5.3. SR 02-10-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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above state guidelines occur each year in mid-summer, around July. The typical low range for the fecal coliform is reportedly 100 to 400 CFU / 100 mi, with too numerous to count (TNC) peaks noted at times. The City of Elk River's policy regarding fecal coliform at Orono BeaCh is contained in Appendix F. It is noted that the Elk River area received near record precipitation in June, July and August of 2002. The total precipitation received was approximately 20-inches; this is more than 7-inches above normal for the area based on 1971-2000 data (Appendix E). Heavy precipitation can result in above average runoff and elevated water tables and may effect water quality by flushing waste materials into surface water bodies. 3.0 ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS 3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND METHODS Monitoring to determine the source(s) of the fecal coliform contamination observed at the City Beach included: 1. Continued sampling of the beach area. 2. Sampling at the entrance of the Elk River into Lake Orono. 3. Collection of samples in the Elk River and its tributaries upstream from Lake Orono. 4. Random sampling near septic systems adjacent to Lake Orono. The City of Elk River, Sherburne County SWCD anti/or the Lake Orono Improvement Association personnel performed all sample collection. Access to desig-nated sampling locations was either by wading or via motorized pontoon boat. All samples were collected via the use of individual dedicated sampling equipment. Samples at the beach were grab samples collected approximately 5-10 feet off the shoreline approximately 1-foot under the water surface. Samples were collected with a sterilized beaker on a stick; samples were then decanted into sterile laboratory-supplied whirl-packs. Samples collected from Lake Orono and the Elk River and its tributaries were generally collected with the use of 1-gallon distilled water jugs. Immediately prior to sample collection, the seal on sample jug was broken and the clean distilled water that was inside the jug was drained. The jug(s) were then submersed under water for approximately 5-10 minutes until filled with the sample. Sample collection depth at these locations was approximately 3-5 feet below water surface; or at least one-foot below water surface where the water depth was relatively shallow. The sampling that was completed near the random septic systems was completed approximately 10-feet directly off the shoreline where the septic systems were located. Samples collected from LIESCH ASSOCIATES, INC. · Jan-2003 · Hydrogeologists · Engineers · Environmental Scientists - Page 2 ·