What pollutants is South Lindstrom Lake listed for?

EPA's ATTAINS assessment cites South Lindstrom Lake for: FISH BIOASSESSMENTS (grouped as Impaired biota (cause unknown)). These are the specific parameters that exceed water-quality standards.

Is there a cleanup plan for South Lindstrom Lake?

Not yet. South Lindstrom Lake is on the 303(d) list but a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) cleanup plan has not been completed. Listed waters await TMDL development, which can take years depending on state priorities and funding.

What does "impaired" mean for a lake?

Under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, states assess whether each waterbody supports its designated uses (aquatic life, recreation, fish consumption, drinking-water supply). A lake that fails the standard for any pollutant is "impaired" and added to the 303(d) list, which obligates the state to eventually write a TMDL cleanup plan. It is a regulatory status, not a measure of overall clarity.

Is South Lindstrom Lake Polluted? EPA Impaired-Waters Status

Yes — South Lindstrom Lake in Chisago County, Minnesota is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2024 assessment cycle). It is cited for Impaired biota (cause unknown). No cleanup plan (TMDL) has been completed yet. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's EPA condition class water-quality readings: it means at least one designated use (such as swimming, aquatic life, or fish consumption) does not meet state standards for the listed pollutant.

EPA 303(d) Listing

On 303(d) impaired list	Yes
Cleanup plan (TMDL)	Not yet written
Assessment cycle	2024
EPA IR category	5
Location	Chisago County, Minnesota

Pollutants Cited

Impaired biota (cause unknown) — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.

Specific parameters in the EPA record: FISH BIOASSESSMENTS.

What this means for using South Lindstrom Lake

Review the EPA assessment and any state advisories before relying on South Lindstrom Lake for swimming, fishing, or other uses. An impairment listing does not mean the lake is closed — most impaired lakes remain open for boating and swimming. It means a specific pollutant exceeds a standard for a specific use. South Lindstrom Lake carries an overall water-quality readings of —, with algae (chlorophyll-a) at 6.1 µg/L and phosphorus at 16 µg/L — see the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.

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