Lambert Creek E. coli Source Study

Lambert Creek is currently on the state impaired list for high levels of E. coli. The creek was monitored for E. coli at 5 sub-watershed sampling locations weekly during the summer from 2008-2012. The Vadnais Lake Area WMO is currently working with a consultant to do target monitoring and molecular sourcing (E. coli host: human, animal or avian) at these locations to both determine the source of the E. coli impairment and also determine proper best management practices (BMP's) to reduce the E. coli impairment. VLAWMO began monitoring two sub-watershed locations this summer on Lambert Creek (Oakmede and Cty Rd. F) to understand where the Lambert Creek E. coli impairment is coming from. The target monitoring will give us better idea where the hot spots for E. coli are at each location on the creek and the molecular sourcing will tell us the origin of the E. coli.

This year E. coli culture samples were taken 4 days a week for three to four weeks. We have to get samples during dry conditions so at least 72 hrs from a significant rainfall for a minimum of 12 samples at each sample site in order to get a significant data set to run the statistics on the results. Once these samples have been analyzed we will then begin the molecular sampling at each of these locations.

For the molecular sampling we will be taking 2 molecular samples twice weekly for two to three weeks at Oakmede and 3 molecular samples twice weekly for two to three weeks at Cty Rd. F. These samples will also be taken during dry conditions.

At the completion of this project we hope to have an understanding of exactly where the E. coli is coming from at these locations on the creek and also area's to incorporate BMP's to reduce the ecoli impairment to below state standards. The 3 other sub-watersheds on the creek (Whitaker, Goose and Koehler) will be addressed next summer.

What have we learned? 

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Native Plant Demonstration at VH Commons

Two native plant gardens in collaboration with the City of Vadnais Heights.

Whitaker Pond Biochar Stormwater Filter

A surface water filter targeting pollutants that enter Lambert Creek during high water levels.

Goodwill Development & Wetland Mitigation

This commercial development took place on a property with a historically degraded wetland, and includes a proactive stormwater plan that benefits the watershed.

Lambert Lake Pond and Meander

An effort to restore floodplain storage, sediment dispersal, and treat high E. coli levels.

Lambert Creek/Ditch 14 Maintenance

Ditch 14/Lambert Creek maintenance activities.

Ditch 14/Lambert Creek Engineering: Historic & Current Efforts

A description and supporting documents for the historical conditions of Lambert Creek/Ditch 14 and its branch ditches
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