you are here > about us > goals > remedial action plan goals
Goals of the St. Louis River System
Remedial Action Plan
2. The implementation of a staged river cleanup which results in the remediation of existing polluted sites and prevention of further degradation.
3. The establishment and maintenance of a coordinated monitoring network and information management and analysis system for the St. Louis River System Area of Concern (AOC).
4. The identification and evaluation of all existing point and nonpoint pollution sources, including regional airborne contributions, contaminated sediments, and episodic sources such as spills.
5. The reduction of pollutant inputs, including nutrient and sediment loadings from point and nonpoint sources.
6. The reduction of toxic substance inputs to the St.
Louis River System AOC through the following steps:
(a) Water quality which meets or is cleaner than the ambient water quality
standards of both states for the classification of the water body;
(b) Initiation or maintenance of a program of no net increase in the discharges
of toxic substances (anti-degradation policy);
(c) Over the long term, execution of a program to eliminate discharges
of toxic substances; and
(d) Substitution and development of nontoxic substances for use in or
in connection with industrial applications, business, home, land management,
and other important users (pollution prevention).
7. Lessening of the need for dredging through reductions in sediment loading. Establishment of environmentally sound and economically feasible procedures for maintenance dredging and dredged materials management.
8. Protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat, including fish spawning and nursery areas, and aquatic and/or upland breeding, nesting, or migration habitats.
9. Identification and protection of remaining wetlands, including a program of no further loss of wetlands in or along the St. Louis River or estuary, no loss of critical wetlands or wetland functions, no net loss of wetlands in the drainage basin, and an overall policy of restoring and/or enhancing diminished or drained wetlands. Any unavoidable wetland losses shall be compensated for by the establishment of replacement wetlands of equal value on a two for one basis.
10. A healthy and well balanced aquatic ecosystem, where native species can live and reproduce naturally and are not restricted from thriving due to substrate degradation.
11. Management of the St. Louis and Nemadji river systems in a geographically and functionally unified manner. A coordinated approach should be taken by both states in the planning and implementation of ecosystem programs.
12. Participation in the Remedial Action Plan process by all stakeholders, ensuring effective community involvement in developing and implementing an achievable plan of action.
13. Planned water dependent development consistent with the other goals stated herein.
14. Expanded public awareness and understanding of the value of attaining and maintaining a healthy ecosystem within the St. Louis River AOC and the role of the individual in that effort.
15. Enhanced variety of water oriented recreational opportunities throughout the AOC, including public access to the water and shore, trails, beaches, and facilities for fishing from shore.
16. The restoration
and preservation of as much scenic beauty to the area as possible.