Long-term strategy to reduce sediment in Minnesota River and south metro Mississippi River open for public review and comment

A long-term strategy for reducing sediment in the Minnesota River and Mississippi River south of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, is now available for public review and comment.

Excess sediment – primarily clay and silt – contributes to cloudy, murky water, which degrades habitat for fish and aquatic life, and lowers the aesthetic quality of our rivers for recreation and tourism.

The strategy is open for public review and comment through April 17, 2014. It is located on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website at www.pca.state.mn.us/ark8qrf, and also at MPCA regional offices.

The MPCA has scheduled three open house public meetings to review the draft strategy and hear public comments:

·        Wednesday, April 2, Blue Earth Public Library, Mankato, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

·        Tuesday, April 8, St. James Hotel, Red Wing, 2-5 p.m.

·        Thursday, April 10, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, 2:30-4:30 p.m.