Minnesota Water Resources Conference - Water Resources Center ...

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
Tuesday, Monday, October 27 23
Poster Session 4:45–5:45
Degradation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Compounds in Groundwater by Dehalococcideslike
Organisms
Mark Krzmarzick, University of Minnesota, krzma006@umn.edu; Paige Novak, University of Minnesota; Jevon Harding,
Princeton University; Alessandra Leri, Princeton University; Satish Myneni, Princeton University
Anthropogenic chlorinated compounds such as chlorinated ethenes, PCBs, and dioxins are often persistent,
bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). These compounds pose significant threats to surface waters and aquifers
therefore low cost methods of remediation are of critical importance. This research tests the hypothesis that
dehalorespirers, which are able to degrade several PBTs, are natural components of uncontaminated ecosystems
and that their presence is linked to the existence of natural chlorinated organic compounds. Six soils cores were
collected from an uncontaminated area of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain
reaction has been used to quantify the numbers of Dehalococcoides-like species in the soil cores. These numbers
will be correlated with the quantity of chlorinated organic matter. The ability of dechlorinators to respire
natural chlorinated organics will be tested in batch reactors, which will enable more cost effective methods of
stimulation for the degradation of anthropogenic PBTs.
Expanding Stormwater Education and Outreach Through Private-Public Partnerships
Kate Kubiak, South St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District for the Regional Stormwater Protection Team, kate.kubiak@
southstlouisswcd.org; Mindy Granley, Minnesota DNR Lake Superior Costal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program for the
Regional Stormwater Protection Team
The Regional Stormwater Protection Team is a cooperative effort between 26 communities and entities in
the Twin Ports region of Duluth/Superior. The group’s mission is to protect and enhance the region’s shared
water resources by providing coordinated educational programs and technical assistance aimed at reducing
stormwater pollution. In an effort to expand its outreach, the group launched the Superior Streams Partner
Program in 2008. This program seeks to involve businesses in reducing stormwater pollution by inviting them
to support the group’s outreach efforts with a monetary donation and implementing stormwater BMPs in their
business practices. Using the marketing plan created for the program in 2007, the group will implement the
project over the spring and summer of 2008. Success will be determined by how many partnerships the group is
able to develop and the degree to which the nature of those partnerships can or will lead to reduced stormwater
pollution.
Utilizing Beaver in Stream Restorations
Terry Lee, Olmsted County, lee.terry@co.olmsted.mn.us
Few animals have had as big an impact in shaping the landscape of North America as the beaver and few are as
controversial amongst natural resource managers. Although the fur trade nearly decimated the beaver, today
they are making a comeback. Scientists are beginning to value the role of beaver in stream ecosystems and
resource managers in western states have begun to utilize them in stream restorations. This presentation will
summarize information that could be used in evaluating utilizing beaver in Minnesota stream restorations.
45 Minnesota Water Resources Conference, October 27–28, 2008