Preserving lakes, rivers a top priority in OT County
News | Published on March 5, 2024 at 2:07pm EST | Author: henningmaster
0County staff aims to prevent adverse land use near waterways
By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
The state of Minnesota, in coordination with Otter Tail County and the other 86 counties in the state, recognizes that the uncontrolled use of land could adversely affect the health, safety and general well-being of the public.
Therefore, state legislators and county commissioners have imposed laws and ordinances, such as shoreland management ordinances, in an attempt to ensure a viable environment for county residents and visitors.
“We work to provide for the wise subdivision, use and orderly development of shorelands of public waters,” says Otter Tail County Land and Resource Director Chris LeClair. “At the same time, we in the County Land and Resource office strive to provide positive customer service.”
He told county commissioners on Feb. 27 that in 2023 there were 4,069 inspections by 6 field staff in his department. “My staff members are dedicated and do great work for the well-being of county residents,” LeClair said.
LeClair reminded county commissioners that the Minnesota Clean Water Partnership (CWP) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) have awarded Otter Tail County with a grant to provide low interest loans to property owners to replace non-compliant subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS).
“Otter Tail County serves as the lender,” said LeClair.
SSTS replacement and/or repair must result in a water quality improvement. In the event of limited funds, the county may award higher priority replacements first.
Interested property owners can submit an SSTS financial assistance application to the County Land and Resource office. The application is available on the website at: www.ottertailcounty.gov/assistance-and-support/financial-assistance/septic-system-loan-program/
Also speaking at the county board meeting on Feb. 27 was Alex Kvidt, administrator of the Otter Tail Water Management District (OTWMD).
The OTWMD includes 6 county lakes: Blanche, Walker, Deer, Otter Tail, Round and the southern portion of Long Lake. This area also includes a portion of Ottertail city, four townships and the Otter Tail River in north central Otter Tail County.
Founded by the county board in 1981, the OTWMD has a board of directors with responsibilities for land use planning, flood control and protection of health and natural resources.