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Bois de Sioux Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan (WRAP):data inventory, data gaps, and load duration curves

Consultants: Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

Produced for:the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency & the Bois de Sioux Watershed District

April 1, 2013

Document Component SpecsText: Staples • multipurpose paper, 24 lb. text – 50% post-consumer fibers, FSC Certified.Back Cover: Neenah Paper • Esse • Texture, Sapphire • 100 lb. cover • 30% post-consumer fibers, Green Seal® CertifiedWire Binding: Manufactured using recycled high carbon steel

Cover ImagesLeft Image: Stream Data Collection by EOR staff

Right Image: Impaired Stream in the Bois de Sioux Watershed District

Bois de Sioux Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan – Data Inventory, Data Gaps, and Load Duration Curves

April 1, 2013

Primary Authors and Contributors

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. Nancy-Jeanne LeFevre

Meghan Jacobson Jason Naber

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Jack Frederick Kevin Stroom

Bois de Sioux Watershed District

Jon Roeschlein Charlie Anderson- WSN Engineering

Bois de Sioux WRAP – Data Inventory, Gaps, and LDCs (2003-2012), 4.1.2013

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

ii

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

2 Impairments ............................................................................................................. 1 3 Water Quantity Data Inventory ................................................................................. 4 4 Water Quality Data Inventory ................................................................................... 4

4.1 Streams .......................................................................................................................... 4 4.2 Lakes ............................................................................................................................12

4.2.1 Impaired Lakes ......................................................................................................12 4.2.2 Lake Traverse ........................................................................................................13

5 Biological Data Inventory ....................................................................................... 13 6 Habitat Data Inventory ........................................................................................... 14

7 Data Gaps .............................................................................................................. 14

8 Related Plans and Studies ..................................................................................... 16

9 Load Duration Curve Methods ............................................................................... 16

9.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................16 9.2 Flow derivation ..............................................................................................................17 9.3 Water quality targets / pollutants analyzed ....................................................................17

10 Flow Duration Curves ............................................................................................. 19 11 Load Duration Curves ............................................................................................ 21

11.1 Impaired Reach: Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501) ..................................................21 11.2 Impaired Reach: Rabbit River (09020101-502) ..............................................................23 11.3 Impaired Reach: Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503) ..................................................25 11.4 Impaired Reach: Doran Slough (09020101-510) ...........................................................27 11.5 Impaired Reach: Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-516) .........................................................29 11.6 Impaired Reach: Judicial Ditch 12 (09020101-517) .......................................................30 11.7 Impaired Reach: Lateral Three of Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-527) ...............................31

12 References ............................................................................................................. 32



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List of Figures Figure 1. Impaired waterbodies (lakes and streams) and monitoring stations in the Bois de

Sioux River Watershed. ...................................................................................................... 3 Figure 2. Flow duration curve for the Bois de Sioux River near Doran, MN (USGS 05051300),

2003-2012. .........................................................................................................................19 Figure 3. Flow duration curve for the Rabbit River at Campbell, CR4 (DNR/USGS 54017001),

2007-2011. .........................................................................................................................20 Figure 4. Flow duration curve for the Bois de Sioux River near White Rock, SD (USGS

05050000), 2003-2012. ......................................................................................................20 Figure 5. Load duration curve for E. coli at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501). .....................21 Figure 6. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501).

...........................................................................................................................................22 Figure 7. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501). .....22 Figure 8. Load duration curve for chlorophyll-a at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501). ...........23 Figure 9. Load duration curve for E. coli at Rabbit River (09020101-502). ................................23 Figure 10. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Rabbit River (09020101-502). .....24 Figure 11. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Rabbit River (09020101-502). ..............24 Figure 12. Load duration curve for chlorophyll-a at Rabbit River (09020101-502). ....................25 Figure 13. Load duration curve for E. coli at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503). ...................25 Figure 14. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-

503). ..................................................................................................................................26 Figure 15. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503)....26 Figure 16. Load duration curve for chlorophyll-a at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503). .........27 Figure 17. Load duration curve for E. coli at Doran Slough (09020101-510). ............................27 Figure 18. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Doran Slough (09020101-510). ...28 Figure 19. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Doran Slough (09020101-510). ............28 Figure 20. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-516). .29 Figure 21. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-516). ..........29 Figure 22. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Judicial Ditch 12 (09020101-517).

...........................................................................................................................................30 Figure 23. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Judicial Ditch 12 (09020101-517). ........30 Figure 24. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Lateral Three of JD 2 (09020101-

527). ..................................................................................................................................31 Figure 25. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Lateral Three of JD 2 (09020101-527). 31



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List of Tables Table 1. Impaired waterbodies in the Bois de Sioux Watershed (HUC 09020101). .................... 2 Table 2. Existing daily USGS flow data summary for Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-

2012. ................................................................................................................................... 4 Table 3. Potential stressors and water quality parameters ......................................................... 5 Table 4. Stream monitoring programs in the Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. ......... 6 Table 5. Stream data inventory: temperature, DO, TSS, turbidity, TP, chl-a, and E. coli data

summary for the Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. ............................................ 7 Table 6. Stream data: March and April (snowmelt) data summary for temp, DO, TSS, turbidity,

and TP, 2003-2012. ............................................................................................................ 9 Table 7. Stream monitoring station locations by AUID. ..............................................................11 Table 8. Lake monitoring programs in the Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. ............12 Table 9. Impaired lakes data inventory: TP, chl-a, Secchi transparency, DO, DO saturation, and

temperature data summary for Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012.......................12 Table 10. Impaired lakes growing season (June – September) means for TP, chl-a, and Secchi

transparency, 2003-2012. ..................................................................................................13 Table 11. Lake Traverse data inventory: TP, chl-a, Secchi transparency, DO, DO saturation,

and temperature data summary for Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. ...............13 Table 12. Lake Traverse growing season (June – September) means for TP, chl-a, and Secchi

transparency, 2003-2012. ..................................................................................................13 Table 13. Water chemistry data gaps of impaired streams in the Bois de Sioux Watershed (HUC

09020101) for the period 2003-2012. .................................................................................15 Table 14. Related Plans and Studies Useful for the Bois de Sioux River WRAP. ......................16 Table 15. Flow and water quality monitoring stations used for the load duration curve of each

impaired reach. ..................................................................................................................18 Table 16. Water quality targets for load duration curve analysis. ...............................................19

Bois de Sioux River Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan – Data Inventory (2003-2012), 2.28.2013


1

1 Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide a data inventory, identify data gaps, and present the load

duration curve analyses as a part of Phase I of the Bois de Sioux Watershed Restoration and

Protection Plan. The findings herein are intended to support MPCA’s stressor identification for

impairments in the Bois de Sioux River Watershed (HUC 09020101).

2 Impairments

Stream and lake impairments in the Bois de Sioux Watershed (HUC 09020101) are shown in

Table 1. Impairments shown include those from the 2012 Impaired Waters list and impairments

identified in the 2012 MPCA assessment cycle for the draft 2014 Impaired Waters list.

Impairments addressed in this report include dissolved oxygen (DO), Escherichia coli (E. coli),

fish bioassessments, invertebrate bioassessments, turbidity, and eutrophication. Impaired streams

and lakes are mapped in Figure 1.



2

Table 1. Impaired waterbodies in the Bois de Sioux Watershed (HUC 09020101).

AUID Name Description Affected Use

Impairment Year Listed

Str

ea

ms

09020101-501

Bois de Sioux River

Rabbit R to Otter Tail R

Primary Contact

Recreation E. coli 2014

Aquatic Life

Turbidity 2008

Fish Bioassessments

2002

DO 1998

09020101-502

Rabbit River Wilkin County line to Boise de Sioux R

Aquatic Recreation

E. coli 2010

Aquatic Life

Fish 2002

DO 2004

Invertebrate Bioassessments

2014

09020101-503

Bois de Sioux River

Mud Lk to Rabbit R

Aquatic Life Turbidity 2014

09020101-510

Unnamed creek (Doran Slough)

Headwaters to Bois de Sioux R

Aquatic Life DO 2014

Primary Contact

Recreation

E. coli 2014

09020101-512

Rabbit River, South Fork

Wilkin County line to Rabbit R

Aquatic Life

DO 2014

Fish Bioassessments

2014

Turbidity 2014

09020101-515

Unnamed creek

Unnamed cr to Rabbit R


Turbidity 2014

09020101-516

Judicial Ditch 2 Unnamed ditch to Unnamed ditch


09020101-517

Judicial Ditch 12

Unnamed ditch to JD 7

Aquatic Life

DO 2014

Turbidity 2014

09020101-527

Unnamed ditch Headwaters to Unnamed ditch


09020101-535

Unnamed creek

Unnamed cr to Lk Traverse

Aquatic Life Fish

Bioassessments 2014

09020101-539

Unnamed creek

Unnamed cr to CD 52

Aquatic Life Fish

Bioassessments 2014

09020101-540

County Ditch 52

Unnamed cr to Unnamed cr

Aquatic Life Fish

Bioassessments 2014

La

ke

s

26-0294-00 Ash Aquatic

Recreation Eutrophication 2014

78-0024-00 Mud Aquatic


56-0957-00 Upper Lightning Aquatic




3

Figure 1. Impaired waterbodies (lakes and streams) and monitoring stations in the Bois de Sioux River Watershed.



4

3 Water Quantity Data Inventory

There are three long-term flow monitoring sites. Table 2 identifies flow data from USGS stations

over the most recent 10-year period. Station locations are mapped in Figure 1. Table 2. Existing daily USGS flow data summary for Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012.

Station Waterbody Data Availability for the Period from 2003-2012

USGS 05051300 Bois de Sioux River near Doran, MN All years

DNR/USGS 54017001

Rabbit River at Campbell, CR4 2007-20111

USGS 05050000 Bois de Sioux River near White Rock, SD

All years

1 The original data inventory report (2.28.2013) identified data availability for the entire 10-year period (2003-

2012). Upon further investigation and correspondence with DNR/MPCA Cooperative Stream Gaging personnel, it was determined that 2012 data are not yet available and that data preceding 2007 are of unsuitable quality for use in the load duration curve analysis. “…data [from gage 54017001] prior to 2007 should all be considered poor. From its installation until 2007, the gage was used for flood warning purposes only. This means it was intended to be a stage recorder for high flows only, we took little to no flow measurements to develop a rating curve or verify flows and shifts. This is also around the time that more rigorous data QA/QC procedures were adopted. MPCA supplied funding in 2007 to upgrade this station to a full flow station, so data should be more reliable considering the increase in frequency of flow measurements and tightening of data QA/QC policies.” (Andrea Bergman, DNR, personal correspondence, 3.15.2013).

Data are available from some Bois de Sioux Watershed District gage stations in upper reaches of

the watershed. Stage-discharge rating curves have been developed for a portion of the sites. Data

from these gages are not daily or year-round. The calibrated HSPF model (being developed

under separate contract) will estimate flow at the pour point (or nearly) of each HUC 12

watershed; this simulated flow is expected to be available for use in conducting the load duration

curve analysis and TMDL calculations.

4 Water Quality Data Inventory

Water quality data have been collected at multiple sites in the watershed over the last several

decades. The data used for this project is from the MPCA’s EQuIS database, retrieved mid-

February 2013. The data analyzed consist of all stream data in the watershed and lake data from

only the impaired lakes. The following water quality data inventory focuses on data from the last

ten years (2003-2012). Section 4.1 Streams and Section 4.2 Lakes include several tables of

information: the monitoring programs under which data was collected and submitted to the

MPCA EQuIS database, (this includes data from the MPCA’s 2010-2011 Intensive Watershed

Monitoring), the number of sampling dates and years of water quality data at each monitoring

site, and targeted summary tables of existing water quality conditions.

4.1 Streams

The parameters of interest for the stream data inventory include those directly related to the

potential stressors to the biota, selected from the Red River Valley Biotic Impairment

Assessment1, which identified a set of stressors as likely leading to biotic impairments in the Red

1 EOR 2009. Red River Valley Biotic Impairment Assessment. Prepared for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.



5

River Valley. The following are the potential stressors and the water quality parameters that are

the focus of this data inventory (Table 3).

Table 3. Potential stressors and water quality parameters

Potential Stressor Water Quality Parameter

Instream sediment from field and gully erosion Turbidity, TSS

Intermittent stream flow *

Channelization *

Pesticides Pesticides

Low dissolved oxygen Dissolved oxygen

High temperature Temperature

Fish passage blockage *

* These potential stressors cannot be evaluated with water quality data.

In addition to turbidity, TSS, DO, and temperature data, E. coli, total phosphorus (TP), and

chlorophyll-a (chl-a) data were also inventoried for streams.

Pesticide data were collected at four locations (on- time grab samples) in July 2012. The

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has not yet provided the results, but they are

anticipated spring of 2013. MPCA will no longer be collecting pesticide samples as a part of

their Stressor ID program. Instead, MDA will be doing stream monitoring for pesticides in

conjunction with MPCA WRAPs.

The most highly monitored reaches (AUIDs) within the Bois de Sioux River Watershed are

along the Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501, Rabbit R to Otter Tail R) and the Rabbit River

(09020101-502, Wilkin County line to Bois de Sioux River). Data from these sites may be the

best indicators of long-term changes within the Bois de Sioux River Watershed.



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Table 4. Stream monitoring programs in the Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. Data summarized for streams includes turbidity, TSS, DO, temperature, E. coli, TP, and chl-a. Source: MPCA’s EQuIS

Monitoring Project Notes Description

Citizen Stream Monitoring Program

2004 & 2006; primarily 2007

(Mar/Apr – Sept/Oct) Weekly in 2007

11 sites

Condition monitoring providing an expanded monitoring network. Of the parameters relevant for this project only temperature data is available.

Major Watershed Pollutant Load

Monitoring Network

2008 – 2012

(year-round) Twice per month in growing

season, else, monthly

3 sites

The purpose of the project is to meet the information goal of determining status and trends (temporal and spatial) in nutrient and sediment loads carried by streams in the state. Basin planners and resource management partners at all levels will use river nutrient and sediment loads at the mouths of the 81 DNR major watersheds (8 digit USGS HUCs), in order to develop goals for long-term management.

MN Dept of Agriculture Water Quality

Monitoring Program (MNDA)

2005 – 2011

(May – July) Every other week

1 site

The MDA is meeting statutory requirements to determine the impact of pesticides on the environment and to use the data as feedback in the pesticide management process.

Mustinka and Bois de Sioux Intensive Water Chemistry Monitoring

2010 – 2011

(May/Jun – Aug/Sept) Every other week

3 sites

Monitoring is conducted to determine the overall health of the water resources, identify impaired waters, and identify waters in need of additional protection efforts to prevent impairments. Condition monitoring is conducted via a 10-year cycle (2 years of every 10 years) through which trends and watershed restoration and protection plans are identified.

Red River Basin Stream Monitoring &

Assessment;(and 5/11/2011 Sand Hill Intensive Watershed Monitoring SWAG)

2008 – 2010

(Jun/Jul – Sep/Oct) Weekly

6 sites

Condition monitoring, sample identified sites to provide necessary data to assess streams in the Red River Basin.

Red River Basin Condition Monitoring

Network

2003 – 2007, 2009 – 2012

(April – October) Weekly in summer, else, less

7 sites

The purpose of the Red River Basin Monitoring Network is to provide accurate, long-term information concerning the condition of the Red River and its tributaries to the resource managers of the Red River Basin.

Red River Basin GAP

2008 – 2009

(July – October; April – June) Weekly

2 sites

Condition to provide the necessary data to support the development of multi-parameter, watershed-based TMDLs within the Red River Basin.

Red River Basin River Watch Project

2003 – 2006 2008 – 2012

(April – October) Monthly

12 sites

To develop reliable baseline data using standard scientific methods comparable between sampling organizations and water bodies. Also to provide students and citizens with hands-on opportunities to foster greater awareness and understanding of their local watersheds. Most of the sampling done for this project will be via volunteers.

Upper Red River TMDL Project

2003

(March – June) Monthly 4 sites

Investigate the water quality of the surface water impairments in the Bois de Sioux, Ottertail Whiskey Creek and Red River of the North watersheds.



7

Table 5. Stream data inventory: temperature, DO, TSS, turbidity, TP, chl-a, and E. coli data summary for the Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. Table 7 identifies the stream monitoring stations on each of these AUIDs. AUID (09020101-xxx)

AUID Description Temp. D.O. TSS Turbidity TP Chl-a E. coli

(years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N)

501 Bois de Sioux River Rabbit R to Otter Tail R

2003-2012

283 2003-2012

277 2003-2012

264 2003-2012

444 2003-2012

300 2010 15 2008-2011

32

502 Rabbit River Wilkin County line to Bois de Sioux River

2003-2012

263 2003-2012

261

2003-2008; 2010; 2012

103 2003-2012

296 2003-2010; 2012

109 2003; 2009-2010

19 2003; 2008-2011

39

503 Bois de Sioux River Mud Lk to Rabbit R

2009-2011

40 2009-2011

40 2009; 2010

29 2009-2011

43 2009-2010

22 2009 8 2009-2011

29

510

Unnamed creek (Doran Slough) Headwaters to Bois de Sioux R

2008-2011

53 2008-2011

66 2008-2011

36 2008-2011

71 2008-2009

19 - - 2008-2011

34

512

Rabbit River, South Fork Wilkin County line to Rabbit R

2005-2012

40 2005-2012

58 - - 2005-2012

40 - - - - - -

513 County Ditch 9 Unnamed ditch to Unnamed cr

2005-2012

39 2005-2012

40 - - 2005-2012

39 - - - - - -

515 Unnamed creek Unnamed cr to Rabbit R

2004-2005; 2007-2012

35

2004-2005; 2007-2012

35 - -

2004-2005; 2007-2012

35 - - - - - -

516 Judicial Ditch 2 Unnamed ditch to Unnamed ditch

2004-2005; 2007-2012

64

2004-2005; 2007-2012

52 2004; 2010-2012

28

2004-2005; 2007-2012

64 2004; 2010-2012

28 - - - -

517 Judicial Ditch 12 Unnamed ditch to JD 7

2004-2012

59 2004-2012

64 2004; 2010-2012

25 2004-2012

58 2004; 2010-2012

25 - - - -

520

Unnamed ditch (North Lateral One of JD #12) Unnamed ditch to Unnamed ditch

2004-2005; 2009-2010; 2012

41 - - 2004; 2010-2011

21

2004-2005; 2009-2010; 2012

41 2004; 2010-2011

21 - - - -



8

AUID (09020101-xxx)

AUID Description Temp. D.O. TSS Turbidity TP Chl-a E. coli

(years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N)

521 Unnamed ditch Unnamed ditch to JD2

2010-2012

24 2010-2012

26 2010-2012

24 2010-2012

24 2010-2012

24 - - - -

527

Unnamed ditch (Lateral Three of JD #2) Headwaters to Unnamed ditch

2004-2005; 2009-2012

53

2004-2005; 2009-2012

41 2004; 2010-2012

28

2004-2005; 2009-2012

52 2004; 2010-2012

28 - - - -



9

Table 6. Stream data: March and April (snowmelt) data summary for temp, DO, TSS, turbidity, and TP, 2003-2012. Table 7 identifies the stream monitoring stations on each of these AUIDs.

AUID (09020101-xxx)

AUID Description

Temp (deg C)

DO (mg/L)

TSS (mg/L)

Turbidity (FNU1)

TP

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

501

Bois de Sioux River Rabbit R to Otter Tail R

7.1 -0.10 17 69 11 5.0 20 67 88 2 840 71 49 2.5 398 67 314 84 78 71

502

Rabbit River Wilkin County line to Bois de Sioux River

8.7 0.24 17 42 10 0 18 42 116 9.0 766 19 83 6.8 443 19 440 131 1,180 19

503

Bois de Sioux River Mud Lk to Rabbit R

9.9 8.0 12 2 11 11 11 2 102 59 145 2 48 2 74 2 277 225 329 2

510


9.4 6.4 14 6 9.1 4.8 15 6 12 1.0 23 5 7.7 0.10 16 5 361 260 497 3

512


8.9 4.1 17 7 10 7.6 15 7 - - - - 57 57 57 1 - - - -

513 County Ditch 9 Unnamed ditch to Unnamed cr

9.4 2.6 17 6 11 9.8 13 6 - - - - 7.9 7.9 7.9 1 - - - -

515

Unnamed creek Unnamed cr to Rabbit R

9.2 3.3 17 7 9.0 7.1 13 7 - - - - 24 24 24 1 - - - -

516


7.9 0.58 16 13 12 8.6 17 13 29 7.0 55 6 26 8.8 53 7 339 104 581 6



10

AUID (09020101-xxx)

AUID Description

Temp

(deg C)

DO

(mg/L)

TSS

(mg/L)

Turbidity

(FNU1)

TP

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

Me

an

Min

Ma

x

N

517

Judicial Ditch 12 Unnamed ditch to JD 7

8.0 1.4 16 14 11 8.9 14 14 17 4.8 25 7 12 5.4 19 8 341 101 812 7

520

Unnamed ditch (North Lateral One of JD #12) Unnamed ditch to Unnamed ditch

8.7 4.4 14 8 13 8.4 16 8 4.5 1.6 8.0 5 7.8 1.2 31 5 204 36 508 5

521 Unnamed ditch Unnamed ditch to JD2

6.5 2.4 13 6 12 11 13 6 23 6 39 6 15 3.1 26 6 335 116 585 6

527


7.6 1.3 14 10 11 8.8 20 10 6.9 3.2 14 7 5.4 0.40 10 7 348 78 948 7

1 Turbidity is expressed in many units in the EQuIS database (FNMU, FNU, NTRU, NTU). Data from all units are included in the inventory (Table

5), but for the purposes of analyzing the data, only data having units of FNU were used. Data with units of FNU had the most available data in March and April.



11

Table 7. Stream monitoring station locations by AUID. AUID (09020101 -xxx)

Monitoring Station

Monitoring Station Location

501

S000-089 BOIS DE SIOUX R. AT BRECKENRIDGE

S000-553 BOIS DE SIOUX R ON CSAH-6 5.1 MI SW OF DORAN

502

S001-029 RABBIT RIVER AT US-75, 5 MILES NW OF CAMPBELL

S001-051 RABBIT R AT CSAH-9 8 MI NW OF CAMPBELL

S001-052 RABBIT R AT CSAH-2 3 MI SE OF CAMPBELL

S001-053 RABBIT R AT CSAH-19 2.5 MI N OF NASHUA

S002-002 RABBIT R,

AT CSAH-4 RT BANK OF BRG, 0.1 MI SW OF CAMPBELL

503 S003-119 BOIS DE SIOUX R AT MN-55 2 MI E FAIRMOUNT ND/5.4 W TENNEY MN

510

S005-144 UNN STR (DORAN SLOUGH) AT 190TH AVE 2.6 MI S OF BRECKENRIDGE

S005-145 UNN STR (DORAN SLOUGH) ON US-75, 1 MI SW OF DORA

512 S004-176 RABBIT R AT CR-152, 3.1 MI SE OF CAMPBELL

513 S004-177 CD-9 AT UNN RD, 3 MI NE OF CAMPBELL

515 S003-120 UNN TRIB TO THE RABBIT R AT MN-9, 1.5 MI NO. OF CAMPBELL

516 S003-274 JD #2 ON MN-55, 2 MI E OF NASHUA

517 S003-275 JD #12 AT 2ND STREET BRIDGE ON EAST EDGE OF TINTAH

520 S003-272 NORTH LATERAL ONE OF JD #12 AT CR-41, 9.8 MI SE OF TINTAH

521 S006-159 UNN DTCH AT INTERSECTION 240TH ST & CR-40, 5.5 MI SE TINTAH

527 S003-273 LATERAL THREE OF JD #2 AT CR-42, 9.1 MI ESE OF TINTAH



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4.2 Lakes

The parameters of interested for the lake data inventory include those pollutants and indicators

associated with eutrophication: total phosphorus (TP), Secchi transparency, chl-a, DO, DO

saturation, and temperature.

4.2.1 Impaired Lakes

Table 8. Lake monitoring programs in the Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. Data summarized for lakes includes TP, Secchi transparency, chl-a, DO, DO saturation, and temperature. Source: MPCA’s EQuIS

Monitoring Project Notes Description

Clean Water Legacy Surface Water

Monitoring

2010

(May – Sept) Monthly

Ash Lake

Condition monitoring to complete or enhance the dataset for assessment.

2008 – 2009


Mud Lake

2009 – 2010


Upper Lightning Lake

DNR Shallow Lakes Monitoring Program

2003 & 2009

(Sept; June) Monthly

Ash Lake The Shallow Lakes Program works to protect and enhance wildlife habitat on lakes dominated by the shallow water (or littoral) zone.

2005 & 2008

(Aug; July) Monthly

Upper Lightening Lake

Ducks Unlimited MN DNR Shallow Lake

Wildlife Study

2009 – 2011

(Jun/July/Aug - Sept) Monthly

Ash Lake

Ducks Unlimited works in Minnesota through its Living Lakes Initiative to restore shallow lakes, an important migration habitat for waterfowl.

Table 9. Impaired lakes data inventory: TP, chl-a, Secchi transparency, DO, DO saturation, and temperature data summary for Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. All monitoring stations within a single lake were lumped for this data summary.

Lake (AUID)

TP chl-a Secchi

transparency D.O.

D.O. Saturation

Temp.

(years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N)1 (years) (N)

1 (years) (N)

1

Ash (26-0294-00)

2003; 2009-2011

15 2009-2011

13 2003; 2009-2011

13 2010 5 2010 5 2003; 2009-2011

12

Mud (78-0024-00)

2008-2009

10 2008-2009

10 2008-2009

10 2008-2009

11 2008-2009

11 2008-2009

11

Upper Lightening (56-0957-00)

2005; 2008-2010

12 2008-2010

11 2005; 2008-2010

12 2009-2010

10 2009-2010

10 2005; 2008-2010

12

1 Data collected on a single day as a profile of the water column is counted as one.



13

Table 10. Impaired lakes growing season (June – September) means for TP, chl-a, and Secchi transparency, 2003-2012. All monitoring stations within a single lake were lumped for this data summary.

Lake (AUID)

TP chl-a Secchi

transparency Mean (µg/L)

N Mean (µg/L)

N Mean (m)

N

Ash (26-0294-00)

179 14 70 12 0.29 12

Mud (78-0024-00)

426 8 29 8 0.30 8

Upper Lightening (56-0957-00)

84 10 32 9 1.1 10

4.2.2 Lake Traverse

As a follow-up to the Technical Advisory Committee meeting on March 7, 2013, data from Lake

Traverse, although not listed as impaired, was retrieved and evaluated. Lake Traverse is a

reservoir located in the Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregion and is a Class 2B and 3C water.

Eutrophication standards are ≤65 µg/L total phosphorus, ≤22 µg/L chlorophyll-a, and Secchi

transparency of ≥0.9 meters. Based on growing season means for the period from 2003-2012

(Table 12), it appears that Lake Traverse does not meet state eutrophication standards for TP;

however, Lake Traverse is not listed on the draft 2012 list of impaired waters. In addition,

MPCA has not indicated that it will be listed on the 2014 list.

Table 11. Lake Traverse data inventory: TP, chl-a, Secchi transparency, DO, DO saturation, and temperature data summary for Bois de Sioux River Watershed, 2003-2012. All monitoring stations within a single lake were lumped for this data summary.

Lake (AUID)

TP chl-a Secchi

transparency D.O.

D.O. Saturation

Temp.

(years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N) (years) (N)1 (years) (N)

1 (years) (N)

1

Traverse (78-0025-00)

2008; 2010

19 2008; 2010

15 2004-2011

44 2008; 2010

61 2008; 2010

60 2008; 2010

61

1 Data collected on a single day as a profile of the water column is counted as one.

Table 12. Lake Traverse growing season (June – September) means for TP, chl-a, and Secchi transparency, 2003-2012. All monitoring stations within a single lake were lumped for this data summary.

Lake (AUID)

TP chl-a Secchi

transparency Mean (µg/L)

N Mean (µg/L)

N Mean (m)

N

Traverse (78-0025-00)

213 12 19.6 12 0.98 36

5 Biological Data Inventory

MPCA Stressor ID Staff will provide a summary of available biological data. This summary is

not yet available. Initial findings are typical of stressors in the Red River Basin. MPCA Staff is

completing the Bois de Sioux Monitoring and Assessment Report that covers the biological,

chemical, and Minnesota Stream Habitat Assessment (MSHA) data that was collected in the

initial phase of the WRAP plus any additional data that went into the impairment assessments.



14

6 Habitat Data Inventory

Minnesota Stream Habitat Assessment (MSHA) data is being used by MPCA Stressor ID Staff to

link biological communities to measures of habitat health. This data will be summarized as a part

of the Bois de Sioux Monitoring and Assessment Report and may also be useful for the stream

geomorphic assessment.

7 Data Gaps

Data gaps by impaired reach are summarized in Table 13. Notable data gaps are described

below.

7.1 Streams

Impaired reaches 09020101-535, -539, and -540 have no water quality data available in EQuIS,

which would preclude our ability to develop load duration curves for these reaches and is a

notable data gap. All three reaches discharge (nearly directly) to the southeast shore of Lake

Traverse. Verification from MPCA is needed to determine if the data for these reaches exist and,

if so, when they will be available through EQuIS.

Impaired reaches 09020101-512 and -515 are missing TSS and TP data, which would be

candidate numeric targets for the TMDL, if data were available. Several reaches are missing

chlorophyll-a data, a stressor associated with eutrophication. This parameter would be useful for

the stressor ID although would not be a likely candidate numeric target for the TMDL.

In addition, we have only grab samples of DO from the EQuIS database. This is a data gap with

respect to the evaluation of stressors associated with impairments, including the evaluation of

DO flux. Continuous DO data would be useful for interpretation of diurnal trends. If this data

cannot be obtained at each impaired reach, a cross-section of reaches could be monitored: large

and small stream reaches, plus reaches in the lake plain and beach ridge.

7.2 Lakes

There are no water quality data gaps for the impaired lakes. However, based on data from 2003-

2012 (Table 12) and anecdotal evidence provided by the Bois de Sioux Watershed and members

of the Technical Advisory Committee for the BdS WRAP, it appears that Lake Traverse does not

meet eutrophication standards, but it is not listed on the draft 2012 impaired waters list. No

indication from MPCA has been provided indicating that Lake Traverse is proposed to be listed

on the 2014 list. A review by MPCA staff is needed to determine if sufficient data exists for the

assessment process.

Other gaps for the lakes include bathymetry and aquatic macrophyte data for all lakes and fishery

data for Ash or Upper Lightening.



15

Table 13. Water chemistry data gaps of impaired streams in the Bois de Sioux Watershed (HUC 09020101) for the period 2003-2012.

AUID Name Description Affected Use

Pollutant /Stressor

Year Listed

Water Chemistry Data

Gaps

09020101-501

Bois de Sioux River

Rabbit R to Otter Tail R

Primary Contact

Recreation E. coli 2014 -

Aquatic Life

Turbidity 2008

No DO flux Fish

Bioassessments 2002

DO 1998

09020101-502

Rabbit River

Wilkin County line to Boise de Sioux R

Aquatic Recreation

E. coli 2010 -

Aquatic Life

Fish 2002

No DO flux DO 2004

Invertebrate Bioassessments

2014

09020101-503

Bois de Sioux River

Mud Lk to Rabbit R


Limited spring runoff data (only 2 samples for Temp,

DO, TSS, turbidity, and TP)

09020101-510

Unnamed creek (Doran Slough)

Headwaters to Bois de Sioux R

Primary Contact

Recreation E. coli 2014 -

Aquatic Life DO 2014 No chl-a, DO flux

09020101-512

Rabbit River, South Fork

Wilkin County line to Rabbit R

Aquatic Life

DO 2014

No TSS, TP, chl-a, DO flux

Fish Bioassessments

2014

Turbidity 2014

09020101-515

Unnamed creek

Unnamed cr to Rabbit R

Aquatic Life DO 2014 No TSS, TP, chl-

a, DO flux Turbidity 2014

09020101-516

Judicial Ditch 2

Unnamed ditch to Unnamed ditch

Aquatic Life Turbidity 2014 No chl-a, DO flux

09020101-517

Judicial Ditch 12

Unnamed ditch to JD 7

Aquatic Life

DO 2014

No chl-a, DO flux Turbidity 2014

09020101-527

Unnamed ditch

Headwaters to Unnamed ditch

Aquatic Life DO 2014 No chl-a, DO flux

09020101-535

Unnamed creek

Unnamed cr to Lk Traverse

Aquatic Life Fish

Bioassessments 2014 No Data

09020101-539

Unnamed creek

Unnamed cr to CD 52

Aquatic Life Fish


09020101-540

County Ditch 52

Unnamed cr to Unnamed cr

Aquatic Life Fish




16

8 Related Plans and Studies

Table 14 identifies plans and studies that may be useful during development of the Bois de Sioux River

WRAP.

Table 14. Related Plans and Studies Useful for the Bois de Sioux River WRAP.

Plan or Study Description

EOR. Mustinka River (09020102) and Bois de Sioux River (09020101) HSPF Model, in progress.

Model results may guide TMDLs, existing load determinations, and implementation strategy.

MNDNR. Regional Hydrogeologic Assessments: Southern Red River Valley (1996), Otter Tail (2002), Traverse-Grant (2008). Available at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/ groundwater_section/mapping/status.html

Data are useful for identifying groundwater characteristics of the watershed.

HDR. 2003. Overall Plan: Bois de Sioux Watershed District.

Useful quick reference for watershed and water resource characteristics. Identifies watershed goals and objectives, subwatershed implementation plans, annual monitoring and evaluation program, and District policies.

WSN. 2011. Bois de Sioux Tributary HEC-HMS Model.

Useful channel cross-section data, stream layers, subwatershed boundaries, 5m DEM (incl. one with hydrologic corrections), identification of breakout flows.

North Ottawa Hydro Report http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/NO_2011HydroReport.pdf 2011 Level and Flow Data for the North Ottawa project.

BdSWD Annual Report 2011 http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/2011%20Annual%20Report%20(BdSWD).pdf Summary of District Projects and Activities in 2011.

Application of Flow Reduction Strategy in the BdSWD

http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/FlowReductionStrategyinBdSW.pdf 2010 Report including strategies to reduce flooding in the BdSWD and Red River Basin.

Rabbit River Turbidity TMDL http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-document.html?gid=15970

Mustinka River Turbidity TMDL http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-document.html?gid=14019

Mustinka River Turbidity TMDL Implementation Plan

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-document.html?gid=15421

Mustinka River WRAP- in progress

The Mustinka River watershed is located immediately adjacent and has similar characteristics to the Bois de Sioux/Rabbit watershed. Work Plan and TMDL analysis prepared for the Mustinka WRAP may have applicable components to the Bois de Sioux WRAP.

9 Load Duration Curve Methods

9.1 Introduction

Load duration curves (LDCs) illustrate pollutant concentrations with respect to flow on the same

day and, thereby, provide information as to the timing and source of pollutants in the water body.

The y-axis of an LDC represents the pollutant load, and the x-axis represents flow in terms of the

probability of exceedance: low flows have a high probability of exceedance and high flows have

a low probability of exceedance. In this way, the same load of pollutant would have higher

concentrations at low flows and lower concentrations at high flows, indicating different pollutant

sources (e.g. septic field leaching versus stormwater runoff). The LDC represents the loading

capacity at the water quality target for the pollutant.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/NO_2011HydroReport.pdf

http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/2011%20Annual%20Report%20(BdSWD).pdf

http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/2011%20Annual%20Report%20(BdSWD).pdf

http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/FlowReductionStrategyinBdSW.pdf

http://www.frontiernet.net/~bdswd/Files/FlowReductionStrategyinBdSW.pdf









17

Monitored loads were plotted as points overlaid on the LDC. Monitored pollutant loads (points

on the graphs) that exceed the pollutant loading at the water quality target appear above the

LDC. Note that monitored pollutant loads are individual load observations, and are not used to

determine whether the waterbody is impaired. In addition, the water quality targets apply only

during a fixed period of the year (e.g. April to October for E. coli), but this analysis evaluates

exceedances during the entire period for which data was collected, which often entails sampling

outside of the period during which the standard applies.

LDC analyses based on flow in large rivers may have a different meaning than those in small

rivers. In small rivers, high flows are the result of runoff within the immediate drainage area. In a

large river system, high flows may be the result of a rain event away from the vicinity of the

monitoring point at a far upstream location where precipitation patterns differ than that

experienced locally. In that case, high pollutant loading at high flows may actually be a dry

weather input from adjacent land that did not receive precipitation. Alternatively, the adjacent

land may be the source of the precipitation, but the pollutant may be from dry (or wet) weather

input upstream. The Bois de Sioux River, in particular, may be affected by these large river

conditions. In addition, the Bois de Sioux River flow monitoring stations are downstream of the

Lake Traverse and Mud Lake reservoirs; therefore, monitored flows are primarily affected by the

seasonal operation of the dams rather than daily precipitation patterns. The reservoir elevations

are maintained at semi-stable levels during the summertime, are lowered in late winter in

preparation for flood storage, and are raised again for maximum storage of spring floods.

9.2 Flow derivation

For LDCs, flow data from the hydrologically-nearest flow monitoring site were used to develop

the LDC for each reach. Data were weighted by watershed area to approximate flow at the

downstream end of each impaired reach. Where mainstem Bois de Sioux River data were used to

approximate tributary flow data, values for pollutant loading are less reliable than where

tributary flow data are used. However, the relationship between monitored pollutant data and the

water quality target remain valid. A list of which flow and water quality monitoring sites were

used for each reach’s LDC is in Table 15.

9.3 Water quality targets / pollutants analyzed

Stream impairments in the Bois de River Watershed include aquatic life due to dissolved oxygen

(DO), fish bioassessments, invertebrate bioassessments, and turbidity, as well as primary contact

recreation due to Escherichia coli (E. coli). LDCs evaluate pollutant loads (mass per unit time)

based on water quality grab samples as compared to flow on the same day. As such, DO (in

particular, DO flux), fish, invertebrates, and turbidity measurements are not conducive to LDC

analysis. LDCs were developed for all impaired reaches having TSS, TP, chlorophyll-a, or E.

coli data. Numeric water quality targets for total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus

(TP) are typically used for TMDL derivation as surrogates for the pollutants/stressors causing

aquatic life impairments. TSS and TP are fit for determination of loading capacity (and,

therefore, LDC analysis) because they can be evaluated as a pollutant load (mass per unit time).

Chlorophyll-a is a recognized stressor associated with eutrophication of streams and, therefore,

aquatic life impairments. Pollutant monitoring data (individual samples) from all monitoring

sites along an impaired reach were included in that reach’s LDC.



18

The water quality targets for TSS, TP, chlorophyll-a, and E. coli are listed in Table 16.

Table 15. Flow and water quality monitoring stations used for the load duration curve of each impaired reach.

Impaired Reach Water

Quality Station(s)

Flow Station

Name AUID

(09020101 -xxx)

Bois de Sioux River Rabbit R to Otter Tail R

501 S000-089 S000-553

5051300 Bois de Sioux River

Rabbit River Wilkin County line to Bois de Sioux River 502

S001-029 S001-051 S001-052 S001-053 S002-002

54017001 Rabbit River

Bois de Sioux River Mud Lk to Rabbit R

503 S003-119 5051300

Bois de Sioux River


510 S005-144 S005-145

54017001 Rabbit River


512 S004-176 54017001

Rabbit River

Unnamed creek Unnamed cr to Rabbit R

515 S003-120 54017001

Rabbit River


516 S003-274 54017001

Rabbit River

Judicial Ditch 12 Unnamed ditch to JD 7

517 S003-275 54017001

Rabbit River


527 S003-273 54017001

Rabbit River



19

Table 16. Water quality targets for load duration curve analysis.

Pollutant /Stressor

Water Quality Target

Reference

Total Suspended Solids

65 mg/L Aquatic Life Water Quality Standards Draft Technical Support Document for Total Suspended Solids (Turbidity) (MPCA 2011), South River Nutrient Region

Total Phosphorus 150 µg/L Minnesota Nutrient Criteria Development for Rivers (MPCA 2013), South River Nutrient Region

Chlorophyll-a 35 µg/L Minnesota Nutrient Criteria Development for Rivers (MPCA 2013), South River Nutrient Region

E. coli 126 org /100mL The MPCA’s Guidance Manual for Assessing the Quality of Minnesota Surface Waters for Determination of Impairment: 305(b) Report and 303(d) List (MPCA 2012)

10 Flow Duration Curves

Data from each of three long-term daily flow stations is provided in the following three flow

duration curves. Section 11 entails the load duration curves, which accounts for the area-

weighted flows at each impaired reach, the water quality standard, and existing water quality

data.

Figure 2. Flow duration curve for the Bois de Sioux River near Doran, MN (USGS 05051300), 2003-2012.



20

Figure 3. Flow duration curve for the Rabbit River at Campbell, CR4 (DNR/USGS 54017001), 2007-2011.

Figure 4. Flow duration curve for the Bois de Sioux River near White Rock, SD (USGS 05050000), 2003-2012.



21

11 Load Duration Curves

11.1 Impaired Reach: Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501)

Figure 5. Load duration curve for E. coli at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501).



22

Figure 6. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501).

Figure 7. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501).



23

Figure 8. Load duration curve for chlorophyll-a at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-501).

11.2 Impaired Reach: Rabbit River (09020101-502)

Figure 9. Load duration curve for E. coli at Rabbit River (09020101-502).



24

Figure 10. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Rabbit River (09020101-502).

Figure 11. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Rabbit River (09020101-502).



25

Figure 12. Load duration curve for chlorophyll-a at Rabbit River (09020101-502).

11.3 Impaired Reach: Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503)

Figure 13. Load duration curve for E. coli at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503).



26

Figure 14. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503).

Figure 15. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503).



27

Figure 16. Load duration curve for chlorophyll-a at Bois de Sioux River (09020101-503).

11.4 Impaired Reach: Doran Slough (09020101-510)

Figure 17. Load duration curve for E. coli at Doran Slough (09020101-510).



28

Figure 18. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Doran Slough (09020101-510).

Figure 19. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Doran Slough (09020101-510).



29

11.5 Impaired Reach: Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-516)

Figure 20. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-516).

Figure 21. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-516).



30

11.6 Impaired Reach: Judicial Ditch 12 (09020101-517)

Figure 22. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Judicial Ditch 12 (09020101-517).

Figure 23. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Judicial Ditch 12 (09020101-517).



31

11.7 Impaired Reach: Lateral Three of Judicial Ditch 2 (09020101-527)

Figure 24. Load duration curve for total suspended solids at Lateral Three of JD 2 (09020101-527).

Figure 25. Load duration curve for total phosphorus at Lateral Three of JD 2 (09020101-527).



32

12 References

Aquatic Life Water Quality Standards Draft Technical Support Document for Total Suspended

Solids (Turbidity). May 2011. wq-26-11. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-

document.html?gid=14922

MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency). 2012. Guidance Manual for Assessing the

Quality of Minnesota Surface Waters for Determination of Impairment: 305(b) Report and

303(d) List. wq-iw1-04. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-document.html?gid=16988

MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency). January 2013. Minnesota Nutrient Criteria

Development for Rivers, Draft January 2013. wq-s6-08.






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