CCP 08-20-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ Agriculture i.~ still the predominant land use in a Jarg~ ponion of the seven county area and a major I contributor of nonpoint source pollutants. Nonpol.!1t source pollution from agriculture occurs as a result of intensive land cultivation and husbandry practices and shows up in three basic forms: soil erosion; agricultur~ suppkmen~ such as nutrients, pesticides and herbicide.i; and animal waste I products. Each of these sources fill area water bodies smothering aquatic life, change the aquatic environmcnt by limiting light penetration of the water, and result in 'the transmission of toxins to area water bodics. I I I I I . I I I I I I I I The T""1n Cities Metropolitan Area is fortunate to have an abundance of lakes and ri"e~. The.e water bodies provide the area with recreational, aesthetic and educational benefits envied by other parts of the United States. Preservation of these water bodies and the associated wildlife habitat is a major compon~nt ot' the Council's pl~nning framework. Measures 10 preserve and enhance the environment CAn he found in all of the.. Council's' major system and pcilicy plans. Policy 7 of [he MDIF states that the Metropolitan Council: supports the'maintenance of environmental quality throughout the region and will support programs or strategies to maintain or improve the nalural environment (page 16). Reducing non point souree pollution to area water bodies has a number of positive outcomes. Reduced nonpoint ~ource pollution has an overall positive effect on the environment, improves the water quality in lakes, wetlands and floodplains and allows for fi$hable and swimabk water bodies. Water resource management ha$ historically focused on point sources such a.s wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities. Efforts to reduce pollution from point sources bas been effective. Nonpoint source pollution abatement is the next challenge that must he addressed to ensure that wat.er bodies in this metropolitan area are protected. Exlsllng Leglslntlve and Polley Structure For Addressing the Nonpotnt Source PollulIon P.oblem The Minnesota Legislature Two pieces of legislation have been passed in the last decade that set a rramework for addressing the nonpoint source pollution issue. However, it will take several years to put this framework in place and will require local governments to extensively revise their surface water management plans and nctivitie.., Watershed planning legislation rn 1982 legislation Willi passed requiring Watershed Management Organizations (WMO) to prepnre watershed plans that nddrc<.<ed wat(:r quality issues. Under this legislation each WMO is to prepnre a plan that states objectives and policies for wntec quality and identifies slternatives for improving water quality and methods of implementation. These pbns are to be reviewed by the Metropolitan Council 'in the same manner and with the same authority and effect as provided for the council's review of the comprehensive plans of local government units' (Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.2~1 subd. 8 (1 <Y'.tO)). The Council is required to determine whether the watershed plan con[ont1$ with the mllnngement objectives and t:lrget pollution IOilds staled in the COlJncil's waler resources plan prepared pursuant to Minne.lota Statutes, section ~73.157.