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TO: <br /> <br />FROM: <br /> <br />DATE: <br /> <br />SUBJECT: <br /> <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />Mayor and City Council <br />Rebecca Haug, Environme~echnician <br /> <br />September 4, 2002 <br /> <br />Lake Orono <br /> <br />Item 5.10. <br /> <br />Extensive studies have been conducted upstream of Lake Orono and on Lake Orono to determine <br />why the fecal coliform counts are so high in the lake. The studies appear to show feedlots as <br />being one of the main contributors of fecal coliform bacteria. <br /> <br />Nicola Blake-Bradley, Environmental Specialist with Sherbume County and Vance Zehringer, <br />Lake Orono Improvement Association, spoke with Amy Ness, Brainerd MPCA regarding the <br />feedlots on the Elk River. Amy informed Nicola and Vance that the MPCA does not regulate <br />"pastures" with water source access. However, the MPCA does regulate erosion due to animal <br />pressure on the shoreline. <br /> <br />Sherbume County's Solid Waste Ordinance has a section related to manure and when it is <br />considered a solid waste, it is Section 20.0 - Manures. On August 5, 2002, Nicola and I <br />investigated a complaint from the Sherbume County Soil & Water Conservation District <br />concerning possible fecal coliform bacteria contamination of the Elk River from feedlots <br />(manure). We canoed down the Elk River starting at Sherburne County Rd 53 to State <br />Highway 25. During our paddle, we noted strong manure odors and much algae growth within <br />100 yards of a large feedlot. Several bank cuts were noticed along the fiver. At least two active <br />pastures were open to direct contact with the Elk River with large bank cuts at both sites. Due to <br />the large rainfall events this summer, no manure was detected in the river. <br /> <br />John Norgren, County Ditch Inspector has also noted at least one area where cattle are entering <br />County ditches which flow into the Elk River. He has written a letter to the landowner informing <br />them about the ditch laws restricting them from allowing cattle in the ditches. They will be <br />fencing the cattle off from the ditch this fall with assistance from Sherbume County SWCD. <br /> <br />Staffrecommends Mayor Stephanie Klinzing sign the attached letter to be sent to the MPCA, <br />DNR, Sherburne County Board of Commissioners and the Elk River Watershed District to <br />prevent further property loss for homeowners and further recreation loss to the public on Lake <br />Orono. <br /> <br /> <br />