Pleasure Creek Biochar/Iron-Enhanced Filter

Located on the south side of Pleasure Creek Park, this filter removes pollutants and improves local water quality.

Background

Pleasure Creek is currently listed as impaired for failing to meet federal Clean Water Act standards. Pleasure Creek is impaired for aquatic life and aquatic recreation due to excess sediment, phosphorus, poor habitat, and chlorides. This project directly addresses several of these issues.

Learn more about the Clean Water Act and Aquatic Life Impairments.

Project Goals

• Reduce sediment and nutrient pollution
• Reduce E. coli pollution

Project Highlights

Incorporation of Biochar to reduce E. coli bacteria

Iron-Enhanced Sand Filters have been used for years to remove excess sediment and nutrients from waterways. In this project, water from the pond is pumped up into the filter and soaks down through the iron-sand media. The filter holds on to the excess sediment and nutrients, allowing cleaner water to continue downstream.

This filter utilizes Biochar in addition to iron filings. Biochar is plant-based charcoal that binds to E. coli, a type of bacteria commonly found in animal waste. The addition of Biochar to the filtration media means that this filter can remove excess sediment, phosphorus, and E. coli.

Project Funding

This project was funded by the Coon Creek Watershed District with grant funding from the MN Clean Water Fund and the City of Blaine via stormwater utility fees.

Project Contact

Tyler Thompson, Operations & Maintenance Coordinator