Improvement Activities Tischer Downstream of West Arrowhead Road Incised, riprap, lack of habitat, eroding stream banks Low priority road crossing barrier, brook trout present in 2013 (upstream reach) Tischer, West Branch West Branch, between West St. Marie Street and Norton Street Constricted valley, riprap on poor habitat, invasive riparian species 2 low priority and 1 medium priority road crossing barriers Keene Creek Park, near trail Greatly incised, significant bank erosion, pooling causing warming Warming temperatures, 7% stressful temperatures (upstream reach), brook trout are present (upstream reach), high priority crossing (upstream reach) Merritt East Branch – 1/3rd mile upstream of Skyline Parkway Greatly incised, invasive species, over-widened channel, aggradation Warming temperatures Miller Up and downstream of Anderson Road Lawns mowed to stream edge, no shade, stream bank erosion Medium priority road crossing barrier, brook trout present in 1968, slightly warming water temperature Figure . Overall reach health scores (SSLSWCD 2017a). Higher scores are better quality. Stream Biological Integrity Stream vulnerability was determined on their index of biotic integrity (IBI) scores (Figure 24 and Figure 25). In the figures below, the blue markers (“> upper confidence limit”) indicate streams that are comfortably meeting threshold targets and are of the highest quality. The red markers (“< lower confidence limit”) indicate streams that do not meet the targets. The green and purple markers (“> or < threshold”) indicate streams with IBI scores that are close to the targets and are considered threatened and vulnerable to becoming impaired. These streams are vulnerable and should be considered for protection because (1) they have a high potential for restoration, and (2) they are potentially vulnerable to impairment in the future. Those streams that are unimpaired for aquatic life but may be threatened based on the IBI data include: Tischer Chester Creek Mission Creek
City of Duluth – Frontal Lake Superior (401010204) (cont.) Chester (-545) St. Louis E. coli E. coli TMDL See Section 2 and Appendix A 47-85% E. coli reduction (see Appendix A) Address discharges of untreated wastewater Improve access to public restroom access along Chester Creek. See watershed wide strategies. -- Consider installing additional permanent restrooms. Complete inspections and upgrades of all stream crossings for E. coli-impaired waters Replace sanitary sewers in high priority # of crossings X X 2048 Address subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory and assess septic systems Upgrade all ITPH systems Investigate potential for connecting to regional wastewater system 100% compliance for all septic systems % of septic systems in compliance X Stormwater management Identify areas in the contributing drainage area that lack stormwater management and implement practices to disconnect imperviousness and provide water quality treatment. See watershed wide strategies. -- Stormwater retrofit study Implement 2 neighborhood scale projects Stormwater management provided for majority of watershed % treated X X X Pet and wildlife management See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory wildlife populations in the watershed Enhanced pet waste and wildlife management programs Vegetated buffers for majority of open waters -- X X X Education and outreach See watershed wide strategies. -- Outreach campaign that addresses sources of E. coli Conduct focused outreach every -- X X Land use planning and ordinances Update ordinances to include enforcement of pet waste ordinances. Update ordinances as needed to require vegetated buffers on open waters. -- Updated ordinances as needed Compliance with ordinances X X City of Duluth – Frontal Lake Superior (401010204) (cont.) Chester Creek (-545) (cont.) Sediment, temperature, others See Section 2 -- Streambank stabilization and riparian management Riparian restoration downstream of Kenwood Ave, between Kenwood Ave and the confluence with East Branch Chester Creek, and between Triggs Ave and Arrowhead Road on the East Branch. Remove and control invasive species in riparian areas downstream of Kenwood Ave., between Kenwood Ave Three stream restoration projects in 2016 using natural channel design principles; included Restoration of river miles 1.4-1.6 and Invasive species management Address all reaches showing increases in temperature Restoration projects on 7 stream locations -- X X X X -- 3.6
Stormwater management Address flooding after large stormwater events along Jean Duluth and Lismore Roads by implementing cost effective stormwater BMPs and/or green infrastructure. Identify areas in the contributing drainage area that lack stormwater management and implement practices to mitigate peak flows and volumes. See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Stormwater management along Jean Duluth and Lismore roads and for majority of watershed -- X X X Education and outreach Educate homeowners associations (e.g., Troy Bret Trail neighborhood) on proper lawn care, setbacks, and waste disposal. -- -- Homeowner association education materials -- X X Land use planning and ordinance Incorporate low impact development and larger setback standards into new development (e.g., Troy Brett Trail neighborhood). Enhance existing ordinances and land use plans to include additional water quality and water resource protection. See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Review and update ordinances that support quality and watershed protection -- X X Varies See Section 2 -- See watershed wide strategies. -- City of Duluth – Frontal Lake Superior (401010204) (cont.) Tischer Creek (-543 and -544) St. Louis E. coli E. coli TMDL See Section 2 and Appendix A 53-89% E. coli reduction (see Appendix A) Address discharges of untreated wastewater See watershed wide strategies. 2 stream crossings have been or upgraded by Duluth Complete inspections and upgrades of all stream crossings for E. coli-impaired waters Replace sanitary sewers in high priority areas # of crossings X X 2048 Address subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory and assess septic systems Upgrade all ITPH systems 100% compliance for all septic systems % of septic systems in compliance X
St. Marie Street and Norton Street and downstream of West Arrowhead Road. Natural riparian buffer and revegetate riprap between the confluence of the West Branch and Wallace and downstream of Hartley Pond. Remove and control invasive species in riparian buffer. Address stream reaches that are warming (see Figure 21). See watershed wide strategies. as described in SSLSWCD 2017a (Appendix B) See watershed wide strategies. Leif Erickson Park Beach (-C21) St. Louis E. coli See Section 2 Reduce # of beach closings to zero TMDL implementation Address E. coli loading from Chester (see Chester Creek). Unknown TMDL development Complete TMDL development for impaired beaches. -- Complete TMDLs and implementation plan -- -- X Stormwater management Implement stormwater management opportunities to treat direct runoff to beaches. Ensure practices do not attract additional wildlife. -- -- Stormwater retrofit plan All direct runoff receives treatment -- X X X Land use planning and ordinance Consider increased placement of receptacles on beaches. Ensure availability of adequate bathroom/shower facilities near beaches. See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Updated facilities as needed to address E. coli sources (bathrooms, pet waste, trash) -- X X Education and outreach activities Education and outreach on reducing E. coli at beaches (i.e., proper waste disposal, pet waste disposal and signage to prevent feeding of wildlife). See watershed wide strategies. -- Outreach campaign that addresses sources of E. coli Conduct focused outreach every -- X X X City of Duluth – Frontal Lake Superior (401010204) (cont.) Leif Erickson Park Beach (-C21) (cont.) Wildlife and pet waste management See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Enhanced pet and wildlife management program -- X X X All Varies See Section 2 -- See watershed wide strategies. -- St. Louis Bay (4010201116) Kingsbury Creek (-626) St. Louis Aquatic and fishes See Section 2 and Appendix A 0-97% TSS reduction during higher Reduce industrial wastewater discharges Reduce source loading per TMDL (see Appendix A and Tetra Tech 2017 DRAFT). -- Permit compliance Permit compliance -- X 2048
(elevated water temperatures, low dissolved oxygen, TSS/turbidity, poor physical habitat conditions) TSS TMDL flows (see Appendix A) Streambank stabilization and riparian management Complete geomorphic assessment of creek and determine priority sediment sources. Increase tree cover and shade to restore appropriate stream temperatures for trout and other cold water species. Focus restoration in the Proctor-area. Restore channelized and ditched stream segments to provide sinuosity and lower width to depth ratios. Provide riffles. Address areas with stagnant water near Proctor. Restore 5 high loading banks as identified in the Stressor Identification Report (MPCA 2016). Improve riparian buffers to provide shade and remain consistent with state buffer requirements. See watershed wide strategies. -- Buffers for all stream reaches consistent with Buffer Law Restoration of channelized segments in Proctor area Shade provided for stream channel 5 banks restored Additional stabilization as needed -- X X X X Stream crossing and culvert improvements See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Address stream crossings that are high priority barriers to fish passage # of crossings X X X X Stormwater management Impervious surface disconnection. Reduce peak flows and runoff volumes. Stormwater management to runoff from untreated areas in the City of Proctor and along the Canadian National rail yard. Ensure that practices do not contribute to warming of water. Reduce nutrient loading from developed See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Stormwater management provided for majority of watershed (developed portions) -- X X X St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Kingsbury Creek (-626) (cont.) Education and outreach Increase education and outreach in the developed areas near Proctor. Focus efforts on nutrient reduction, benefit of green infrastructure, riparian shade, and stormwater management good housekeeping (e.g., leaf litter management). See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Education program -- X X Land use planning and ordinances Enhance existing ordinances and land use plans to include additional water quality and water resource protection. -- -- Updated ordinances that support water quality and watershed protection -- X
Reduce mowing practices and sufficient riparian buffer at Lincoln Park. Education and outreach Outreach and education with homeowners along the stream. Develop materials for Miller Hill Mall tenants and patrons. Hold public workshops, festivals, stream clean-ups. Miller Hill Mall education materials (e.g., signage) Outreach campaign that addresses source of thermal loading Ongoing outreach and education -- X X Land use planning and ordinances Enhanced enforcement of zoning codes. Encourage low impact development practices. Establish conservation easements on sensitive including wetlands and riparian lands. Review ordinances and identify potential enhancements Easements on priority natural areas and buffers Updated ordinances that support water quality and watershed protection -- X X St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Miller Creek (-512) (cont.) E. coli E. coli TMDL See Section 2 and Appendix A 11-83% E. coli reduction (see Appendix A) Address discharges of untreated wastewater See watershed wide strategies. 1 stream crossings has been lined or upgraded by Duluth Complete inspections and upgrades of all stream crossings for E. coli-impaired waters Replace sanitary sewers in high priority areas # of crossings X X 2048 Address subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory and assess septic systems Upgrade all ITPH systems Investigate potential for connecting to 100% compliance for all septic systems % of septic systems in compliance X
regional wastewater system Stormwater management Identify areas in the contributing drainage area that lack stormwater management and implement practices to disconnect imperviousness and provide water quality treatment. See watershed wide strategies. -- Stormwater retrofit Implement 3 neighborhood scale projects Stormwater management provided for majority of watershed % treated X X X Pet and wildlife waste management See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory wildlife populations in the watershed Enhanced pet waste and wildlife management programs Vegetated buffers for majority of open waters -- X X X Education and outreach See watershed wide strategies. -- Outreach campaign that addresses sources of E. coli Conduct focused outreach every -- X X Land use planning and ordinances Update ordinances to include enforcement of pet waste ordinances. Update ordinances as needed to require vegetated buffers on open waters. -- Updated ordinances as needed Compliance with ordinances X X Chloride, aquatic See Section 2 Unknown Regional chloride strategy Develop regional chloride strategy in collaboration with . Conduct monitoring of surface and groundwater. Determine sources of high chloride; address those that do not impact health and safety. Monitoring is underway Develop chloride TMDLs as needed Develop and implement regional chloride strategy -- X X X Unknown St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Miller (-512) (cont.) Sediment, others See Section 2 -- Streambank stabilization and riparian management Naturalize stream valley and rock and concrete structures at Lincoln Park. Restoration of creek up and downstream of Anderson Road to address lawns mowed to stream edge, no shade, stream bank erosion, medium priority road crossing barrier, and slightly warming water temperature. Restoration of priority reaches as described in SSLSWCD 2017a and Figure 23. -- Restore 2 high priority locations Restoration projects on 6 stream locations as described in SSLSWCD 2017a (Appendix B) Address all reaches showing increases in temperature -- X X X X X --
Address stream reaches that are warming (see Figure 21). See watershed wide strategies. Stream crossing and culvert improvements Replace, remove or repair road crossing of Skyline Parkway/N 24th Ave W and other barriers as identified in Figure 17. See watershed wide strategies. -- Upgrade crossing at Skyline Parkway/N 24th Ave W Address stream crossings that are high priority barriers to fish passage # of crossings X X X X See watershed wide strategies. St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Keene Creek (-627) St. E. coli E. coli TMDL See Section 2 and Appendix A 67-94% E. coli reduction (see Appendix A) Address discharges of untreated wastewater See watershed wide strategies. -- Complete inspections and upgrades of all stream crossings for E. coli-impaired waters Replace sanitary sewers in high priority # of crossings X X 2048 Address subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory and assess septic systems Upgrade all ITPH systems Investigate potential for connecting to regional wastewater system 100% compliance for all septic systems % of septic systems in compliance X Stormwater management Identify in the contributing drainage area that lack stormwater management and implement practices to disconnect imperviousness and provide water quality treatment. See watershed wide strategies. -- Stormwater retrofit study Implement 2 neighborhood scale projects Stormwater management provided for majority of watershed % treated X X X St. Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Keene Creek (-627) (cont.) Pet and wildlife waste management Monitor runoff from Keene Creek Dog Park and implement practices to address loading. See watershed wide strategies. -- Monitor runoff from the dog park and implement practices to address loading Inventory wildlife populations in the watershed Enhanced pet waste and wildlife management programs Vegetated buffers for majority of open waters -- X X X
Education and outreach See watershed wide strategies. -- Outreach campaign that addresses sources of E. coli Conduct focused outreach every -- X X Land use planning and ordinances Update ordinances to include enforcement of pet waste ordinances. Update ordinances as needed to require vegetated buffers on open waters. -- Updated ordinances as needed Compliance with ordinances X X Sediment, others See Section 2 -- Streambank stabilization and riparian management Riparian restoration downstream of South Central Avenue. Restoration of priority reaches as described in SSLSWCD and Figure 23 including downstream of Keene Creek Park, near trail to address channel incision, significant bank erosion, and pooling water causing warming. Address stream reaches that are warming (see Figure 21). See watershed wide strategies. -- Restore 1 high priority Restoration projects on 8 stream locations as described in SSLSWCD (Appendix B) Address all reaches showing increases in temperature -- X X X X X -- Stream crossing and culvert improvements Replace, remove or repair road crossing acting as fish passage barriers as identified in Figure 17. See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Address stream crossings that are high priority barriers to fish passage # of crossings X X X X See watershed wide strategies. St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Sargent Creek (-848) St. Louis E. coli E. coli TMDL See Section 2 and Appendix A 0-90% E. coli reduction (see Appendix A) Address discharges of untreated wastewater See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Complete inspections and upgrades of all stream crossings for E. waters Replace sanitary sewers in high priority areas # of crossings X X 2048 Address subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Inventory and assess septic systems Upgrade all ITPH systems Investigate potential for connecting to regional wastewater system % of septic systems in compliance X
100% compliance for all septic systems Stormwater management Identify areas in the contributing drainage area that lack stormwater management and implement practices to disconnect imperviousness and provide water quality treatment. See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Stormwater retrofit study Stormwater management provided for majority of watershed % treated X X X Pet and wildlife management See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory wildlife populations in the watershed Enhanced pet waste and wildlife management programs Vegetated buffers for majority of open waters -- X X X Education and outreach See watershed wide strategies. -- Outreach campaign that addresses sources of E. coli Conduct focused outreach every -- X X St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Sargent Creek (-848) (cont.) Land use planning and ordinances Update ordinances to include enforcement of pet waste ordinances. Update ordinances as needed to require vegetated buffers on open waters. -- Updated ordinances as needed Compliance with ordinances X X Sediment, temperature, others See Section 2 -- See watershed wide strategies. -- Stewart Creek (-884) St. E. coli E. coli TMDL See Section 2 and Appendix A 0-50% E. coli reduction (see Appendix A) Address discharges of untreated wastewater See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Complete inspections and upgrades of all stream crossings for E. waters Replace sanitary sewers in high priority areas # of crossings X X 2048 Address subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Inventory and assess septic systems Upgrade all ITPH systems Investigate potential for connecting to % of septic systems in compliance X
regional wastewater system 100% compliance for all septic systems Stormwater management Identify areas in the contributing drainage area that lack stormwater management and implement practices to disconnect imperviousness and provide water quality treatment. See watershed wide strategies. -- -- Stormwater retrofit study Stormwater management provided for majority of watershed % treated X X X St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Stewart Creek (-884) (cont.) Pet and wildlife waste management See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory wildlife populations in the watershed Enhanced pet waste and wildlife management programs Vegetated buffers for majority of open waters -- X X X Education and outreach See watershed wide strategies. -- Outreach campaign that addresses sources of E. coli Conduct focused outreach every -- X X Land use planning and ordinances Update ordinances to include enforcement of pet waste ordinances. Update ordinances as needed to require vegetated buffers on open waters. -- Updated ordinances as needed Compliance with ordinances X X Sediment, others See Section 2 -- See watershed wide strategies. -- Merritt Creek (-987) St. Louis E. coli E. coli TMDL See Section 2 and Appendix A 0-89% E. coli reduction (see Appendix A) Address discharges of untreated wastewater See watershed wide strategies. -- Complete inspections and upgrades of all stream crossings for E. coli-impaired waters Replace sanitary sewers in high priority areas # of crossings X X 2048 Address subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory and assess septic systems Upgrade all ITPH systems Investigate potential for connecting to regional wastewater system 100% compliance for all septic systems % of septic systems in compliance X
Stormwater management Identify in the contributing drainage area that lack stormwater management and implement practices to disconnect imperviousness and provide water quality treatment. See watershed wide strategies. -- Stormwater retrofit study Implement 2 neighborhood projects Stormwater management provided for majority of watershed % treated X X X Pet and wildlife waste management See watershed wide strategies. -- Inventory wildlife populations in the watershed Enhanced pet waste and wildlife management programs Vegetated buffers for majority of open waters -- X X X Education and outreach See watershed wide strategies. -- Outreach campaign that addresses sources of E. coli Conduct focused outreach every -- X X St. Louis Bay (4010201116) (cont.) Merritt Creek (-987) (cont.) Land use planning and ordinances Update ordinances to include enforcement of pet waste ordinances. Update ordinances as needed to require vegetated buffers on open waters. -- Updated ordinances as needed Compliance with ordinances X X Sediment, others See Section 2 -- Streambank stabilization and riparian management Riparian restoration downstream of 1-35 to address lack of canopy species and invasive reed canary Restoration of priority reaches as described in SSLSWCD 2017a and Figure 23 including East Branch – 1/3rd mile upstream of Skyline Parkway. Address stream reaches that are warming (see Figure 21). See watershed wide strategies. -- Restore 1 high priority stream reach Restoration projects on 4 stream locations as described in SSLSWCD (Appendix B) Address all reaches showing increases in temperature -- X X X X X -- Stream crossing and culvert improvements Replace, remove or repair road crossing at Superior Hiking and other barriers as identified in Figure 17. See watershed wide strategies. -- Upgrade crossing Superior Hiking Trail Address high priority stream crossings (i.e., fish barriers) # of stream crossings X X X X See watershed wide strategies. Impaired beaches (-A91, -A87, -A89, and -A90) St. Louis E. coli See Section 2 Reduce # of beach closings to zero TMDL implementation Address E. coli loading from Stewart Creek (see Stewart Creek) X X X X X Unknown TMDL development Complete TMDL development for impaired beaches. -- Complete TMDLs and implementation plan -- X X Address discharge of untreated wastewater Ensure compliance with discharge permits. See watershed wide strategies. -- Compliance with discharge permits Compliance with discharge permits -- X X
University of Minnesota, Duluth MS4 (MS400214) 0.13 0.025 0.0060 0.0016 0.00035 St. Louis County MS4 (MS400158) 1.6 0.31 0.073 0.020 0.0042 MnDOT Outstate District MS4 (MS400180) 3.1 0.57 0.14 0.037 0.0079 Allocation 69 13 3.1 0.82 0.18 MOS 14 2.6 0.62 0.17 0. 036 Loading Capacity 140 26 6.2 1.7 0.36 Existing Load 662 151 8.2 1.9 0.72 Percent Load Reduction 79% 83% 24% 11% 50% Sargent (04010201-848) E. coli load duration curve, Sargent Creek (04010201-848). E. coli TMDL summary, Sargent (04010201-848) TMDL Parameter Flow Regime Very High High Mid-Range Low Very Low E. coli Load (billion org/day) Wasteload Allocation Duluth City MS4 (MS400086) 1.9 0.40 0.11 0.034 0.0072 Midway Township MS4 (MS400146) 0.51 0.11 0.030 0.0091 0.0019 MnDOT Outstate District MS4 (MS400180) 0.11 0.023 0.0064 0.0019 Load Allocation 24 5.0 1.4 0.42 0.089 MOS 2.9 0.62 0.17 0.052 0.011 Loading Capacity 29 6.2 1.7 0.52 0.11 Existing Load - 8.1 17 0.47 0.060 Percent Load Reduction - 23% 90% 0% 0% -: No data Stewart (04010201-884) E. coli load duration curve, Stewart Creek (04010201-884). E. coli TMDL summary, Stewart Creek (04010201-884) TMDL Parameter Flow Regime Very High High Low Very Low E. coli Load (billion org/day) Duluth City MS4 1.3 0.28 0.078 0.024 0.0050