Blue Earth County Ditch No. 57

Blue Earth County Ditch No. 57 is recognized as Minnesota's first public multi-purpose drainage initiative. The project’s multi-year success confirmed that implementation of best management practices (BMPs) enhances agricultural production conditions, reduces peak flow rates, and improves water quality. ISG’s water resources team integrated BMPs like storage basins, buffer strips, a two-stage ditch, and a rate control weir, resulting in increased storage capacity increments, peak flow rate reductions of 10% to 50%, and the removal of 1,059,630 pounds of sediment over three years. This collaborative drainage system and water quality improvement project illustrates the mutual benefits for agricultural producers and the environment.

‍Funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

Phase 1 Final Report

Phase 1 Water Quality Report

Phase 2 Water Quality Report

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