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Sand Hill River Watershed pumping paused after zebra mussel discovery; county official says pump replacement could cost $500k—600k
Summary
A Polk County board member said the Sand Hill River Watershed District was issued a DNR cease-and-desist order for seasonal pumping at Union Lake after zebra mussels were found; replacing the pump and screen to stop fingerling passage could cost an estimated $500,000—600,000.
During member forum on Wednesday, a Polk County commissioner said the Sand Hill River Watershed District has been issued a cease-and-desist order by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that halts seasonal pumping at Union Lake because zebra mussels were found.
The commissioner said the pump—s intake screen has holes large enough for fish fingerlings to pass through; pumping at the usual time risks moving zebra mussels or juveniles downstream. The district has paused pumping and is evaluating options, the commissioner said, adding that upgrades to the pump and screening system could cost between $500,000 and $600,000.
Board members discussed whether watershed funds or other state funding could cover the work; staff noted that some state watershed funding has restrictions and does not explicitly cover aquatic invasive-species work. The commissioner said the district is exploring whether work-plan changes or other reimbursement sources could be used for carp removal or for new equipment.
The discussion occurred during reports from commissioners and watershed representatives; no formal county board action was taken during the meeting.
