Manure spill closes state park's beach

Split Rock Creek State Park in southwestern Minnesota will host no swimmers this holiday weekend.

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: May 22, 2009 - 7:44 PM

A recent major manure spill from a Pipestone County dairy farm has forced the closure of the beach at Split Rock Creek State Park for the entire Memorial Day weekend, state conservation officials said Friday.

Visitors to the park's dammed lake in the southwestern corner of Minnesota still will be able to camp, hike, geocache and boat, the Department of Natural Resources said.

The decision came after test results from County Public Health Services showed elevated fecal coliform counts following the spill on May 4.

The spill totaled 250,000 to 300,000 gallons and originated from a dairy farm in Eden Township about 6 to 7 miles upstream from the park, said a report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Some fish have died

The spill has killed some fish, said Jeff Sieve, state parks southern regional park operations supervisor. Sieve added that the creek is home to the Topeka shiner, a federally endangered species. There is no word on what types of fish have been killed.

The Topeka shiner is a small fish found in prairie streams in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and South Dakota. It has been listed as endangered for 11 years. The species has suffered due to degradation and the channeling of streams, and the introduction of predator fishes that are not native to its habitat, such as bass and northern pike.

"We regret having to close the beach right before Memorial weekend," Sieve said, "but it's the right thing to do. Fortunately, there are lots of other ways to have fun at Split Rock Creek State Park without swimming."

Split Rock Creek Park employee Julie Kruger was happy to report that no unpleasant odor has so far accompanied the manure's arrival. Kruger expects a full campground for the weekend, but guests are not too bothered "because it's a little cold to be swimming anyway."

The state will retest Split Rock Lake water quality next week. The beach will reopen as soon as Minnesota Department of Health standards are met.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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