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Sand Hill River watershed pumping paused after zebra mussels found; county explores costly pump and screen upgrades
Summary
Board members reported the Sand Hill River Watershed District received a DNR cease‑and‑desist on seasonal pumping at Union Lake after zebra mussels were found; staff said required pump and screen upgrades could cost roughly $500,000–$600,000 and that current grant rules may limit funding options.
During member forum, a Polk County commissioner reported that the Sand Hill River Watershed District has been issued a cease‑and‑desist order by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the seasonal pumping of Union Lake after zebra mussels were discovered.
County and watershed representatives said the problem is that the pump’s existing screen holes are large enough for fish fingerlings to pass; pumping typically occurs in spring when fingerlings are present. Staff told the board the pump itself may not be able to accept a sufficiently fine screen and that a replacement pump and screen could cost between $500,000 and $600,000.
Funding and program constraints: The watershed director and commissioners discussed whether existing watershed funding could be used. Staff noted that Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) or other state funding programs set strict guidelines, and aquatic invasive‑species control like zebra mussel mitigation is not typically an eligible expense under some watershed work‑plan funding. The watershed district is exploring alternatives, potential reimbursement for carp removal work, and possible work‑plan changes.
Next steps: County and watershed staff said they are seeking creative funding solutions and will review work plans and funding eligibility. Commissioners said they would continue to follow the issue and that additional meetings and decisions are likely in coming weeks.
