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Carlos council: MPCA authorizes wastewater pond discharge after elevated phosphorus readings
Summary
Public works staff reported elevated phosphorus in wastewater samples; after consulting the MPCA and Minnesota Rural Water Association, the MPCA authorized discharge of the ponds starting June 21, 2026; staff cited geese as a possible cause and discussed deterrent measures.
Public works staff told the City of Carlos Council on June 11 that two sequential wastewater influent samples showed elevated phosphorus levels and that a larger flock of geese frequenting the ponds may be a contributing factor.
Justin Kurtz said staff collected a second sample that showed even higher phosphorus concentrations and consulted the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Rural Water Association about the results. The MPCA authorized the city to proceed with discharging the wastewater ponds; discharge was scheduled to begin on June 21, 2026.
Council and staff discussed possible measures to deter geese, including coyote decoys and obtaining a nuisance permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if additional steps become necessary. Staff will proceed with discharge under MPCA authorization and will monitor outcomes per MPCA guidance.
Staff also described related maintenance items: three dead trees in the park identified for removal and follow-up work on the brush pile, including options for installing a controlled-access gate to prevent improper material deposit.
The minutes do not record any formal council vote on the discharge; they record staff action taken after regulatory consultation and authorization.
