2015-02-11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Outline of the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Plan SECTION 1 of The North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) Plan (Plan) introduces the purpose of the Plan in the context of the overall DNR mission and responsibilities with regard to water-resources management and water appropriations specifically. Key challenges for managing groundwater appropriations in the GWMA are identified.The Introduction also describes the process for developing the Plan, including the ongoing public outreach and review.The remainder of the Plan is divided into five additional sections plus a glossary of terms. SECTION 2 - DESCRIPTION OFTHE BOUNDARYAND THE GWMA summarizes background information on aquifers, groundwater connected natural resources, water use, and governance that were used to select the GWMA boundaries. The information also sets the stage for evaluating the groundwater management challenges in the area. SECTION 3 -THE GOAL AND OBJECTIVES states the Plan goal and describes five objectives that the DNR will pursue to achieve the overall goal of sustainable groundwater use in the GWMA.Together,the five objectives describe sustainable groundwater appropriation and use based on directives given in Minnesota Statutes.The five objectives are: I. Groundwater use in the GWMA does not harm aquifers and ecosystems and does not negatively impact surface waters. II. Groundwater use in the GWMA is reasonable, efficient, and complies with water conservation requirements. III. Groundwater use in the GWMA does not degrade water quality. IV. Groundwater use in the GWMA does not create unresolved well interferences or water use conflicts. V. All groundwater users in the GWMA have the necessary permits to use groundwater. SECTION 4 -STATUS OF THE GWMA in Terms of the Objectives provides additional information about conditions within the GWMA that relate specifically to the five objectives.This information includes a summary of current understanding of the status of each objective within the GWMA, discussion of gaps in knowledge or activities, and recommendations for how to fill those gaps. SECTION 5 -ACTIONS states the actions that the DNR will take over the next five years toward achieving the five objectives.These actions address the highest priority needs identified from the evaluations described in Section 4. SECTION 6 - IMPLEMENTATION provides a schedule for the DNR to perform the Plan actions as well as goals for achieving measureable outcomes.This section also describes the review and revision process for the Plan. SECTION 7 -GLOSSARY provides definitions of technical terms or terms with specific statutory meaning that are used in the Plan. 108