Otter and Campbell Lakes Restoration – 401 Water Quality Certification

We invite you to comment on the draft 401 Water Quality Certification for the Otter and Campbell Lakes Restoration Project in McLeod County.

The city of Hutchinson proposes to construct a sediment forebay structure downstream of the confluence of the South Fork Crow River and Judicial Ditch 1. A rock riffle structure will divert up to 10% of base flows and up to 60% of flows up to the 500-year flood event. A deep pool will be located directly downstream of the inlet structure to encourage sediment deposition. An outlet will be constructed with a sheet pile v-notch weir and rock rapids, which will allow flow through during base flow periods. Between the inlet and outlet structures, a failed rock riffle will also be repaired. Maintenance roads will allow heavy equipment to remove accumulated sediment as needed to be stored in a nearby upland area for later dispersal on nearby agricultural fields.

A 401 Water Quality Certification is required when an individual, business, or property owner proposes construction-related activities near a navigable lake, river, stream, or adjacent wetland. The MPCA reviews projects to ensure they will not violate Minnesota's more protective water quality standards. The 401 certification becomes an enforceable component of the associated federal license or permits issued under the Clean Water Act.