The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is getting serious about the water quality in the Minnesota River and its tributaries. The MPCA is finalising plans to address a number of problems along the river. It held a session in Mankato Wednesday to go over its report and plans.

The problems along the river are legion, and the solutions the MPCA proposes will have to be as well. Yes, part of the problem is that high water levels are tearing at the banks the river normally wouldn’t reach, bringing more dirt and soil to muddy the waters. But there are so many areas that need to be addressed — runoff from urban developments, streets and parking lots as well as runoff from farm fields and tile lines.

MPCA has set a goal of reducing sediment in the river by 50 percent. Accomplishing that will require the cooperation of all who live in the watershed.