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Inclusion of images does not imply consent of the image’s author with the policies promoted in this document.

POLICY GUIDE

STATE OF THE RIVER REPORT9 Maximize return on Minnesota’s clean water investments

Through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, Minnesotans fund a wide range of projects to reduce runoff pollution throughout the state. While many projects hold individual merit, Amendment funds are not currently targeted to maximize clean water outcomes.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should develop a statewide project priority list for runoff pollution control projects, and fund projects with the highest pollutant-reduction-per-dollar value first, regardless of where they are located. Minnesotans expect the State to maximize returns on our clean water investments.

8 Continue conservation investments in the U.S. farm bill

The U.S. Farm Bill plays a vital role in shaping crop production and conservation across Minnesota. High commodity crop prices and increasingly intensive row crop production put enormous pressure on Minnesota’s land and water resources.

Any proposed cuts to conservation funding or basic stewardship requirements represent a major threat to our nation’s water resources. Congress should continue investing in the Farm Bill’s conservation programs while maintaining basic conservation compliance standards for any farm operation receiving public subsidies.

7 Establish a statewide agricultural pollution control system

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agriculture is the leading cause of water impairments nationwide, and is a major source of runoff pollution to the Mississippi River. While field agriculture operations remain exempt from the Clean Water Act controls, the State has the authority to hold agribusiness operations accountable to Minnesota’s clean water standards. The State should:

• Require counties to enforce existing stream and ditch protection rules to ensure that vegetative filter strips are in place to clean farm runoff before it reaches our waters.

• Implement the recommendations of the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework, developed by the University of Minnesota in 2011. The framework offers a template for developing locally-led “Agricultural Management Areas” that can help local communities effectively control farm runoff to the Mississippi River.

10 Statewide stormwater runoff standard

Currently, stormwater runoff controls for new development vary greatly by community, with each city or watershed applying its own unique standards. Minnesota should adopt a statewide stormwater pollution standard for all new residential and commercial development.

Friends of the Mississippi River360 North Robert Street, Suite 400

Saint Paul, MN 55101

(651) 222-2193

www.fmr.org

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1 Control the spread of Asian carp

Asian Carp are an invasive exotic fish capable of causing widespread degradation of aquatic life and recreation amenities in the River. Immediate changes in the operation of locks and dam operations, including temporary targeted closure of the Lower St. Anthony Lock and Dam, is the best available strategy for stopping the spread of Asian Carp. Additional strategies, including installing fish “bubble barriers” and electric barriers, and the targeted application of “carpicide”, should be developed and implemented as soon as possible. In addition, funding support for additional research on Asian Carp, as well as improved outreach and education to the public, are important parts of a long-term management strategy and should be advanced in 2013.

2 Conduct a comprehensive Mississippi River fish survey

Natural resource staff must have the information they need to effectively manage aquatic life in the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, the State lacks comprehensive fish survey data. The State, through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other local partners, should fund and implement regular and comprehensive evaluations of fish and other aquatic life in the River.

Welcome to the State of the River Report Policy Guide. In this Policy Guide, we highlight the “Top 10” policy actions that decisions makers can take to help protect and preserve the Mississippi River for future generations. While this list is far from comprehensive, the actions below represent excellent opportunities to greatly improve the health of the Mississippi River. These recommendations will help enhance public health and safety, improve recreation, protect drinking water, and ensure the economic vitality of communities throughout the Mississippi River watershed.

3 Establish river phosphorus and nitrate standards

The State of Minnesota currently does not have standards for excess phosphorus or nitrate in the River. These contaminants are clearly a problem for downstream river users and the state cannot effectively control these pollutants without science-based water quality goals.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should adopt comprehensive river nutrient standards within the next 3 years.

4 Phase-out the use of triclosan in antibacterial soap

Triclosan is a common additive in anti-bacterial hand soap and a variety of household products. Numerous studies highlight risks associated with its household use, as well as toxins formed as triclosan degrades in the environment. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that household use of antibacterial products provides no health benefits over plain soap and water, and the American Medical Association recommends that triclosan not be used in the home, triclosan remains widely used throughout the region. The State of Minnesota, in partnership with state and local agencies, should pursue a triclosan phase-out program for non-medical use of antibacterial soap beginning no later than 2015.

5 Adopt a statewide coal tar sealant ban

Coal tar sealants are a major source of PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) contamination in metro area surface waters and stormwater ponds, and threaten to become a massive long-term financial liability for the State. As of July 2012, twenty-three Minnesota communities, along with all Minnesota State agencies, have passed restrictions on the use of coal tar sealants.

While some major manufacturers and home improvement chains have phased out production and distribution, it’s time for Minnesota to follow the State of Washington’s lead and institute a comprehensive statewide ban on the sale or application of coal tar sealants.

6 Create a statewide pharmaceutical management plan

Unused and expired pharmaceuticals, including prescription medications, are frequently disposed of incorrectly, exposing surface waters and groundwater to potential contamination. Currently, pharmaceutical disposal programs vary greatly at the local level and no statewide pharmaceutical management plan is in place. The State of Minnesota should develop a statewide plan, including a network of disposal sites and a comprehensive outreach and education program, within the next five years.