ADMINISTRATION - Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager
Title
LOCAL SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
Background
The Local Surface Water Management Plan is required of all Metro area municipalities. It is part of the city's Comprehensive Management Plan and establishes standards, goals and policies for managing surface waters and stormwater runoff. The plan has been reviewed and approved by the Metropolitan Council, Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) and Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). The plan may be periodically amended to remain current with local practices and policies.
Updates made to the plan are as follows:
• Update references to City of Blaine actions that have been completed:
o Municipal Separate Storm System (MS4) permit items
o Water quality monitoring requirements
o Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation
o Non-degradation plan requirements
o Ordinance updates
o Stormwater utility fee
• Revise Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects and budget to current status:
o The Stormwater Utility Fund Budget reflects projects that have been identified and prioritized to be completed in the next 5 years.
o Pond 303 Iron Enhanced Sand Filter (IESF) Bench moved up in the priority list to be completed in 2019 rather than 2020 because of a grant opportunity with CCWD. The total cost of the project would be closer to $500,000 but CCWD has grant funds to pay 50% of the installation costs and are providing the in-kind match by designing the system.
o The County Ditch 17 repair work is has been revised to a two part project in 2019 and 2020 to address a failing storm sewer pipe that runs under 89th Ave and then under the parking lot of the former Toys R Us. Staff has been working with CCWD to look at different options for the site, none of the options are inexpensive. It is a very difficult site.
o Currently the city is paying a lot of overtime to screen the street sweepings so the city remains in compliance with its stormwater permit. The budget proposes construction of a building and purchasing a trommel screen to more efficiently screen the material. Staff has made a screen to handle the material now but it is very inefficient as it can’t handle the volume of material.
o Staff will continue to look for grant opportunities to offset the costs of these projects.
• Update agreements with CCWD and RCWD Watershed Districts to continue ditch inspection services
• Update references to CCWD and RCWD rule and plan changes
The city has been able to make a lot of progress in completing stormwater projects and with cooperation from the watershed districts, has been able to provide more stormwater education and outreach. The plan outlines additional projects and opportunities to guide the city in conserving, protecting and managing its surface water resources.
The plan is available on the city’s website.
Recommendation
By motion, approve updated revisions to the City of Blaine Local Surface Water Management Plan.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 15th day of November, 2018.