U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION SURVEY
WORKING PAPER SERIES
REPORT
ON
TRACE LAKE _
TODD COUNTY
MINNESOTA
EPA REGION V
WORKING PAPER No, 130
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
An Associate Laboratory of the
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - CORVALLIS, OREGON
and
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
&GPO 697.032
-------
REPORT
ON
TRACE LAKE
TODD COUNTY
MINNESOTA
EPA REGION V
WORKING PAPER No, 130
WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
AND THE
MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD
NOVEMBER, 1974
-------
1
CONTENTS
Page
Foreword ii
List of Minnesota Study Lakes iv, V
Lake and Drainage Area Map vi
Sections
I. Conclusions 1
II. Lake and Drainage Basin Characteristics 3
III. Lake Water Quality Summary 4
1V 0 Nutrient Loadings B
V. Literature Reviewed 12
VI. Appendices 13
-------
11
FOREWORD
The National Eutrophication Survey was initiated in 1972 in
response to an Administration commitment to investigate the nation-
wide threat of accelerated eutrophication to fresh water lakes and
reservoirs.
OBJECTIVES
The Survey was designed to develop, in conjunction with state
environmental agencies, information on nutrient sources, concentrations,
and impact on selected freshwater lakes as a basis for formulating
comprehensive and coordinated national, regional, and state management
practices relating to point-source discharge reduction and non-point
source pollution abatement in lake watersheds.
ANALYTIC APPROACH
The ma-themattcal and statistical procedures selected for the
Survey’s eutrophication analysis are based on related concepts that:
a. A generalized representation or model relating
sources, concentrations, and impacts can be constructed.
b. By applying measurements of relevant parameters
associated with lake degradation, the generalized model
can be transformed into an operational representation of
a lake, its drainage basin, and related nutrients.
c 0 With such a transformation, an assessment of the
potential for eutrophication control can be made.
LAKE ANALYSIS
In this report, the first stage of evaluation of lake and water-
shed data collected from the study lake and its drainage basin is
documented. The report is formatted to provide state environmental
agencies with specific information for basin planning [ 3O3(e)], water
quality criteria/standards review [ g303(c)], clean lakes [ 314(a,b)],
and water quality monitoring [ lO6 and §305(b)] activities mandated
by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.
-------
111
Beyond the single lake analysis, broader based correlations
between nutrient concentrations (and loading) and trophic condi-
tion are being made to advance the rationale and data base for
refinement of nutrient water quality criteria for the Nation’s
fresh water lakes. Likewise, multivariate evaluations for the
relationships between land use, nutrient export, and trophic
condition, by lake class or use, are being developed to assist
in the formulation of planning guidelines and policies by EPA
and to augment plans implementation by the states.
AC KNO WL EDGMENT
The staff of the National Eutrophication Survey (Office of
Research & Development, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency)
expresses sincere appreciation to the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency for professional involvement and to the Minnesota National
Guard for conducting the tributary sampling phase of the Survey.
Grant J. Merritt, Director of the Minnesota Pollution Control.
Agency, John F. McGuire, Chief, and Joel G. Schilling,BTölogist,
of the Section of Surface and Groundwater, Division of Water Quality,
provided invaluable lake documentation and counsel during the course
of the Survey; and the staff of the Section of Municipal Works, Divi-
sion of Water Quality, were most helpful in identifying point sources
and soliciting municipal participation in the Survey.
Major General Chester J. Moeglein, the Adjutant General of
Minnesota, and Project Officer Major Adrian Beltrand, who directed
the volunteer efforts of the Minnesota National Guardsmen, are also
gratefully acknowledged for their assistance to the Survey.
-------
iv
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION SURVEY
STUDY LAKES
STATE OF MINNESOTA
LAKE NAME COUNTY
Albert Lea Freeborn
Andrusia Beltrami
Badger Polk
Bartlett Koochiching
Bear Freeborn
Bemidji Beltrami
Big Stearns
Big Stone Big Stone, MN; Roberts,
Grant, SD
Birch Cass
Blackduck Beltrami
Blackhoof Crow Wing
Budd Martin
Buffalo Wright
Calhoun Hennepin
Carlos Douglas
Carrigan Wright
Cass Beltran i, Cass
Clearwater Wright, Stearns
Cokato Wright
Cranberry Crow Wing
Darling Douglas
E’bow St. Louis
Embarass St. Louis
Fall Lake
Forest Washington
Green Kandlyohi
Gull Cass
Heron Jackson
Leech Cass
Le Homnie Dieu Douglas
Lily Blue Earth
Little Grant
Lost St. Louis
-------
V
LAKE NAME COUNTY
Madison Blue Earth
Malmedal Pope
Mashkenode St. Louis
McQuade St. Louis
Minnetonka Hennepin
Minnewaska Pope
Mud Itasca
Nest Kandiyohi
Pelican St. Louis
Pepin Goodhue, Wabasha, MN;
Pierce, Pepin, WI
Rabbit Crow Wing
Sakatah Le Sueur
Shagawa St. Louis
Silver McLeod
Six Mile St. Louis
Spring Washington, Da kot
St 0 Croix Washington, MN; St. Croix,
Pierce, WI
St. Louis Bay St. Louis, MN; Douglas, WI
Superior Bay St. Louis, MN; Douglas, WI
Swan Itasca
Trace Todd
Trout Itasca
Wagonga Kandiyohi
Walimark Chisago
White Bear Washington
Winona Douglas
Wolf Beltrami, Hubbard
Woodcock Kandiyohi
Zumbro Olmstead, Wabasha
-------
VI
.45-51'
Map Location
45*50'
TRACE LAKE
Tributary Sampling Site
X Lake Sampling Site
1 Sewage Treatment Facility
Direct Drainage Area Limits
W
Scale
94% e'
94*45'
94*44'
-------
TRACE LAKE
STORE! NO. 2792
I. CONCLUSIONS
A. Trophic Condition:
Survey data show that Trace Lake is eutrophic. Among the
60 Minnesota lakes sampled in the fall when essentially all were
well-mixed, only five had more mean total phosphorus, and only
10 had more mean inorganic nitrogen. Of the 80 lakes sampled,
56% had less mean chlorophyll a_, and 51% had greater mean Secchi
disc transparency.
Survey llmnologists noted that this lake is-vepy-sha-1-low-
and that heavy growths of rooted aquatic vegetation were ob-
served. They also observed an algal bloom in progress in July,
1972.
B. Rate-Limiting Nutrient:
A loss of 990 ug/1 of total phosphorus and 102 ug/1 of inor-
ganic nitrogen occurred in the assay sample from the time of
collection to the time the assay was begun, and the results are
unreliable.
The lake data indicate nitrogen limitation in July and
September (N/P ratios were less than 10/1) but a borderline
limitation in October (N/P ratio was 12/1).
-------
2
C. Nutrient Controllability:
During the Survey year, it is estimated that the Village
of Grey Eagle contributed about 88% of the total phosphorus
load to Trace Lake. However, the Village is served by a sta-
bilization pond, and the likelihood is that the pond does not
overflow continually. If that is the case, the loading estimates
probably are too high.
Further studies should be conducted on Trace Lake and the
drainage to clearly define the effect of the nutrient contribu-
tionsof the Grey Eagle wastewater treatment facility on the
trophic condition of the lake.
-------
3
II. LAKE AND DRAINAGE BASIN CHARACTERISTICS
A. Lake Morphometry (no map available):
1. Surface area: 277* acres.
2. Mean depth: ?
3. Maximum depth: “very shallow”
4. Volume: ?
5. Mean hydraulic retention time: ?
B. Tributary and Outlet:
(See Appendix A for flow data)
1. Tributaries —
Name Drainage area Mean flowt
None
Minor tributaries & 2
immediate drainage — 1.2 mi 0.3 cfs
Totals 1,2 mi 2 0.3 cfs
2. Outlet —
Unnamed Stream 1.6 mi 2 t 0.3 cfs
C. Precipitationttt:
1. Year of sampling: 28.9 inches.
2. Mean annual: 25.4 inches.
* Anonymous, 1968.
t Drainage areas are accurate within ±5%; mean daily flows are accurate
within ±10%; and ungaged flows ar accurate within ±10 to 25% for
drainage areas greater than 10 mit.
tt Includes area of lake.
tif See Working Paper No. 1 , “Survey Methods”.
-------
4
III. LAKE WATER QUALITY SUMMARY
Trace Lake was sampled three times during the open-water season
of 1972 by means of a pontoon—equipped Huey helicopter. Each time,
a near—surface sample for physical and chemical parameters was col-
lected from a single station on the lake (see map, page vi). During
each visit, a single sample was collected for phytoplankton identifi-
cation and enumeration; and during the last visit, a single five-gallon
sample was taken for algal assays. Also each time, a sample was col-
lected for chlorophyll a analysis.
The results obtained are presented in full in Appendix B, and the
data for the fall sampling period, when the lake was essentially well—
mixed, are summarized below. Note, however, the Secchi disc summary
is based on all values.
For differences in the various parameters at the other sampling
times, refer to Appendix B.
-------
5
A. Physical and chemical characteristics:
FALL VALUES
(10/24/72)
Parameter Minimum Mean Median Maximum
Temperature (Cent.) (not done)
Dissolved oxygen (mg/i) (not done)
Conductivity (umhos) 420 420 420 420
p11 (units) 8.1 8.1 8.1 8.1
Alkalinity (mg/i) 206 206 206 206
Total P (mg/i) 1.130 1.130 1.130 1.130
Dissolved P (mg/i) 0.088 0.088 0.088 0.088
NO + NO (mg/i) 0.360 0.360 0.360 0.360
Am onia mg/1) 0.720 0.720 0.720 0.720
ALL VALUES
Secchi disc (inches) 36 44 48 48
-------
6
B. Biological characteristics:
1. Phytoplankton —
Sampling Dominant Number
Date Genera per ml
07/06/72 1. Anabaena 10,725
2. Dinobryon 1,594
3. Schroederia 254
4. Cocconeis 181
5. Cyclotella 181
Other genera 72
Total 13,007
09/02/72 1. Anabaena 1 ,446
2. Dinobryon 542
3. Lyngbya 70
4. Microcystis 30
5. Synedra 10
Other genera -
Total 2,098
10/24/72 1. Dinobryori 2,075
2. Fragilaria 2,000
3. Flagellates 1,094
4. Anabaena 906
5. Cryptomonas 302
Other genera 1,774
Total 8,151
-------
7
2. Chlorophyll a —
(Because of instrumentation problems during the 1972 sampling,
the following values may be in error by plus or minus 20 percent.)
Sampling Station Chlorophyll a
Date Number ( pg/i )
07/06/72 01 37.8
09/02/72 01 1.7
10/24/72 01 16.5
-------
8
IV. NUTRIENT LOADINGS
(See Appendix C for data)
For the determination of nutrient loadings, the Minnesota National
Guard collected monthly near-surface grab samples from the tributary
site indicated on the map (page vi), except for the high runoff months
of April and May when two samples were collected, and the colder months
when ice cover and low flows prevented sampling. Sampling was begun in
October, 1972, and was completed in September, 1973.
Through an interagency agreement, stream flow estimates for the
year of sampling and a “normalized” or average year were provided by
the Minnesota District Office of the U.S. Geological Survey for the
tributary sites nearest the lake.
In this report, nutrient loads for the outlet stream were determined
by using a modification of a U.S. Geological Survey computer program
for calculating stream loadings. Nutrient loadings for “minor tributaries
and immediate drainage” (“ZZ” of U.S.G.S.) were estimated by using the
nutrient loads, in lbs/m1 2 /year, in Sucker Creek (tributary to nearby
Pelican Lake) at station B-i and multiplying by the ZZ area in mi 2 .
The Village of Grey Eagle declined participation in the Survey, and
nutrient loads were estimated at 2.5 lbs P and 7.5 lbs N/capita/year.
-------
9
A. Waste Sources:
1. Known municipal —
Pop. Mean Receiving
Name Served Treatment Flow (mgd) Water
Grey Eagle 325* Pond O.032** Trace Lake
2. Known industrial — None
* Anonymous, 1973.
** Estimated at 100 gal/capita/day.
-------
10
B. Annual Total Phosphorus Loading - Average Year:
1. Inputs —
lbs P1 % of
Source yr total
a. Tributaries (non-point load) —
None
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non—point load) — 70 7.6
c. Known municipal —
Grey Eagle 810 88.0
d. Septic tanks - Unknown —
e. Known industrial — None - —
f. Direct precipitation* — 40 4.3
Total 920 100.0
2. Outputs -
Lake outlet 200
3. Net annual P accumulation — 720 pounds
* See Working Paper No 0 1.
-------
11
C 0 Annual Total Nitrogen Loading - Average Year:
1 Inputs —
lbs NJ % of
Source yr total
a. Tributaries (non—point load) -
None
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non-point load) - 1,750 25.5
c. Known mu’nicipal —
Grey Eagle 2,440 35.6
d. Septic tanks — Unknown
e. Known industrial — None — —
f. Direct precipitation* - 2,670 38.9
Total 6,860 100.0
2. Outputs —
Lake outlet 1,720
3. Net annual N accumulation — 5,140 pounds
* See Working Paper No. 1.
-------
12
V. LITERATURE REVIEWED
Anonymous, 1968. An inventory of Minnesota lakes. Bull. #25, MN
Conservation Dept., St. Paul.
Anonymous, 1973. Wastewater disposal facilities inventory. MPCA,
Minneapolis.
-------
13
VII. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
TRIBUTARY FLOW DATA
-------
T)1c jT - v ILOd INF ) d 1I0\J F) 0/30/74
LAcE Cfl’ F 774 1- A’• Lt .€
TOIAL - ‘nr’Ar A ’ OF t A•c-
-tJ- —f)- ’ T i0’ -UAL I L i FLIJw
1.)f ITALY t7 S J F-. fl’A °k MA( JU’ JUL ALit, SE’. ’ OCT NOV DEC MEAN
27 ?A1 I. (,.u? ‘. (.11 l.uI .. ‘ ‘ ‘)•Q 0.’- 0.1ô 0.43 0.12 0.08 0.03 0.34
?7Q?17 I.- . - ’ ( . ‘ ‘. ‘ J.? ’ 3.-” 0.’--’ U.-0 0.14 0.43 0.11 0.08 0.05 0.34
., J.i. .jA, . ’ I
TO1SL ‘ IJI ‘EA OF L . PcF = I.c5 IUTAL FLO I” 4.09
S l4 JI S 1—— -Q. IA1 E A’- I .5 101 AL FLOw OUT = 4.07
‘ii - A Il L ’jT —II Y FL 4’- t I • ) I I. I F I ‘I •
IP I ’ IT A-Y -1 L’.I -, Y’o’ ‘€ A’ F! I AY 104 ‘Al FU4 ‘PAY FLOW
U) ‘ 3.’ I’ 0.41)
II 1’ Ii. 10 0.3)
I? U’ .H ‘4
I 7’ C.’’ 7 I).IJ
1 ! ‘,. ‘ 4
71 •.‘. I !’
c . 7 0.- ’1 U’ L. 0.70
S 7 C,. 71 u.50
7’ :‘.i’ II 0.- ’ ! . ’
7 7’ 0.- ’ ’ 7 C. 15
U 7 0.15 II
i ’.’’- I?
?7 7?7 l’L U’ . l I’-’ 0.30
I I ‘-‘ ‘.‘— Il
1 7-’ .J.I7 “ 0.41
7 ..,. -‘ 7
2 71 0. 14 4
1 7’ i..-3 IC
4 7L .“ IS 0.9-3 s . u. ” f l
0.!’ 2 p)
5 71 3.!’ 11
1 7’ C.’)? 7 0.13
71 0.11 II 0.35
‘7 ‘‘ 3. lc
-------
APPENDIX B
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL DATA
-------
cr Q r i v’i . 3 T- ./I i
214201
“5 4’. “?.tl tP ’. ‘.5 44.0
r- AC LA
III- ‘ALES
2111202
0005 FEET DEPTH
‘ AT 1 .. .r•
FPO”
T jAY rc
7?/r7/ . H ‘ir
77 /4 / 1 )7 H
72/I /? ii —ç ‘i
‘1 . ’
I.7
I”.
15’. ?.O 10 0.060 0.210 0.141
(.. 12U 1.560 0.240 0.184
0.720 1.130 0.088
•‘
‘4
)0U’.
Od ..l0
)ATF
Ti A
fl .fl- .
‘
r .—
C’JflLJCTVY
.‘-
I ALK
r ).
,w
T 4 ...’
- CC ’-1
r IFL ”
CAC ‘1
T i
I Y
f I
‘-P ’II
/.
i .c- ’
. ‘LCWOMrID
.
Mu/t
7?/ i7/O’.
14 I- ’ p )’lll
‘.-
I .
—
175
. “
7 7 / Q/4))
H “ , 4 ’ ’
‘ .1
-
‘ .
la .)
‘.?—
0 i0
00 10
0066S
00666
NO? O3
NH3-
PrtDS-TOT
PrIOS-DIS
‘ .—Tur L
TOTAL
‘ .“fL
MG/L
MGfL P
M6/L P
‘?1 F
A
“ ./1
J VALUE KNOWN TO BE IN ERROR
-------
APPENDIX C
TRIBUTARY DATA
-------
ST c T .‘EIV I )AT 7’.,I / j
LSc 792A I
‘ ‘ 0 30.0 .j( 4 40.0
1IN Ei ST At - ’
7 .S ‘ A () Sr 1NGS
t/1 I C - LA,KE
A1 jG “,T EAM LA!)’I’ L E 1.25 MI N 1, Ef E
1} P LFS 2111204
0000 FEET DFPTH
I t ))t71
r)ft T r I ‘ -‘ T -‘ _ ‘- 1’ ‘1 j: L -, - t — )I S LJHO( _TJ r
—T’ 1, T’,T I
I ) Y . ‘ “./L .-
72/1 )/1 II .‘ I .) - ,.- I ’- - r• )) {
72/fl/I’ l ’ I .‘-7 ‘ -- ( . P
71/0 1/ 1 i ‘ ‘ ‘ 2 • • ) • U • 1 ‘
7 /’) ’/1-, “-i 5 • H I.- / ‘. ? I .O’4 U.u ’7
- . ‘— •. /;‘ •‘‘ .13”
71/) /?( l( ‘) . ‘- ?. ‘ . 7 - 0.j# 4
71/’ /1) Ii 1 . - ’ J .( 4Q C. 5
71/) ,’1 1 II ‘ • I f,
7 1/( 7/ 1 P — • *. • • 7 . u . ( I • I 59
71/i 3/11 ‘i ‘.“ .•S’ • - . /‘ i j.- ’ 3 4 iç
------- |