Bronte Wells
East Goose Lake in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, has been the subject of much concern due to its high levels of pollution. The lake's impairment is largely attributed to the direct input of nutrients from the city's wastewater discharged into it from the 1930s to the late 1960s. This has resulted in excessive nutrients in the lake sediment, promoting algae blooms that outcompete plants. The high levels of pollution have led to initiatives such as the VLAWMO and the City of White Bear Lake collaborating to address the issue by constructing and renovating raingardens and stormwater treatment structures. Additionally, the White Bear Lake area has faced legal challenges regarding the overuse of groundwater, impacting lake levels. These combined efforts aim to improve the water quality of East Goose Lake and ensure the sustainable management of water resources for the enjoyment of boaters, anglers, swimmers, and nature enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | East of Highway 61 |
| Basin | East Goose Lake |
| Connection | Two culverts under Highway 61 |
| Water Quality | High levels of nutrients, E. coli bacteria, phosphorus, nitrate, and PAHs |
| Algae | Blue-green algae blooms detected during late summer and fall |
| Health Risks | Skin irritation, gastrointestinal problems, and/or liver damage |
| Water Level | Unacceptably low lake levels |
| Groundwater Use | Overuse of local groundwater supplies |
| Pollution Sources | Stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, and untreated stormwater |
| Treatment Efforts | Engineered wetlands, raingardens, and additional stormwater treatment structures |
| Creek | Lambert Creek, which runs through White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and Vadnais Heights |
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What You'll Learn
- East Goose Lake's water quality is impacted by untreated stormwater and historical wastewater
- High nutrient levels in the lake cause blue-green algae blooms, which are harmful to humans and animals
- The City of White Bear Lake and VLAWMO are working to reduce pollution in East Goose Lake
- White Bear Lake is an important natural resource for the northeast Twin Cities metropolitan area
- Litigation and conservation efforts aim to manage water resources and protect White Bear Lake's water levels
East Goose Lake's water quality is impacted by untreated stormwater and historical wastewater
East Goose Lake in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, has been facing water quality issues due to the impact of untreated stormwater and historical wastewater. The lake, which is well above state standards for nutrients, has been included in the MPCA's List of Impaired Waters. The high levels of nutrients in the lake create an environment conducive to algae blooms, which can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal problems, and liver damage in people and pets who come into contact with the water.
The water quality issues in East Goose Lake are attributed to both external and internal factors. Regarding external factors, when the area surrounding East Goose Lake was being developed, stormwater treatment standards were not as stringent as they are today. As a result, a significant amount of stormwater flows directly into the lake without undergoing treatment through a stormwater pond, filter, or other pollutant removal structures. This untreated stormwater contributes to the high external load impacting the lake's water quality.
However, the more significant contributor to the lake's pollution is the internal load, primarily due to historical wastewater discharge. From the 1930s to the late 1960s, the City of White Bear Lake discharged its wastewater directly into East Goose Lake. This resulted in a high concentration of nutrients in the lake sediment, which continues to cycle into the water even today. The excessive nutrients stimulate the growth of algae blooms, outcompeting plants and leading to a decline in oxygen levels in the lake.
To address the water quality issues in East Goose Lake, the VLAWMO and the City of White Bear Lake have been collaborating on several initiatives. They are working to construct and renovate raingardens, implement additional stormwater treatment structures, and reduce the external load contributed by each rainfall and snowmelt event. Additionally, the community engagement process has been enhanced, with ongoing conversations and surveys involving various stakeholders, including community members, local organizations, businesses, and residents living on the lake. These collective efforts aim to improve the water quality of East Goose Lake and mitigate the impacts of untreated stormwater and historical wastewater discharge.
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High nutrient levels in the lake cause blue-green algae blooms, which are harmful to humans and animals
East Goose Lake in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, has been facing an issue with high nutrient levels in its waters. This has resulted in blue-green algae blooms, which are harmful to both humans and animals. The lake's pollution is largely due to internal loading, with studies showing that 88% of the pollution is from internal sources. The high nutrient levels are caused by a combination of external and internal factors, including untreated stormwater runoff and historical wastewater disposal practices.
The external load refers to the nutrients and sediment that drain into the lake from the surrounding landscape. As the area surrounding East Goose Lake became more developed, the increasing population's wastewater was directed into the lake. This practice, which occurred from the 1930s to the late 1960s, resulted in high levels of nutrients accumulating in the lake sediment. These nutrients continue to cycle into the water, promoting algae blooms that outcompete plants.
The internal load, which is the primary contributor to the lake's pollution, is a result of the historical direct input of nutrients from the city's wastewater. The high nutrient levels in the lake stimulate the growth of blue-green algae blooms, which are harmful to both humans and animals. These algae blooms, also known as potentially harmful algal blooms (HABs), can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal problems, and liver damage.
To address the issue of high nutrient levels and algae blooms, the City of White Bear Lake and VLAWMO have been working on several initiatives. They are constructing and renovating raingardens, implementing additional stormwater treatment structures, and reducing the external load contributed by rainfall and snowmelt events. Additionally, the community engagement process has been improved, with ongoing conversations and surveys involving community members, local organizations, businesses, and residents living on the lake.
The high nutrient levels in East Goose Lake have led to the proliferation of blue-green algae blooms, which pose a threat to both human and animal health. It is important for people and pets to avoid all contact with the water, scum, or algae in the lake when these harmful algae blooms are present. The collaborative efforts between the city and organizations aim to mitigate the nutrient loading and improve the water quality of East Goose Lake in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
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The City of White Bear Lake and VLAWMO are working to reduce pollution in East Goose Lake
East Goose Lake in White Bear Lake has been facing a pollution problem, with high levels of nutrients and sediments that exceed state standards. The lake has been included in the MPCA's List of Impaired Waters due to its poor water quality. The City of White Bear Lake and the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) are actively working to address this issue and reduce pollution in East Goose Lake.
Historically, from the 1930s to the 1960s, the City of White Bear Lake discharged its wastewater into East Goose Lake, resulting in high nutrient concentrations in the lake's sediments. These nutrients continue to cycle into the water, promoting algae blooms that outcompete plants. As a result, only fish that can survive in low-oxygen conditions, such as bullhead and small sunfish, can thrive in the lake.
To combat this issue, the City of White Bear Lake and VLAWMO have implemented several initiatives. They have been working to build and renovate raingardens and add stormwater treatment structures to reduce the external load contributed by each rainfall and snowmelt event. Additionally, they have prioritized addressing the internal load, as studies have shown that 88% of the pollution in East Goose Lake is from this source.
One of their collaborative efforts is the Whitaker Treatment Wetlands project, which aims to treat polluted stormwater runoff at the headwaters of Lambert Creek. This project involves delivering pollutant-laden stormwater to experimental cells with a unique vertical up-flow pattern to maximize pollutant removal while promoting plant growth. The results of this experiment will provide valuable insights into effective stormwater treatment practices.
The City of White Bear Lake and VLAWMO's efforts to reduce pollution in East Goose Lake are ongoing, with a focus on both short-term and long-term solutions. Their work demonstrates a commitment to improving the water quality of East Goose Lake and ensuring the safety and welfare of the surrounding community.
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White Bear Lake is an important natural resource for the northeast Twin Cities metropolitan area
One of the main issues impacting White Bear Lake is the pollution of its water sources, particularly East Goose Lake, which is well above state standards for nutrients and has been included on the MPCA's List of Impaired Waters. The high levels of nutrients in East Goose Lake are largely due to the direct input of nutrients from the city's wastewater from the 1930s to the 1960s. During this period, the City of White Bear Lake's wastewater was discharged into East Goose Lake, resulting in high concentrations of nutrients in the lake sediment that continue to affect the water quality today. The lake's sediment is prone to stirring and resuspension, which releases phosphorus back into the lake, contributing to the growth of algae blooms. These blooms, known as potentially harmful algal blooms (HABs), can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal problems, and liver damage in both humans and animals.
To address the pollution in East Goose Lake, the City of White Bear Lake and the VLAWMO have implemented a comprehensive approach that focuses on reducing the external load of nutrients and sediments entering the lake. Efforts include the construction and renovation of raingardens, the addition of stormwater treatment structures, and the implementation of projects like the Whitaker Treatment Wetlands, which aim to treat polluted stormwater runoff. The community engagement process for East Goose Lake adaptive management involves ongoing conversations with community members, local organizations, businesses, and community-wide surveys to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach to restoring and preserving the lake's water quality.
The Minnesota DNR is also actively involved in managing the water resources in the White Bear Lake area. They study the complex interactions between the lake and the groundwater resources and work with residents, businesses, and local governments to ensure the sustainable use of water. In response to a lawsuit filed in 2012 alleging overuse of groundwater leading to low lake levels, the DNR has established a collective annual withdrawal limit for White Bear Lake, recommending a reduction in water use of approximately 40% to maintain protective elevation levels.
The preservation and restoration of White Bear Lake and its surrounding natural resources are crucial for the northeast Twin Cities metropolitan area. The collaborative efforts of the City of White Bear Lake, VLAWMO, DNR, and the local community demonstrate a commitment to addressing the environmental challenges faced by this important natural resource.
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Litigation and conservation efforts aim to manage water resources and protect White Bear Lake's water levels
White Bear Lake is a vital natural resource in the northeast Twin Cities metropolitan area. It is a popular destination for boaters, anglers, swimmers, birders, and wildlife watchers. The lake's water quality and levels are of significant concern to the community, and various efforts are being made to address these issues.
East Goose Lake, which is part of White Bear Lake, has been facing water pollution problems due to high nutrient levels. This pollution is largely a result of untreated stormwater runoff and the historical discharge of wastewater into the lake. The high nutrient levels have led to excessive algae blooms, outcompeting plants and altering the aquatic ecosystem.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been actively studying the complex interactions between White Bear Lake and the surrounding groundwater resources. In 2012, a lawsuit was filed against the DNR, alleging that they allowed excessive groundwater usage by communities and businesses, leading to unacceptably low lake levels. The litigation has progressed through various stages, with the District Court maintaining jurisdiction and working towards implementing the Court's orders.
To address the pollution in East Goose Lake, the City of White Bear Lake and the Valley Branch Watershed Management Organization (VLAWMO) have initiated adaptive lake management efforts. This includes constructing and renovating raingardens, implementing additional stormwater treatment structures, and reducing the external load of nutrients and sediments contributing to the lake's pollution. The community engagement process has been inclusive, involving residents, local organizations, businesses, and community-wide surveys.
The DNR is committed to working collaboratively to manage water resources and protect White Bear Lake's water levels. They have established a collective annual withdrawal limit for the lake and are exploring the conversion to surface water sources to reduce groundwater usage. The DNR continues to engage with stakeholders and adapt their approaches to ensure the sustainable use of water resources for current and future generations.
Additionally, the VLAWMO has undertaken projects like the Whitaker Treatment Wetlands to treat polluted stormwater runoff. This project investigates the use of engineered wetlands to reduce bacteria and nutrient levels in the water system, aiming to improve water quality and protect the lake's ecosystem. These conservation efforts complement the litigation processes, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to managing water resources and safeguarding White Bear Lake's environmental health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, East Goose Lake is polluted. From the 1930s to the late 1960s, the City of White Bear Lake discharged its wastewater into the lake. This has resulted in a lake that is extremely high in nutrients, causing algae blooms.
The City of White Bear Lake and VLAWMO are working to build and renovate raingardens and add additional stormwater treatment structures to reduce the external load contributed to the lake during rainfall and snowmelt events.
The high levels of nutrients in the lake have led to an increase in algae blooms, which has outcompeted plants. Only tolerant fish that can survive in a low-oxygen environment, such as bullhead and some small sunfish, remain.
White Bear Lake is an important natural resource in the northeast Twin Cities metropolitan area that is regularly enjoyed by boaters, anglers, swimmers, birders, and wildlife watchers. However, there have been legal disputes over the use of groundwater and lake levels. There is also a project to treat polluted stormwater runoff in the area.
