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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MAY 16, 2011 3 testing has provided a more complete data set but they have just received that information and need time to evaluate the data. Councilmember Tamble asked about the water quality in Round Lake. Mr. Fix responded that the water quality meets 2004 state standards. The contaminants, he explained, are in the sediment. He added that Round Lake has a tight clay Iayer, sometimes as thick as 40 feet, between the surface aquifer and sediment contamination. Councilmember Holmes asked who would be responsible for remediation costs for Round Lake. Mr. Fix stated the Army would pay for the remediation through the superfund process. Ms. DeAlwis added that the ecological risk assessment determined that lake - bottom organisms are being impacted by the contamination. Mr. Blair explained that the lake's ecosystem revolves around those organisms. Councilmember Tamble questioned what the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service hopes to do with the lake. Mr. Blair explained that they would like to see the lake open to the public for fishing, bird watching, and environmental education programs. They see Round Lake becoming a community asset if and when the EPA determines it to be safe. Councilmember Tamble questioned the value of Round Lake for migratory birds. Mr. Blair stated Round Lake is important and will become even more important as the area develops. He stated he believes this may be the last opportunity to make Round Lake whole. He also stated that Round Lake will always have open water; it may be drawn down to encourage vegetation growth around the shoreline to keep the lake healthy. He added that if nothing is done and a drought occurs, that would result in some of the sediment being exposed. He stressed that they would like to see a remedy that ensures the ecological integrity of the lake. There was some concern that Round Lake is too shallow for fish to survive the winter. Gerry Shimek, U.S. Fish & Wildife Service, stated there are holes in the lake that are as deep as 26 feet in some areas, so there is plenty of oxygenated water to carry fish through the winter. Mayor Grant questioned what draw -down means. Mr. Blair stated they could draw the lake level down a foot or two depending on the remedy. There could also be techniques for dredging that would lower the water level, but it's too early to determine what will be done. Ms. DeAlwis stated that residents will be given an opportunity to speak and that there is an active citizen's group that has been very involved over the past 20 years.