2007-11-28 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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10/26/07 09:58 FAX 651 602 1674 METRO COUNCIL ~003 Page Two Dallas Larson October 23,2007 Metropolitan Cour.cil staff review !of the EA W finds that it is complete and accurate with respect to other re~~iona1 concerns ~d offers the following comments for consideration as the project is imph:mented: Item 12 - Physical Impacts on Water Resources (Jim Larsen, 651-602-1159) The projec1 proposes to elitninate the only wetland within the proposed 37~acre redevelopment area and to ~xcavate the depression for use as a stormwater treatment basin. Eliminatilj>n of significant wetlands during the redevelopment process is contrary to COUQcil Policies that promote protection of such water resources. Council policies recommend utilization afbest wetland management practices tl1at result in maintenance and improvement of water quality, control of runoffrate!i and volumes to reduce erosion and flooding, and preservation of the designated beneficial uses of such natural basins. This wetland area should be avoided and proposed stormwater detention and treatment flcilities should be accommodated elsewhere on or off of the immediate site. The ongoing CSAH14 reconstruction project in the City already resulted in eliminatior. of several acres of wetland in the City. Since Clearwater Creek is impaired fClr fish and invertebrate according to the index of biotic integrity (IB!), further wetland losses in the City could incrementally worsen the Creek's IBI. Item 17 -Water Quality: Surface Water Runoff The document states that stormwater management features for the site will be designed te, meet the Rice Creek Watershed District's (RCWD) proposed new rules, dated June 13,2007. The City and site developers should meet with the RCWD staff as soon as possible to site both infiltration and surface detention and treatment hcilities for runo:ffwhere they will function most efficiently and in harmony with the existing natural features. (Jim Larsen, 651-602-1159) Also, the Minnesota Depmttment of Health designates the bedrock sensitivity to contamination in Centervme as "high", based on the geologic character of the I aquifers in the area. Land use, therefore, has a significant chance of impacting groundwatl~r quality. Stonn water infiltration projects should follow guidelines put forth b:/ the Minnesota:Department of Health in 2006 for Evaluating Proposed Storm Water Infiltration Ptojects in Vulnerable Wellhead Protection Areas. (Sara Bertelsen, 1551-602-1035) i