The beach water at Split Rock Creek State Park near Ihlen isn’t noticeably discolored and doesn’t smell foul from the May 4 manure spill that contaminated the water and closed the beach to swimming, Friday, May 22.
What does stink is that the level of fecal coliform in the lake has increased since the initial test results came back May 21.
At that time, tests showed 1,400 bacteria colonies per 100 mL of water. The most recent test results, received Thursday, June 4, show 3,120 colonies per 100 mL. The Minnesota Department of Health advises beach closings when fecal coliform levels exceed 1,000 colonies per 100 mL of water.
Fecal coliform is a bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Detection of its presence in the water indicates contamination by animal or human waste.
According to Park Manager Rick White, a spill of this magnitude with subsequent water contamination has never occurred at the state park.
“We have no idea what to expect with this type of spill,” White said.
The spill occurred a few miles north of the park at a dairy farm in Eden Township, south of Pipestone belonging to Randy Pater.
Up to 300,000 gallons of manure overflowed a holding pond, according to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report. The cause of the overflow is believed to have been a plugged pipe, according to Forrest Peterson, an MPCA spokesperson.
Peterson said a letter was sent to the dairy citing alleged violations of state water quality rules. Because the letter may initiate an enforcement action, he said the amount of detail that can be made public is limited.
Park staff will continue to draw water samples on a weekly basis to be sent for analysis to the Lincoln, Murray and Pipestone Health office in Marshall. Once the level of fecal coliform drops below 1,000 colonies per 100 mL of water, the beach will be reopened to swimming.
Fish kills have been reported at the lake, White said, but there has been no confirmation from area fisheries at this time. Julie Kruger, a park employee, said park staff has heard no warnings regarding fishing or that the fish are unsafe for consumption.
One possible result from the manure spill and resulting beach closure, Kruger said, is a reduction in visitors to the park. There are plenty of other reasons to visit the park, she said, including camping, fishing, hiking the trails and boating, but the beach is one of the biggest draws.
“My point of view is there is still a lot to do out here,” she said. “It doesn’t smell and you can still fish and boat, as far as we know.”
