U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION SURVEY
WORKING PAPER SERIES
REPORT
ON
LOST LAKE
ST, LOUIS COUNTY
MINNESOTA
EPA REGION V
WORKING PAPER No,
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
An Associate Laboratory of the
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - CORVALLIS, OREGON
and
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
697.032
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REPORT
ON
LOST LAKE
ST, LOUIS COUNTY
MINNESOTA
EPA REGION V
WORKING PAPER No,
WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
AND THE
MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD
JULY, 1975
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I
CONTENTS
P ag e
Foreword
List of Minnesota Study Lakes iv , v
Lake and Drainage Area Map vi
Sections
I. Introduction 1
II. Conclusions 1
III. Lake Characteristics 3
IV. Lake Water Quality Summary 4
V. Literature Reviewed 8
VI. Appendices 9
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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 mathematical 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. With such a transformation, an assessment of the
potential for eutrophication control can be made.
LAKE ANALVSIS*
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 [ 3O3(c)], clean lakes [ 3l4(a,b)],
and water quality monitoring [ 1O6 and §305(b)] activities mandated
by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.
* The lake discussed in this report was included in the National
Eutrophication Survey as a water body of interest to the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency. Tributaries were not sampled, and this
report relates only to the data obtained from lake sampling.
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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.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
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, Biologist,
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.
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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 Hennepiri
Carlos Douglas
Carrigan Wright
Cass Beltrami, Cass
Clearwater Wright, Stearns
Cokato Wright
Cranberry Crow Wing
Darling Douglas
Elbow st. Louis
Embarass St. Louis
Fall Lake
Forest Washington
Green Kandiyohi
Gull Cass
Heron Jackson
Leech Cass
Le Home Dieu Douglas
Lily Blue Earth
Little Grant
Lost st. Louis
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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, Dakota
St. 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
Wallmark Chisago
White Bear Washington
Winona Douglas
Wolf Beltrami, Hubbard
Woodcock Kandiyohi
Zumbro Olmstead, Wabasha
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Gilbert STP
\ 1.5 miles
—
-4.
-
4.
4.
-4.-
-: - .
: : Gill
:; y 1:\
if Lak*
MIN II.
4-
Map Location
LOST
LAKE
X Lake Sampling Site
0 1/2
Scale
Mi.
4727’30’-
-.- -;..--- 4 = — A 4..
- - . . -
---4-
-a-—-— — — -
A
- - — —; .
--. -- - - - - — - —
4.
- . . —a - -:- - 4. -
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LOST LAKE
STORET NO. 27B8
I. INTRODUCTION
Lost Lake was included in the National Eutrophication Survey as
a water body of interest to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Wastewater treatment plant samples were provided by the City of
Gilbert (Appendix B); however, tributaries were not sampled, and other
nutrient sources were not evaluated. Therefore, this report primarily
relates to the lake sampling data.
II. CONCLUSIONS
A. Trophic Condition:
Survey data show Lost Lake is hypereutrophic. Of the 60
Minnesota lakes sampled in the fall when essentially all were
well—mixed, 51 had less mean total phosphorus, 40 had less
mean dissolved phosphorus, and 36 had less mean inorganic
nitrogen. Of the 80 Minnesota lakes sampled, 75 had less mean
chlorophyll a, and 49 had greater mean Secchi disc transparency.
Dissolved oxygen was markedly depleted at four feet in September,
1972.
Survey limnologists observed algal blooms in progress in
September and October.
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2
B. Rate—Limiting Nutrient:
The algal assay results show Lost Lake was nitrogen limited
at the time the sample was taken (10/19/72). The lake data
indicate nitrogen limitation at the other sampling times as well.
C. Point-Source Nutrient Contribution:
Based on analyses of effluent samples from the trickling
filter plant serving the City of Gilbert*, this point source
contributed 5,380 pounds of total phosphorus and 23,680 pounds
of total nitrogen via a ditch to Lost Lake during the Survey
sampling year.
* Anonymous, 1974.
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III. LAKE CHARACTERISTICS
A. Lake Morphometry*:
1. Surface area: 77 acres.
2. Mean depth: 9.9 feet.
3. Maximum depth: 18 feet.
4. Volume: 762 acre-feet.
B. Precipitation**:
1. Year of sampling: 28.0 inches.
2. Mean annual: 26.9 inches.
* MN Dept. of Conservation lake survey map (1968); mean depth by random-
dot method.
** See Working Paper No. 1, "Survey Methods, 1972".
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4
IV. LAKE WATER QUALITY SUMMARY
Lost Lake was sampled three times during the open-water season of
1972 by means of a pontoon-equipped Huey helicopter. Each time, samples
for physical and chemical parameters were collected from two or more
depths at a single station on the lake (see map, page vi). During each
visit, a single depth—integrated (near bottom to surface) sample was
collected for phytoplankton identification and enumeration, and a similar
sample was collected for chlorophyll a analysis. During the last visit,
a single five—gallon depth—integrated sample was taken for algal assays.
The maximum depth sampled was 9 feet.
The results obtained are presented in full in Appendix A, and the
data for the fall sampling period, when the lake essentially was well-
mixed, are summarized in the following table. 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 A.
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5
A. Physical and chemical characteristics:
FALL VALUES
(10/19/72)
Parameter Minimum Mean Median Maximum
Temperature (Cent.) 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.4
Dissolved oxygen (m9/i) 12.4 13.0 13.0 13.6
Conductivity (Tlmhos) 220 228 230 233
pH (units) 9.6 9.6 9.6 9.6
Alkalinity (mg/i) 73 75 76 76
Total P (mg/i) 0.328 0.340 0.346 0.346
Dissolved P (mg/i) 0.086 0.089 0.090 0.091
NO 2 + NO 3 (mg/l) 0.190 0.197 0.200 0.200
Ammonia (mg/i) 0.100 0.103 0.100 0.110
ALL VALUES
Secchi disc (inches) 18 33 33 48
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6
B. Biological characteristics:
1. Phytoplankton -
Sampling
Date
07/08/ 72
Domi nant
Genera
1. Anabaena
2. Dinobryon
3. Mallomonas
4. Gloeocapsa
5. Cryptomonas
Other genera
Total
Number
per ml
1 ,450
1 ,390
1 ,057
876
665
1 ,329
6,767
1. Lyngbya
2. Microcystis
3. Anabaena
4. Merismopedia
5. Scenedesmus
Other genera
Total
1. Cyclotella
2. Dictyosphaerium
3. Scenedesmus
4. Micractinium
5. Actinastrurn
Other genera
Total
2. Chlorophyll a -
(Because of instrumentation problems during the
the following values may be in error by plus or
07/08/72
09/09/72
01
01
23,840
5,906
4,239
1,413
652
1 ,595
37,645
81 ,06O
1 5 , 1 52
8,333
6,667
5,606
14,243
131 .061
21.8
20.1
09/09/72
10/19/72
Sampling
Date
Station
Number
Chlorophyll a
( ig/l)
1972 sampling,
minus 20 percent.)
10/19/72
01
388.7
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7
Maximum yield
( ma/i-dry wt. )
17.7
17.6
14.4
16.8
16.7
52. 2
49.0
C. Limiting Nutrient Study:
1. Autociaved, filtered, and nutrient spiked —
Ortho P Inorganic N
Spike (mg/i) Conc. (mg/i) Conc. (mci/i ) ____________
Control 0.105 0.485
0.006 P o.iii 0.485
0.012 P 0.117 0.485
0.024 P 0.129 0.485
0.060 P 0.165 0.485
0.060 P + 10.0 N 0.165 10.485
10.0 N 0.105 10.485
2. Discussion —
The control yield of the assay alga, Selenastrum capri-
cornutum , indicates that the potentiai primary productivity
of Lost Lake was high at the time the sample was collected.
Nitrogen was clearly the limiting nutrient in the aigal
assay sample. The combined spike of nitrogen and phosphorus
stimuiated growth only slightly mere than the nitrogen spike
alone. No growth response accompanied spikes of orthophos-
phorus alone.
The lake data indicate nitrogen limitation at the other
sampling times as well; i.e., the N/P ratio was less than
1/1 in July and was 4/1 in September, and nitrogen limitation
would be expected.
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8
V. LITERATURE REVIEWED
Anonymous, 1974. Wastewater disposal facilities inventory. MPCA,
Minneapolis.
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9
VI. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL DATA
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STOPET ‘ ETP1FVAI 9ATE 7’./1n)/30
27 3RO I
47 27 45.0 092 26 15.0
LOST LAKE
27 MINNESOTA
I IE”ALES
3
2111202
0O0 FEET DEPTH
DATE
FPOM
TO
7?/07/0
7?/09/09
7?/ I 0/19
TIME DEPTH
OF
1)AY FEET
15 00 0000
11 05 0000
15 35 0000
CHLPPHYL
A
UG/L
‘1 .8J
?0 • 1 J
3QQ 7_J
00010
00300
00077
0009’.
00400
00410
00630
00610
00665
00666
DATE
TIMF
DF T 4
WATER
DO
T . ANS’
CNOUCTVY
P -4
I ALK
N02&NO3
NH3—N
PHOS—TOT
Pi-iOS—OIS
FRO .’
OF
TEMP
SECCI.I
FIELD
CACO3
N—TOTAL
TOTAL
TO
DAY
FEET
CENT
‘1G/L
lNICi-fES
‘4ICROMHO
SU
MG/L
MG/L
MG/L
MG/L P
MG/L P
72/07/05
15 00 0000
?0.4
1’.R
IP
210
10.00
91
0.060
0.040
0.349
0.168
15 00 0005
19.1
6.0
210
9.?0
90
0.040
0.120
0.313
0.240
72/09/09
11 05 0000
“P
40
8.70
99
0.130
1.880
0.660
0.506
11 05 0004
15.7
2.7
239
P.79
97
0.150
1.820
0.685
0.503
72/10/19
15 35 0000
?20
9.60
73
0.190
0.100
0.346
0.091
15 35 0004
47
1 .4
230
9.60
76
0.200
0.100
0.328
0.086
15 35 0009
+. ..
13.6
233
9.60
76
0.200
0.110
0.346
0.090
J VALUE KNOWN TO BE IN FPRO
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APPENDIX B
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLA 4T DATA
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STORET RETRIEVAL OATE 74/10/30
?7 3f351 TF278 851 P002287
47 29 30.0 092 29 30.0
C IL4ERT
?7 7.5 GILBERT
U/LOST (HO4SESHOE)
LOST LAKE
IIEPALES 2141204
4 0000 FEET DEPTH
00665 50051 50053
00630
006 5
00610
00671
P TE
TIME
DFPT 1
NO2 NO3
TOT KJEL
NH3-N
PHOS-DIS
Pf-105—TOT
FLOW
CONDUIT
FROM
OF
N—TOTAL
N
TOTAL
ORTHO
RATE
FLOW—MGD
TO
DAY
FEET
MG/L
MG/L
MG/L
MG/L P
MG/L P
INST MGD
MONTHLY
73/02/01
II 00
CP(T)—
).0
15.000
7.3Sf)
2.700
3.600
0.395
0.400
71/0?/0I
13 00
73/03/01
11 00
CP(T)—
3.315
16.000
7.900
3.000
3.800
0.385
0.400
73/03/01
13 00
71/04/07
11 00
CPU)—
0.450
13.000
5.300
2.750
3.700
0.380
0.400
71/06/0?
13 00
71/04/23
1) 00
CP(T)—
1.580
23.600
14.200
3.800
4.550
0.385
0.400
73/04/23
13 00
71/05/01
11 00
CO(T)—
0.540
15.400
3.700
2.550
3.600
0.300
0.400
71/05/01
13 00
71/06/01
II 00
CP(T)—
0.515
16.000
4.730
2.650
3.803
0.385
0.400
73/05/01
13 00
71/07/0?
11 00
CP(T)—
0.500
12.600
3.500
3.500
4.700
0.278
0.400
71/07/0?
13 00
71/08/01
11 00
CP(T)—
2.930
37.000
1.320
2.050
3.5?5
0.395
0.400
73/OR/Ol
13 00
71/09/01
II 00
CP(T)—
17.400
5.400
1.310
5.100
0.325
0.400
71/09/01
13 00
71/10/01
Ii 00
CP(T)—
1.030
16. 00
7.550
1.300
5.400
0.385
0.400
73/10/01
13 00
71/11/01
11 00
C (T)—
1.050
22.000
4.300
3.’ O O
h.600
0.375
0.400
71/11/01
11 ()Q
73/l.’/Ol
II 00
CPU)—
1.500
17.cOn
4.800
?.900
4.800
0.385
0.400
71/I?/0I
I l C 0
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ST3PFT ET TFVAI_ DATE 7’,/1u/ )
) AT F
F P3 M
TO
?7 4551 TF27BB51
+7 ?9 30.0 092 29 30.0
GILkERT
77
7.5 GILBERT
fl/LOST (r-IOPSESHOE)
LOST LAKE
I IEPALES
4
2141204
0000 FEET
p002287
DEPTH
74/0 1/fl? 11 “0
CP (T) -
74/0I/O 13 ( 0
1.7hz 14.S03
3.100 4.300
0.3R5 0.400
( )( ‘3i.
‘o 7
0c ,I0
00 ’71
006 ’S
S00 ,1
500S3
T14 [
I) ’TH
iO’ .NO
TOT KJEL
tjrfl—N
PrIOSDIS
PHOSTOT
FLOW
CONDUIT
r
N—1(ITAL
N
TOTAL
uPT ’-10
AT
FLOWMGD
)tiY
FE T
Ht’L
‘1(/L
MG/L
tAO,’L P
MG/L
INST MGI)
MONTHLY
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