesotaDaniel Edgerton ([email protected]) and Mark Statz ([email protected]), Stantec Consulting Services; Dallas Larson ([email protected]), City of Centerville

For the past several years, the City of Centerville has considered redeveloping their historic downtown. After several studies, interviews with potential developers, and discussions with the local watershed, it became apparent one of the keys to a successful project would be a cost-effective stormwater treatment program.

Traditional pond and pipe systems were analyzed, but with the recent addition of stormwater volume reduction requirements, the system would need to be supplemented with some type of infiltration feature. Rough cost estimates were prepared for a number of different approaches, including:

• Rain gardens and vegetated swales

• Pervious pavers or pavements

• Underground storage and other similar systems

A combination of tight soils and limited space in the downtown area made these options less than desirable. Additionally, the prospect of ongoing maintenance for these types of best management practices was daunting. Looking for a more economical system, the City continued its search. They needed a stormwater approach with reasonable capital costs, low maintenance costs, and a smaller footprint in the downtown.

Stormwater reuse projects offered the ability to meet stormwater volume regulations and exceed water quality standards. The initial cost of reclamation was comparable to other BMPs and required less maintenance costs in the future. As an added bonus, the City’s 12-acre park would get a “free” irrigation system.

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Track C: Stormwater Reuse Guidelines and Applications, continued

reuse of Stormwater for Irrigation of Municipal Ballfields in Centerville, Minnesota continuedUsing stormwater to irrigate a city park is not common. Stantec engineers conducted research and challenged themselves to turn a good concept into a well-thought out project with a thorough regimen of due diligence.

Many Questions Had To Be Answered:

Was the stormwater safe for use in a City Park? Stantec developed a battery of tests to confirm the water would not be harmful to humans. Tests were run on the pond water for pollutants such as fecal coliform, heavy metals, PAHs, volatile organics, and Legionella. The test results were compared against the MnDNR standards for swimmable lakes and found levels well below those limits.

Additional testing was done on the ballfield soil to establish background levels of many of the same pollutants. These levels were comparable to the levels typically found in native soils. The City will continue to sample the soil every few years to chart any trends in pollutant levels to see that the stormwater isn’t creating unsafe soils.

Will the stormwater kill turf grass due to high salinity levels from road salt use? Water tests were also taken to look at this issue. While tests did not show any issues here, the City will still be implementing best practices to reduce that risk, including incorporating different fertilizer formulas to combat the potential cumulative effect of road salt.

What pretreatment of the stormwater can be provided? The stormwater is pulled from a regional pond serving the City’s downtown and single-family residential area. Suspended sediments are expected to be conveyed in the stormwater. The pond itself will serve as a settling basin for the sediments. In addition, a number of neighborhood ponds and overland drainage paths remove a considerable amount of sediment prior to reaching the regional pond.

Will the sprinkler system clog from using pond water? Experienced irrigation designers were consulted to solicit their input from experience in the golf course industry where this practice has been prevalent for many years. A screen was provided on the pond intake, and specially chosen sprinkler heads were selected for reliable performance with the given water quality.

What if pond water for irrigation runs out? Stantec and the City worked with County officials to make use of a large regional pond which can provide up to three weeks of irrigation water without a rain event. If there were a three-week period with no rain, the City’s potable water system would be used to refill the pond via an existing storm sewer system. This arrangement makes for a simple way to eliminate the need to have an interconnection between the City’s potable water system and the irrigation system.

What permit requirements need to be met? It was necessary to obtain a MnDNR water appropriations permit. At the same time, the project helped meet the stormwater volume control requirement of the Rice Creek Watershed District.

The project was completed and tested in 2011. Full operation will begin in spring 2012. Data from the 2012 system operation will be included in the presentation.

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Track C: Stormwater Reuse Guidelines and Applications, continued

Partnering to Improve Water Quality Through regional SolutionsMike Eastling ([email protected]), City of Richfield; James Wisker ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

To improve the water quality of Taft Lake, the Minnehaha Creek WD and City of Richfield are partnering to construct an innovate project which utilizes multi-faceted active treatments design approaches to treat over 1,550 acres of land. They will highlight the project details, which include: storm water re-use, infiltration, and active treatment designs to reduce up to 90% of the phosphorus concentrations within the entire Richfield watershed tributary to Lake Nokomis via Taft Lake. The presentation will also touch on the development of the project and how the City and Watershed District have cooperatively worked together to make this project possible within a fully developed community. The total capital cost of the project is estimated to be $3,300,000.

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Track D: Water Quality Monitoring and Results at Various Scales

Discovery Farms Minnesota – Field Scale Monitoring in real World ConditionsScott Matteson ([email protected]) and Katie Rassmussen ([email protected]), Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Discovery Farms Minnesota program is a farmer-led effort to gather information on soil and nutrient movement on farms in different settings across Minnesota. The mission of Discovery Farms Minnesota is to gather water quality information under real-world conditions, providing practical, credible, site-specific information to engage farmers and develop solutions. The program is coordinated by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resources Center, with technical support provided by, and in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Edge of field monitoring of working agricultural lands has not been attempted at this scale elsewhere in the state. Currently there are eight Discovery Farms in Minnesota. Surface runoff and subsurface tile drainage water samples are collected throughout the year. Samples are collected for sediment and nutrients. This presentation will describe site selection criteria, monitoring methods and summarized data. The equipment used and costs will be described. Challenges and lessons learned from field scale monitoring will also be discussed.

Discovery Farms Minnesota – 2011 Water Quality Data reviewTim Radatz ([email protected]) and George Rehm ([email protected]), Discovery Farms

Discovery Farms Minnesota is a farmer led effort organized and established for the purpose of gathering field-scale information to quantify the impact of a variety of farming enterprises across Minnesota. The mission of the program is to collect water quality information under real-world conditions and provide practical, credible, and site-specific information to support better farm management decisions.

There are currently eight Discovery Farm sites located in southern, southeastern, and central Minnesota. The network is expected to grow to better represent the diversity of agricultural enterprises and settings in Minnesota. Water quality data is collected from overland surface runoff and tile drainage monitoring stations. This presentation summarizes water quality data, including precipitation, runoff, sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen, collected at Discovery Farm locations in water year 2011.

Whole-Watershed Phosphorus Balance as Practical Tool to Achieve TMDL GoalsHeidi Peterson ([email protected]), Larry Baker ([email protected]), Jason Ulrich ([email protected]), John Nieber ([email protected]), Bruce Wilson ([email protected]), Nick Moore, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, University of Minnesota

There are few documented successes at reducing P loadings from large agricultural watersheds. Hence we propose using watershed P balances as a tool to improve P use efficiency. We present a practical approach for developing watershed P balances that includes all P inputs ( fertilizer, animal feed, human food, etc.) and outputs (crops, animal products, sewage, etc.) for the Albert Lea Lake watershed (85% agriculture). For example, we have found using a farm-level survey of more than 100 fields that the P use efficiency (crop P/(manure + fertilizer) is 1.04, indicating that farmers may be reducing soil P. P use efficiencies > 1.0 (driven by economics), will reduce soil P levels, which in turn should reduce P loads to streams. We will present the completed watershed P balance and a guidance manual designed to bring the concept of watershed P balances to fruition as a practical tool for watershed management.

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Concurrent Session VI 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Track A: Stream Conservation and Restoration

Setting Priority Management Zones for the Bluff Creek TMDL Combining Tools to Enhance Specificity of Precision Conservation and Implementation PlanningGreg Wilson ([email protected]), Barr Engineering Company

Bluff Creek is a small tributary to the Lower Minnesota River, located in the City of Chanhassen, which is currently impaired for excess turbidity and fish bioassessments. The Biological Stressor Identification analysis indicated that habitat fragmentation and bedded sediment were primary stressors for fish. The suburban watershed has a mix of developed, agricultural and forested land uses. Historical watershed outlet monitoring program (WOMP) data has shown that Bluff Creek had the highest TSS yield for developed watersheds in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The lower reach of the creek has steep valley walls and is fully entrenched, highly sinuous and lined with trees. Past watershed assessments have identified the potential sediment yield from watershed runoff, but none had attempted to quantify or differentiate the loading from near-bank sources. Continuous turbidity monitoring conducted at upstream and downstream stations for the TMDL study (currently in draft form, scheduled for approval during the summer of 2012) indicated that the lower valley area accounted for approximately 90 percent of the total sediment load even though it represents less than 20 percent of the watershed. An inventory and assessment of the Bluff Creek lower valley was completed to identify sites contributing inordinate amounts of sediment and determine feasible options for the TMDL implementation plan. This project further combined the TMDL watershed modeling with terrain analysis of the ravine and bluff sources to evaluate the relationship with the field assessment results. The combined analysis allowed for the establishment of priority management zones for TMDL implementation and the framework for addressing erosion sources either through stormwater control or channel stabilization. Study methodology, monitoring, modeling and field assessment results, and the resulting best management practice prioritization scheme and costs will be presented.

Healing After the Flood - Owatonna Stream Bank restorationMatt Durand ([email protected]), City of Owatonna

The September 22-23, 2010 rain fall event caused extensive flooding throughout Owatonna. Maple Creek is a major watercourse that enters the City at the NE corner of the city limits. Flood waters overtopped the banks of the Maple Creek causing a regional storm water pond to overflow and flooding the adjacent residential homes. The flooding event of Maple Creek caused substantial erosion of the streambank in the outer bank slope that extends more than 50 ft high to a Cemetery, where a mausoleum is located adjacent to the top of bank.

The City received Minnesota Recovers funding to provide toe protection with boulders, streambarbs to reduce shear stresses on the outer bank, plant vegetation to increase stability with time, and minor grading of the inner bank to reduce shear stress and velocities on the outer bank. The height of the outer bank slope and the steep grade restrict the possibility of economically grading of milder slopes to increase stability.

The objective of the project was to repair the eroded areas using natural techniques such as willow stakes, utilization of native woody debris, and native plant to stabilize the regarded area. The project was completed in the fall of 2011 and has shown early signs of success. The project will be used as a template for future restoration projects by the City of Owatonna.

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Track A: Stream Conservation and Restoration, continued

Minnehaha Creek Urban Corridor restorationJames Wisker ([email protected]), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Minnehaha Creek has historically been impacted by urbanization that resulted in the loss of riparian wetlands, ditching of the stream and increased impervious surfaces that have resulted in increased runoff volumes/pollutant loads, decreased infiltration/baseflow, and in-stream/bank habitat fragmentation/degradation. Minnehaha Creek is impaired for biota due to limited baseflow, chlorides and dissolved oxygen. Downstream receiving Lake Hiawatha is impaired for nutrients.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has used integrated watershed management principles, partnership philosophy and innovative policy/engineering to develop and implement a comprehensive series of improvement projects to restore the riparian corridor, meet water resource goals (TMDL, baseflow, recreation, wetland restoration, flooding, etc.) while also meeting broader goals of the local communities, county, state and businesses in the area.

Project elements include re-meandering large sections of Minnehaha Creek, urban land acquisitions, regional stormwater management, development partnerships, and the creation of new public access to a regional resource within the Metro. Design and implementation of these complex initiatives required innovative policy, planning, engineering and partnerships. Project implementation began in 2009, continues and will carry through 2015 and beyond.

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Track B: Physical Lake Processes

Wind Sheltering of LakesCorey Markfort ([email protected]), Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Emily Resseger ([email protected]), University of Minnesota and Metropolitan Council; Wei Zhang ([email protected]), Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota; Fernando Porté-Agel ([email protected]), Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne; Heinz Stefan ([email protected]), Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Lakes with a surface area of less than 10 km2 account for over 50% of the global cumulative lake surface area, and make up more than 99% of the total number of global lakes, ponds, and wetlands. In the northern half of Minnesota, a significant proportion of land cover is characterized as lakes or wetlands. Most of these small water bodies are surrounded by complex terrain and forest. The atmospheric boundary layer over the surface of a small lake depends strongly on wind sheltering. Wind blowing over a small lake or wetland is highly variable and affects sensible and latent heat fluxes and the lake heat budget. Wind mixing of the lake surface layer affects thermal stratification and air-water gas transfer, e.g. O2, CO2, and CH4. Wind therefore affects water quality, ecology and fish habitat in lakes more than is generally acknowledged. As the wind blows from the land to the lake, wake turbulence behind trees and other shoreline obstacles leads to a recirculation zone and enhanced turbulence. This wake flow delays the development of wind shear stress on the lake surface, and the fetch required for the shear stress to fully develop may be ~1 km. This wind sheltering must be considered when determining the effect of wind on lake stratification, surface gas transfer, lake water quality and fish habitat. We have developed a method to quantify wind sheltering of lakes that takes into account lake size, shape and the surrounding landscape. The model is validated against field data and with results from a 1-D lake stratification and water quality model for 36 Minnesotan lakes. The new model is useful for several purposes, e.g. to project the effects of climate change on small Minnesota lakes, or to determine the impact of shoreline forest fragmentation on lakes.

Exploring Hydraulic residence in Minnesota Sentinel Lakes: Implications for ManagementLee Engel ([email protected]) and Joe Magner ([email protected]), University of Minnesota/Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Surface water bodies present a challenge in determining how water cycles through them. The use of the stable isotopes of hydrogen (Deuterium expressed as βD) and oxygen (β18O) can provide some hydrologic insight and management guidance; TMDL development. Hydraulic residence time is dependent on several factors including: lake volume, watershed size, location within a watershed and climatic variability. Analyzing the stable isotopic composition of lake water βD and β18O over time illustrates source water input mixing and evaporative processes. βD and β18O were compared to the isotopic composition of atmospheric water vapor which has a known isotopic concentration at specific latitudes and air temperatures (Burns and McDonnell, 1998; Dansgaard, 1964). The deviation in amplitudes of the fractionation of lake water to water vapor was modeled to predict hydrologic residence time for each lake. Twenty four lakes throughout Minnesota were sampled over a three year period and residence times were calculated. Each of the twenty four lakes is part of the “Sustaining Lakes in a Changing Environment (SLICE)” project, a study lead by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

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Track B: Physical Lake Processes, continued

Estimating Sediment and Nutrient Loading from Southern Shoreline Erosion in Lake of the WoodsStephanie Johnson ([email protected]), Houston Engineering, Inc.; Corryn Trask ([email protected]) Lake of the Woods County Soil and Water Conservation District

The southern shoreline of Lake of the Woods (LOW) is experiencing significant erosion problems. This erosion threatens unique fish and wildlife habitat that provides refuge for a number of federally threatened and endangered species. The eroding sediments are also, likely, a consequential source of nutrient loading to the lake, which is impaired for eutrophication and biological indicators. The goals of this study include: identifying areas of major shoreline erosion from 1940 to 2009, from 1993 to 2009, and from 2003 to 2009; estimating the annual rates and overall volumes eroded during these time periods; and estimating the nutrient load entering LOW from shoreline erosion during these times.

Initial results of the work show that some areas of the southern shoreline have receded nearly a mile over the past seventy years. Results also show that areas with bank heights of less than five feet and within mucky soils have a strong relationship with high erosion. Estimates of volume lost due to erosion are currently being made and field soil samples will be taken this spring for use in computing the nutrient loads.

The focus of this presentation will be to discuss the methods used to investigate and estimate erosion along the southern shoreline and also to present the findings of the work. Additional information to be presented includes a discussion of how the shoreline erosion volumes and nutrient loads are being integrated into overall sediment and nutrient budgets for LOW.

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Track C: Best Management Practices and Low Impact Designs – With Monitoring

A Neighborhood of raingardens: Citizen Engagement, Design/Installation, and a Paired Watershed StudyRebecca Nestingen ([email protected]), Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.; Samuel Geer ([email protected]), Metro Blooms

The Powderhorn Park Neighborhood of Raingardens project demonstrates through a paired-watershed study how citizen-based approaches can be used for stormwater management in an urban setting. The project began in 2009 with water quantity/quality monitoring in two sub-watersheds to Powderhorn Lake prior to installation of raingardens. Meanwhile raingarden workshops, raingarden parties, and door-to-door canvassing were conducted to enlist study participants. Study participants received assistance with raingarden site assessment, design, and installation. In 2010, volunteers and organizations installed 106 raingardens throughout the test sub-watershed in a 6-week period. Monitoring continued through 2011 and the results of the paired-watershed study compare the volume of runoff, total suspended solids, and total phosphorus loads prior to and after raingarden installation.

Even Stormwater Takes the LrT: Testing the CCCLrT Tree Trench Infiltration SystemPamela Massaro ([email protected]), Wenck Associates, Inc.; Forrest Kelley ([email protected]), Capitol Region Watershed District

To control urban stormwater runoff, the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit project incorporated an integrated permeable paver - structural soil tree trench infiltration system along University Avenue from Emerald St. to Rice St. When construction is complete, nearly seven miles of permeable paver sidewalk and five miles of subgrade infiltration trench will be constructed. Wenck and Capitol Region Watershed District conducted field assessments in the fall of 2011 to verify volume and function of eight infiltration trench systems. The assessment included verifying the perforated pipes were allowing water into the rock reservoir below; measuring the volume and duration of time required to fill the trenches; and assessing the infiltration capacity of the underlying soils using a falling head test. Additional trenches will be assessed in 2012, and in subsequent years to verify function over the long-term. This presentation will summarize the field assessment methodologies and initial results.

Transforming a Nuisance Drainage Problem into a Multi-Purpose AmenityRon Leaf ([email protected]), Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc.; Steve Kummer ([email protected]) and Ginny Gaynor ([email protected]), City of Maplewood

Nuisance drainage conditions and wet play areas existed in Lions Park for many years, resulting in limited use by area residents and significant maintenance challenges for City crews. The City was also faced with finding water quality treatment opportunities for future street reconstruction work in the area. The Parks and Engineering Departments combined efforts to develop a multi-purpose solution that was widely supported by residents. Significant environmental benefits have been gained by creating water quality treatment cells and native plantings for wildlife habitat, while at the same time maintaining key park facilities. A smaller turf grass area is now high-and-dry and three bio-filtration cells treat a 3-inch rainfall without surface discharge. The project goals were met by creating a more natural environment, creating more than the required treatment capacity for future street improvements and enhancing the park facilities. The presentation will highlight treatment capacities, construction challenges and observations of performance.

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Track D: River Flow, Bank Erosion and Nutrient Dynamics

Climate and Land Use Effects on river Discharge and Base FlowSatish Gupta ([email protected]), Andrew Kessler ([email protected]) and Melinda Brown ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

Land use changes such as tile drainage, cultivation, and cropping practices have been blamed for recent increases in river flows in Midwestern United States. In this study, we analyzed river flows for 42 HUC 8 level watersheds in Minnesota and Iowa. Relationships of annual discharge and base flow vs. precipitation for the periods prior to 1975 and after 1976 were statistically similar for most watersheds. In some watersheds, there was a slight upward shift indicating more flow at a given precipitation level. However, this shift was relatively small compared to the shift from the recent wet climate. Analysis of the Raccoon River data showed that evapotranspiration has remained the same since 1916 and recent higher flows are due to higher precipitation. In this presentation, we show that past studies have wrongly characterized climate effects as land use effects by overemphasizing statistics and by ignoring physics of infiltration and runoff.

river Bank Erosion as a Function of Time, Precipitation, and Physical Features Satish Gupta ([email protected]), Andrew Kessler ([email protected]) and Melinda Brown ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

Recent recognition that river banks are the major source of sediment in the Minnesota River Basin creates a need to quantify past sediment production rates in order to isolate natural vs. anthropogenic effects on sediment accumulation in Lake Pepin. Using a combination of PLSS PLATs, aerial photographs, and LiDAR data for Blue Earth County, we found that annual river bank retreat rates from 1855-1938 (0.51 m yr-1) and 1938-2009 (0.37 m yr-1) were statistically similar (p > 0.10), suggesting that bank erosion has remained unchanged since European settlement. Precipitation explained 66% of the variation in river bank retreat, indicating that climate plays a large role in bank erosion. LiDAR data showed that bank features (area, length, slope, height, and aspect) were poor surrogates for extrapolating limited bank erosion measurements to the full reach, suggesting that up scaling of bank erosion based on simple correlation will lead to misleading results.

river Bank Materials as Potential Carriers and a Source of Phosphorus in Lake PepinAshley Grundtner ([email protected]), Satish Gupta ([email protected]), Brandy Toner ([email protected]), University of Minnesota

Although the majority of sediments in Lake Pepin are coming from river banks, there is a perception that phosphorus is coming from agricultural lands. This research evaluated whether the bank materials can adsorb soluble P from river waters and release it when deposited in Lake Pepin. In this study, we analyzed 16 river bank materials for equilibrium phosphorus concentration (EPC0), their potential to adsorb and desorb soluble P, and its P fractions. Results show that bank materials have a low EPC0 (<0.1 mg/L), a high P adsorption potential, minimal desorption capacity, and mostly Ca-bound phosphorus. Prior to 1830, phosphorus concentrations in Lake Pepin sediments can be explained simply by sediment enrichment during transport. After 1830, we outline scenarios using enrichment ratios and historical river pollution as potential reasons for higher total P concentrations. Low EPC0 suggests continued P adsorption by bank materials from river waters even under current conditions.

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Book of AbstractsIndex of First Authors

Aichinger, Cliff................................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track C

Alms, William...................................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track C

Anderson, Wayne.....................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Archer, Rick.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track A

Austin, David.........................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track B, Poster Session

Baker, Melissa..................................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track B

Bauer, David..............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Beck, Marcus.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track D

Belfiori, Phil.........................................................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track A

Berg, Jim....................................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Bischoff, Joe..................................................................................................................... Concurrent Session V, Track B

Bouchard, Will...........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Brands, Ed.................................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Burch,Tucker........................................................................................................................................Session I, Track B

Carlson, Katherine.............................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track B

Carlson, Jesse...................................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track C

Cedarleaf Dahl, Erik................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track D, Poster Session

Christensen, Tom.................................................................................................................................Plenary Session II

Christianson,Yvette..........................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track B

Chun, Chan Lan.........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Clark, Renae..............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Collins, Mark..............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Connor, Tonya............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Danielson-Bartelt, Nicole...................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track A

Davis, Brian........................................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, track C

DeWall, Petronella.............................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track A

Dolph, Christy................................................................................................................... Concurrent Session V, Track A

Druschel, Stephen.....................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Durand, Matt ....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track A

Eastling, Mike....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, Track C

Eckman, Karlyn.................................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track D

Edgerton, Daniel...............................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, Track C

Eichmiller, Jessica............................................................................................................. Concurrent Session I, Track B

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Elliott, Sarah.......................................................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track B

Engel, Lee........................................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track B

Fairbairn, David..........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Filipiak, David.............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Fossum, Bob..............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Goddard, Lisa.............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Goeden, Helen...........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Grumbles, Benjamin...........................................................................................................................Tuesday Luncheon

Grundtner, Ashley.............................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track D

Gulliver, John.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track C

Gupta, Satish...................................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track D

Gutknecht, Zach.........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Hansen, Amy..............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Hanson, Suzanne.............................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track D

Hatch, Lorin......................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track B

Hendrickson, Jon................................................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track A

Hildebrand, Jennifer...................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Howe, Carol...................................................................................................................................Wednesday Luncheon

Huberty, Brian ...........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Hubmer, Todd............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Hudalla, Paul..............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Jacobson, Meghan...........................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track B

Janke, Ben.........................................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track B

Jarcho, Kyle...............................................................................................................................................Poster Session.

Johnson, Lucinda..................................................................................................................................Plenary Session I

Johnson, Stephanie....................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Johnson, Wade.................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track D

Johnson, Stephanie..........................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track A

Johnson,Stephanie.........................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track B

Jones, Perry........................................................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track C

Jorgensen, Zach...............................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track C

Kaiser, Kimberly................................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track D

Kale, Nathaniel...........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

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Kalinosky, Paula...............................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track C

Kaster, Tony................................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Kean, Al............................................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track A

Keehn, Rocky.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session 1, Track A

Kelly, Megan...............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Kessler, Andrew...............................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track D

Klabo, Justin.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track A

Kleist, Chris......................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track C

Kloiber, Steve.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track D

Kluckhohn, Rebecca..................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Kozarek, Jessica................................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, Track A

Krogman, Ann............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Lawrence, Michael............................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track A

Leaf, Ron.........................................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track C

Leichty, Lanol.............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Lenhart, Christian...................................................................................................................................... Poster Session

Lepore, Jessie............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Lewandowski, Ann.....................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Lorenz, David...................................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track D

Macbeth, Eric...................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track C

Magdalene, Suzanne.................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Markfort, Corey.................................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track B

Markhart, Beth............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Massaro, Pamela...................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track C, Poster Session

Matteson, Scott................................................................................................................ Concurrent Session V, Track D

McComas, Steve...............................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track B

Miller, Thomas............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Moore, Trisha.......................................................................................... Concurrent Session I, Track C, Poster Session

Morris, Mark...............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Musser, Kimberly...............................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track D

Nelson, Alex......................................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track A

Nestingen, Rebecca.........................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track C

Olson, Jennifer........................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track C, Poster Session

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Peterson, Heidi..................................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, Track D

Pichelmann, Rachel.......................................................................................................... Concurrent Session II, Track A

Raber, Carrie....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track D

Radatz, Tim.......................................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, Track D

Ran, Qinghong...........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Ranaivoson, Andry.....................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Read, Nancy...............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Resseger, Emily.........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Ross, Lanya...............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Sadowsky, Michael....................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Schall Young, Della...........................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track D

Scharf, Roger....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, Track B

Schleeter, Brad...................................................................................................................Concurrent Session I, Track C

Schoen, Kurt...............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Sterner, Robert...........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Stovring, Leslie.................................................................................................................Concurrent Session III, Track C

Strom, Jeffrey.............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Swanson, Brady.........................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Thompson, Bill............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Tilman, Lisa................................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Tolcser, Bryan.............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Ulrich, Jason......................................................................................................................Concurrent Session V, Track A

Valenty, Justin............................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Valley, Ray..................................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Wall, David.......................................................................................................................Concurrent Session IV, Track D

Weiss, Jeff..................................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Willenbring,Peter.......................................................................................................................................Poster Session

Wilson,Greg.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track A

Wisker,James..................................................................................................................Concurrent Session VI, Track A

Woznak, Brad.....................................................................................................................Concurrent Session II, Track A

Final Program and Abstracts Book Minnesota Water …1 The Minnesota Water Resources Conference...

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Transcript of Final Program and Abstracts Book Minnesota Water …1 The Minnesota Water Resources Conference...