CC 06-26-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, June 26, 1989 Page 2 SEWAGE (Cont'd) Donald Obbarius, 1619 Lake Johanna Blvd., explained the sewage odor will become more apparent and the raw sewage area may spread across the lake when the wind shifts from now located in the bay north to south. . Council inquired if the representative from Delta Environmental could provide a cost estimate for the water and soil testing discussed. Daryl Ohman, Delta Environmental, stated he does not have sufficient information as to the extent of the sewage spill, duration of the leak, and quantities involved to address the impact on the soil and water. He stated Ramsey County has tested some areas in the lake and found the results acceptable. Ohman further advised he has discussed the matter with a specialist at his firm, Mike Martinson, who reported the following: -In residential sewer sludge natural bacteria reacts on the sewage in the line itself; basically sewer treatment plants enhance the natural bacteria to degrade the sewage to acceptable levels for discharging to the Metro Waste Control Commission plant. Since the sewage that was spilled onto the soil is primarily residential sewage the natural bacteria will break it down in due process. -If there is ponding/pooling of the sewage, aeration would enhance degradation. Ohman advised that soil tests were also discussed and Martinson explained the sewage could be viewed as a natural fertilizer with elevated levels of nitrogen. . Dr. Boutin stated the answers provided by Ohman were not acceptable. She noted there is approximately 3/4 acre of raw sewage pooling; a subcontractor who viewed the area advised the soil is possibly contaminated to at least a minimum of 2 feet. It was her opinion the value of property is seriously compromised by such contamination. Boutin explained there was no posting in the area of the sewage spill; suggested the public beach and area where the sewage pooled should have been posted. Mayor Sather stated the City could request Ramsey County post notices in those areas since the property is under Ramsey County jurisdiction. Councilmember Malone questioned the amount of land covered by the sewage spill. Public Works Supervisor Raddatz stated approximately 1/2 to 3/4 acre of land was affected by the spill; the depth varies from one to six inches. Councilmember Mahowald questioned what actions were taken by the city to correct the problem, other than repair of the sewer line. Raddatz explained the city staff trenched the area in order for the sewage to drain into the sanitary sewer and waited for further instructions from Ramsey County Health Department. Clerk Administrator Berger advised that Ramsey County indicated the city staff had done an excellent job in terms of insuring there would be no further sewage flowing into the lake; reported County and the MPCA were comfortable with the measures taken by the city. Berger advised he also discussed soil conditions with the agencies; suggested if residents are concerned about the soils Council consider soil testing. . Berger recommended residents contact the city offices with concerns and he would provide the information.