Laserfiche WebLink
This Policy Plan supports regional balance with policies and implementation strategies that <br /> provide for uniform rates in the region for all of our wastewater customers. The Council provides <br /> equal access to the affordable wastewater systems for customers within the metropolitan urban <br /> service area, and uniformly maintains all parts of the regional wastewater system infrastructure. <br /> Outreach to underrepresented communities is essential as the Council develops plans and <br /> implements future projects and other activities. This Policy Plan was prepared under the <br /> Council's Public Participation Plan and has built on the extensive outreach and engagement <br /> completed for Thrive MSP 2040, including targeted community engagement with historically <br /> underrepresented communities. This Policy Plan commits the Council to expanding on and <br /> fostering public engagement in its system planning and in project development. <br /> Sustainability and Stewardship <br /> Sustainable water resources means having adequate high-quality groundwater and surface <br /> water resources to support the region's growing water supply needs and the region's unique <br /> and intricate ecosystems. And it means managing our resources in a way that ensures <br /> availability of our water resources for current and future generations. <br /> The Minnesota State Legislature has defined sustainability as it relates to water supply: <br /> "Water is sustainable when the use does not harm ecosystems, degrade water quality or <br /> compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." <br /> The Council is committed to collaborating with our partners, including federal, state, local and <br /> regional agencies and organizations, to promote the long-term sustainability of the region's <br /> water resources for surface and ground water quality and quantity and wastewater collection <br /> and treatment. To promote sufficient and high-quality ground and surface water, the Council will: <br /> • Promote water sustainability through the Water Resources Policy Plan, the wastewater <br /> system plan, the Master Water Supply Plan and through the review of local water supply <br /> plans, surface water management plans, and comprehensive sewer plans. <br /> • Practice a high level of environmental sustainability in our wastewater treatment system <br /> operations, leading by example in the sustainability of our operations in the following <br /> areas: <br /> - Energy conservation and renewable energy generation <br /> - Emissions reductions <br /> - Water conservation <br /> - Solid waste conservation and recycling <br /> • Collaborate with our partners to save dollars, share expertise and accomplish more. <br /> - Lead the Council's team to address climate change on a community level and <br /> environmental sustainability in all the Council's operations <br /> - Work with external partners on climate change and sustainability to learn from each <br /> other, develop and lead regionwide sustainability strategies <br /> • Promote the wise use of water at the community level through optimizing surface water <br /> and groundwater use, conservation, reuse, and aquifer recharge. <br /> • Collaborate with partners, including providing technical assistance to local governments <br /> about wastewater, water supply and surface water management. <br /> 6 <br />