07-22-1991 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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encouraged to develop more restrictive shoreland management standards, rules and regulations in order to afford even greater protection of traditional uses, environmental quality and socio-economic values. The DNR’s Shoreland Management Plan and the MCWD’s regulations provide the basic environmental protection for the lake. Without them the water quality of the lake cannot be assured. Managing tbe Lake for Water Quality The LMCD has been involved since its inception in 1967 in assuring environmental protection of the lake. A 1971 study funded by the LMCD concluded that existing municipal wastewater treatment plants were the major cause of declining water quality. It recommended that the plants be phased out and the sewage discharge be routed away from the lake. This goal was fully realized by 1986 when the last wastewater plant within the lake’s watershed was phased out. The LMCD proposes to continue as the lead agency in managing the water environment of Lake Minnetonka. It should promote research to determine the condition and quality of the lake water and the waters entering it, and to transmit its findings to the cities. MCWD. MPCA, DNR. Council and other interested parties. It should work with these parties, and others such as the University of Minnesota/Gray ’s Freshwater Biological Institute to develop effective programs to treat water quality problems in the lake. 2) 3) The LMCD’s immediate water quality management focus is as follows: 1) mitigate, to the fullest extent possible, the degradation of the chemical and physical water quality of Lake Minnetonka and its tributaries improve the quality of water entering Lake Minnetonka from both point sources (like streams) and non-point sources (like direct stormwater runoff) encourage projects and programs to protect wetlands, maintain and restore the ability of wetlands to provide water quality improvement, flood control, wildlife habitat and aesthetic enjoyment manage to the extent practicable Eurasian watermilfoil growth to allow continued recreational use of the lake, while encouraging research aimed at controlling the spread/iotroduction and/or eradicating this and other exotic plant and animals serve as an advocate for the lake resource during formulation of DNR fisheries programs encourage strong, effective litter control programs on Lake Minne*'-’ika 5) 6) rAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES Overall Water OiMHhrt 1.Establish benchmark water quab'ty assessment criteria for Lake Minnetonka by January 1, 1993 that have been officially accepted by all applicable ''gencies and units of govemmenL Using the criteria, assess water quality in each of the 27 water bodies that make up Lake Minnetonka at least annually beginning in 1995, and report the findings to all appropriate agencies and units of government 3. By 1995, adopt new water quality objectives through 2020. 7/11 Draft - 6 r