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This file is in a PDF format. This is like a PDF file, only it’s Microsoft version. Computers with XP should open it. If you can not open it, email me and I will send you the text file. |
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LAKE ANDRUSIA WATERSHED ASSOCIATION (LAWA) 14720 ANJONABE CT. SE BEMIDJI, MN 56601
Date: July 26, 2007
TO: LAWA members, property owners within 350 feet of Lake Andrusia and those residing between Andrusia and Wolf Lake on the Mississippi River
FROM: President Jan McLandsborough, Lake Andrusia Watershed Association
RE: Individual Sewage Treatment System (ISTS) Compliance Inspection
LAWA is working in cooperation with Beltrami County Lakes and Rivers Association (BCLARA) and Beltrami County Environmental Services to encourage residents on our lake to participate in an elective ISTS inspection. Septic system functioning and the impact of failing systems in our watershed was identified as a primary concern at a recent LAWA visioning session and is part of our Healthy Lakes Management Plan to preserve water quality. We have received a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation that will be used to pay a portion of the cost of septic inspections for our residents.
LAWA has contracted with state-licensed inspectors to conduct the inspections in accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Beltrami County ISTS rules. The inspection includes examining the system for: Sewage escaping to the ground surface or backing up in a dwelling Non-compliant system components (i.e., drywells and seepage pits) Insufficient ground water separation distance from the bottom of the treatment area
Systems that have been installed or that have passed a compliance inspection within the past 3 years are considered to be complying and will not be inspected unless the resident has specific concerns regarding their system. Systems that are found to be non-complying will be put on an upgrade schedule with the highest priority given to possible human threats.
Please contact the person named below if you are interested in participating. Participation in this project is not mandatory. However, we know that you are interested in the health of our lake and the health of your family and friends. This is one positive step we can take to help preserve the Lake Andrusia area for ourselves and our grandchildren. LAWA thanks you in advance for your participation in this project. As a bonus, participants will receive a free one year LAWA membership.
Please contact Diane Bohn 335-0172 for further information regarding the contracted inspectors for this program and how to participate. LAWA will pay $50 toward the cost of the inspection, the balance being the responsibility of the resident (generally, $50 - $75). These funds are available for a limited time. Residents will be wholly responsible for the costs of system upgrades or replacements.
The inspector is Arlin Stoltenow at 218-732-8950 from Park Rapids END
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LAKE STEWARDSHIP: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT OUR WATERS
Our northern Minnesota lakes, rivers and wetlands are a precious resource enjoyed by local residents and visitors. Our waters also provide critical habitat for many forms of wildlife including eagles and other migratory birds, turtles, frogs and fish. The waters in our area are currently in fairly good health as evidenced by water clarity and other measurements of lake health (visit http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/lkwqSearch.cfm). However, increasing development on our lakes and rivers poses a potential threat. One need look no further than Lake Minnetonka and the Whitefish Chain to observe the tolls of lake development. As water quality is degraded, the value of properties and the quality of life on that body of water decrease. All individuals have a responsibility to treat our waters with care and respect in order to preserve their long-term quality and health. Riparian residents (those living on or near bodies of water) have an even greater responsibility as their proximity to and increased usage of the water have a generally greater impact than individual residents who do not live on the water. There are a number of simple steps that riparian residents can take to lessen the negative impact of development on our waters.
Maintain a healthy septic system
Effluent from failed septic systems is a contributor to degraded lake and groundwater quality as well as a potential threat to the health of humans and pets. Phosphorus and other nutrients from failed systems that reach the lake cause increased weed and algae growth, decreasing the health and clarity of the lake. Untreated viruses and bacteria from failed systems can contaminate drinking water which is particularly dangerous to children and seniors/elders.
Septic systems are not maintenance-free. They should be pumped every 2 to 3 years to maintain optimal functioning and to decrease the risk of winter freeze-up. Pumping is ideally done in the spring of the year. Inspection of septic systems can determine whether your system is failing but does not necessarily determine the need for pumping. For further information regarding septic systems visit the following websites: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/wq-wwists4-140.pdf http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/Yourlake6.pdf
Maintain or restore shoreline vegetation
Shoreline vegetation occurs naturally in most aquatic areas. Native grasses, trees and plants serve as a barrier and filter for runoff containing nutrients and sediment which over time contributes to increased weed and algae growth, decreased water clarity, and reduced oxygen supplies for fish. While precipitation falling in an area with natural landscape (trees, shrubs, other vegetation) has about a 10% runoff, when there are harder surfaces, including lawns, the runoff is as much as 55%. Natural vegetation also prevents or limits the erosion of shorelines. Erosion is a major source of nutrient-rich runoff. Native vegetation is generally superior to man-made barriers such as rip rap.
Shoreline vegetation provides important lakeshore habitat for birds including warblers and vireos as well as certain species of frogs. In addition, shoreline vegetation prevents the invasion of your yard by geese and ducks. While some residents might prefer the look of a manicured lawn from house to lake, this is the worst-case scenario for lake health. Contact the Soil and Water Conservation District for information regarding revegetation. They can assist you in selecting native plants for this purpose and advise you about the potential dangers of non-native plants. In addition to a vegetative buffer at the water’s edge, other practices can minimize harmful runoff into the lakes and rivers. These include minimal clearing of trees, disposing of leaves and grass clippings away from the water, creating water gardens, minimizing the impervious surface area on your lot, minimizing the amount of mowed vegetation on your lot, locating impervious surfaces (buildings, decks, patios, pavers) as far back from the water as possible, preventing erosion of banks and slopes, refraining from creation of previously nonexistent sand beaches and straight corridors to the water. For further information: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/Yourlake2.pdf Shoreland Buffer Restoration: A Guide for Shoreland Property Owners, available at the Beltrami County Environmental Services Department.
Maintain natural wetlands
Wetlands, which include areas with continuous or seasonal water, play a large role in filtering runoff and other sources of polluted or nutrient-rich water before it reaches lakes and rivers. Many birds, fish and reptiles rely on wetlands for reproduction. More than 90% of wetlands have disappeared in southern and western Minnesota, largely due to past practices allowing the filling of wetlands for agricultural and residential development. Most of the wetlands that remain are in the northern 1/3 of the state and these are currently being threatened by increased development. Permits must be acquired from the county and/or the Army Corp of Engineers and the DNR for filling of wetlands.
Use earth-friendly products
Phosphorus is a nutrient for lake algae. The average family discharges two pounds of phosphorus into their septic systems each year. One pound of phosphorus can produce 500 pounds of algae in lakes. Septic systems can usually degrade phosphorus, depending on the soil type and septic functioning. Phosphorus is no longer found in laundry detergents produced in this country, but other products such as dishwasher detergents do contain various amounts of phosphorus. Lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus have been recently banned, but older products do contain this nutrient. To minimize the threat of phosphorus from household and lawn use from entering the waters, use low or no-phosphorus detergents for the dishwasher (Palmolive is low, Seventh Generation and others contain none), be sure your septic drain field is at least 100 feet from the lake, perform proper maintenance on your septic system, do not use fertilizers containing phosphorus on your lawn, provide a vegetative buffer between your yard and the lake. Ideally, do not use any fertilizers on your lawn, particularly within 100 feet of the water.
In addition, changing to “earth-friendly” or nontoxic, biodegradable products for household and outdoor use prevents the introduction of numerous chemicals into your septic system that may inhibit the growth of helpful bacteria in your system (e.g. chlorine) and which are potentially harmful to the environment. Dispose of toxic waste such as paint and engine oil appropriately. Use insecticides wisely. Many contain pyrethrins and other products which are very toxic to fish. Many insecticides are nonspecific and will kill desirable insects such as dragonflies and fireflies.
Websites to visit for further information regarding septic systems and other topics related to lake stewardship:
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/lakeprotection.html http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/index.html http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt/guide/index.html
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