​South Fork Rush Creek SWA

The South Fork Rush Creek Subwatershed Assessment (SWA) evaluates conditions in that part of the Elm Creek watershed that is tributary to the South Fork Rush Creek. The South Fork and its tributary County Ditch #16 have impaired fish and macroinvertebrate biotic communities which are stressed by excessive nutrient concentrations in streamflow. High concentrations of E. coli and chloride in the South Fork further stress aquatic organisms. Jubert Lake in the study area is not formally listed as Impaired but has high levels of nutrients in the summer. 
 
The 23.4 square mile Study Area is primarily in the City of Corcoran, Minnesota, with a sizable percent in the City of Maple Grove, and a small area within the City of Medina. The SWA used several modeling tools to estimate the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutant loading to the streams. Other data such as feedlot and other animal locations, potential septic system locations, and stream conditions, was also collected and analyzed. Watershed, county and city staff also contributed information about conditions and problem areas.
 
The end result was an identification of the most feasible and cost-effective best management practices (BMPs) to address the several impairments in this Study Area. These were prioritized based on several factors including buildability, and the most technically feasible were then evaluated for estimated cost and pollutant load reductions. In addition, the assessment also identified areas where outreach to property owners about additional practices they could consider would have the most potential impact on water quality improvement.

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South Fork Rush Creek Drainage Area

Link to the report
Link to Interactive Map