Workshop Item - [Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager]
Title
Aurelia Park Retrofit Project
Executive Summary
In partnership with the Coon Creek Watershed District, the city has been working on developing a solution to reduce flooding and improve water quality in Springbrook Creek. Aurelia Park has been identified as an area for a potential stormwater/flood control project.
Background
Springbrook Creek, also known as Ditch 17, starts in Blaine west of Highway 65 and flows southwest through Fridley to the Mississippi River. Springbrook Creek has been placed on the state’s list for being impaired for Aquatic Life, because of excess nutrients from the stormwater draining to it.
The area was fully developed at a time when water quality requirements were not in place and flooding concerns were not looked at as closely as they are now. The drainage area is also very flat. Because of this, the area frequently experiences flooding and has water quality issues.
Staff has been working with the Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) and the Anoka Conservation District for quite a few years on opportunities to reduce flooding and improve water quality in Springbrook Creek. Through the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, the city and CCWD are required to make improvements to the water quality in Springbrook Creek and provide documentation to the State of Minnesota.
An opportunity that has been identified is using the southwest corner of Aurelia Park for flood storage and water quality treatment. What is being proposed is an approximate 15,000 sq. ft. stormwater retention basin to treat the water from the 51.5 acre drainage area that is currently draining to Springbrook Creek without any treatment. The proposed basin would allow for settling of pollutants, provide storage and rate control to help with flooding issues, and potentially provide for stormwater reuse to irrigate the park rather than use city water. The pollutant reduction expectations from the basin are to remove at least 4.5tons/year of sediment and 19lbs/year of phosphorus from going into Springbrook Creek.
CCWD applied for granting funding from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources through the state’s Watershed Based Funding which is the same funding source that helped with the Pleasure Creek Biochar/Iron Enhanced Sand Filter Project from 2019. The grant was awarded and the project will receive $77,542.00 for construction of the project. The grant funds must be spent by end of the year 2023. The city has budgeted $150,000 for this project plus staff time. CCWD’s consultant engineer is providing the design services, bidding process and construction oversight, and final sign-off on the constructed project.
Part of this project includes a public engagement process. A public open house will be scheduled to discuss the local water quality impairments, the proposed project, and to gather feedback. Renderings have been created showing what the area currently looks like and what it will look like after completion of the project. Regular project updates will be published to those who sign up for notifications, as well as an article in the City newsletter and on social media. The project also includes funds for the installation of a sign by the basin indicating the purpose of the project. The project includes replanting trees and restoring the area.
The City will own and maintain the constructed stormwater retention basin.
Strategic Plan Relationship
This project meets the Well-Maintained Infrastructure strategic plan priority.
Board/Commission Review
This project will be discussed at the April 27, 2021 Park Board meeting. The project will not impact any programmed activities or park amenities.
Financial Impact
Stormwater budget - $150,000 plus in-kind staff time (funds were approved in 2021 budget)
CCWD grant funding - $77,542 (only for construction) plus in-kind staff time
Public Outreach/Input
If the City Council is in favor of moving forward with the project, an extensive public outreach campaign will be started. The campaign will include information on the city’s website, public meetings, social media posts, Interpretive Signs installed at the site, etc.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is requesting authorization to move forward with the project working in partnership with the CCWD.
Attachment List
Technical Memo from Wenck, dated September 6, 2019
Map of Aurelia Park