Truth is, South Dakota does not have a pollution goal

South Dakotas Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has not set specific targets for reducing water pollution in the states streams and rivers.

More than three-quarters (78%) of the stream-miles tested in South Dakota were found to be unhealthy for aquatic life, swimming and other beneficial uses, according to the departments 2024 surface water quality report. Surface water is public property in South Dakota, not the property of landowners.

Major pollutants include fertilizer runoff from farm fields, soil erosion from agricultural operations and natural sources, and E. coli bacteria from livestock and wildlife feces.

South Dakota requires a permit to discharge pollutants into surface waters, but issues such as declining inspections and lapsed permits due to staffing issues have contributed to frequent violations.

The DANR has not responded to emails asking about statewide pollution reduction goals. Other states, including Minnesota and Iowa, have set statewide goals for pollution reduction.

Sources

• South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2024 South Dakota Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment
• South Dakota law,SDCL 46-1-3 Water as property of peopleAppropriation of right to use
• Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton,Goal to improve water quality in Minnesota by 25% by 2025
• Iowa Public Radio,What does Iowa water quality look like after 10 years with the Nutrient Reduction Strategy?
• South Dakota News Watch,Decline in freshwater mussels an indicator of poor river and stream health in South Dakota
• South Dakota News Watch,Rivers at risk: Pollution problems persist as state oversight lags

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