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State Senator Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato) and State Representative Terry Morrow (DFL-St. Peter) have introduced bills for clean up efforts at Lake Titloe.

“Soil erosion along drainage ditches, non-compliant septic systems, and the City of Gaylord’s storm sewer system is draining into the lake,” Sen. Sheran said. “A lot of work needs to be done to clean up the water.”
“Community members are working hard to clean up Lake Titloe,” said Rep. Morrow. “I am looking forward to working with the group and Sen. Sheran to start tackling the problems.”

Under the legislators’ bills, the City of Gaylord would receive funds for watershed improvements. One appropriation would provide $150,000 for the City to pre-design and design holding ponds upstream from the Lake Titloe Watershed. The City would work in partnership with Sibley County and the Soil and Water Conservation District to plan the best method to improve water quality in the watershed.

The design includes: the best location for the ponds; an estimate of the cost of land acquisition or easements; construction costs of the holding ponds; and the estimated expanse of maintaining the structures and who is responsible for future costs.

A second appropriation would provide $325,000 for construction costs of diverting storm water sewer drains currently emptying into Lake Titloe, to holding ponds south of the City. The costs of reconstructing city streets as part of this diversion, and as outlined in the City’s street improvement plan, is the responsibility of the City. This diversion will keep phosphorus and other chemicals from entering the lake, and improve the lake’s water quality.

The third appropriation would provide $15,000 to be used to purchase open intake tile covers, or install slotted risers, that limit soil erosion and chemicals from entering the water ditch systems of the Lake Titloe Watershed.

These water control devices would be provided at low cost to landowners to promote conservation improvement, and clean up ground water. The bill calls for volunteers from the City of Gaylord, local clubs, and high school students to help install the water control devices at no cost to the landowner.

“Water quality has received a lot of attention at the State Capitol in the past few years,” Sen. Sheran said. “Many of Minnesota’s waterways, like Lake Titloe, are showing high levels of algae and phosphate counts. This cannot be ignored.”

“Addressing Lake Titloe’s water quality will bring benefits to Gaylord,” Rep. Morrow said. “The vision that the community leaders are showing offers a model on how we can improve water quality throughout Minnesota.”

Anyone with comments or questions about the issue can contact Sen. Sheran at G-24 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-6153 or Rep. Morrow at 415 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or 651-296-8634.