County Geologic Atlases (Part B - Groundwater)

Quick Facts

Source: 
Clean Water Fund
Status: 
In Progress
Activity Type: 
Inventory, Analysis/Interpretation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Assessment/Evaluation, Research, Mapping
Counties Affected 
Benton, Blue Earth, Carlton, Carver, Chisago, McLeod, Nicollet, Sibley
DNR works with the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) to develop County Geologic Atlases to convey geologic and hydrogeologic information and interpretations to government units at all levels, but particularly to local governments. The MGS focuses on geology (Part A reports) and DNR focuses on groundwater (Part B reports).

These studies provide information about the region’s geology and groundwater’s presence, direction of flow, natural quality, age, and pollution sensitivity. This information is used in planning and environmental protection efforts. Source water protection and well sealing programs are examples of local programs that need geologic and groundwater information. Other typical uses include providing information for permit applications, resource management, monitoring needs, and emergency response to contaminant releases.

Clean Water funding is used to improve the quality of County Geologic Atlases by collecting additional subsurface geologic samples, expanding the number of sites sampled for water chemistry, starting the process of installing a research well to collect stratified groundwater data from multiple aquifers, and purchasing and repairing equipment.

About the Issue

Hydrogeology is the study of the distribution and movement of water in the ground. Hydrogeologic information helps communities find reliable sources of water and manage water and land in a way that sustains high-quality water resources.

Without informed water supply planning, public water shortages may occur and surface waters (wetlands, lakes, rivers, and unique resources such as trout streams and fens) may be degraded from groundwater pumping or land-use changes.
Status: 
In Progress
Start Date: 
July 2009
End Date: 
January 2013

Project Details by Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year(s): 
2013
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2009, Chp. 172, Art. 2, Sec. 5(f)
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded: 
0.0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s) 
In FY13, DNR will complete atlases for Carver, McLeod, and Chisago counties. DNR will also finish expanded field data collection for Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Sibley counties and continue or initiate data analysis for those three atlases. Funds will also be used to expand work by the MGS to drill scientific boreholes to acquire detailed subsurface geologic data to improve interpretation of existing well logs for Part A atlases.
Fiscal Year(s): 
2012
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2009, Chp. 172, Art. 2, Sec. 5(f)
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$0
Direct expenses: 
$23,350
Administration costs: 
$0
Number of full time equivalents funded: 
0.0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s) 
In FY 12, DNR will complete complete four atlases (Benton, Carver, McLeod, Chisago) and begin data collection and analysis on three additional counties (Blue Earth, Nicollet, Sibley).
Measurable Outcome(s) 
In FY12, DNR completed field data collection for atlases in Benton, Carver, McLeod, and Chisago Counties. In FY12 DNR completed the Benton County Geologic Atlas (Part B); data analysis and report preparation continued for Carver, McLeod, and Chisago Counties. Field data collection was initiated for Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Sibley Counties.
Fiscal Year(s): 
2011
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2009, Chp. 172, Art. 2, Sec. 5(f)
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$500,000
Direct expenses: 
$243,388
Administration costs: 
$32,400
Number of full time equivalents funded: 
0.0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s) 
In FY10 and 11, DNR will complete two atlases for each fiscal year.
Measurable Outcome(s) 
In FY11, DNR completed the Carlton County Geologic Atlas (Part B). DNR also collected field data for Atlases in Benton, Carver, McLeod, and Chisago Counties and continued data analysis and began report production for the Atlases in Benton and Chisago Counties.
Fiscal Year(s): 
2010
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2009, Chp. 172, Art. 2, Sec. 5(f)
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$500,000
Direct expenses: 
$26,705
Administration costs: 
$30,000
Number of full time equivalents funded: 
0.0
Measurable Outcome(s) 
In FY 10, DNR completed the Todd County Geologic Atlas Part B. Clean Water funding is used to improve the quality of County Geologic Atlases by collecting additional subsurface geologic samples, expanding the number of sites sampled for water chemistry, starting the process of installing a research well to collect stratified groundwater data from multiple aquifers, and purchasing and repairing equipment.
Fiscal Year(s): 
0

Project Manager

Jan
Falteisek
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN
55155
651-259-5665
Email: 
jan.falteisek@state.mn.us
Related Topics: 
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Inventory, Analysis/Interpretation, Digitization/Online Information Access, Assessment/Evaluation, Research, Mapping, Clean Water Fund, Benton, Blue Earth, Carlton, Carver, Chisago, McLeod, Nicollet, Sibley