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2335 Highway 36 W <br /> St. Paul, MN 55113 <br /> Tel 651-636-4600 <br /> Fax 651- 636 -1311 <br /> www.bonestroo.com <br /> October 21, 2009 . Bonestroo <br /> Dallas Larson <br /> Administrator <br /> City of Centerville <br /> 1880 Main Street <br /> Centerville, MN 55038 -9794 <br /> Re: Downtown Storm Water Reclamation Project <br /> City of Centerville <br /> Bonestroo File No.: 000616- 08167 -0 <br /> Dear Dallas: <br /> As you are aware, the City is planning a storm water reclamation project which would consist of a <br /> large diameter storm sewer pipe extending from the Downtown area to an existing ditch running <br /> westward along the south edge of Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. The system would then utilize <br /> the existing pond in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve as a reservoir for storm <br /> water to be used for irrigation of the LaMotte ballfields. The irrigation system would consist of a <br /> pumping facility near the pond and a forcemain leading back to the ballfield area where it would <br /> feed a network of irrigation lines. <br /> The idea of utilizing storm water for irrigation purposes is still relatively new compared to other <br /> municipal infrastructure systems. We are aware of several of these systems operating <br /> throughout the Twin Cities metro area and have'consulted with their owners to hear their <br /> experiences, both good and bad. <br /> On the positive side, municipalities have seen the benefits of bw cost irrigation water which does <br /> not contribute to summertime peaks in potable water usage. Additionally, these systems reduce <br /> runoff, keep phosphorus and sediment out of lakes and rivers and help meet watershed <br /> requirements without expensive and maintenance-intense rain gardens or other infiltration BMPs. <br /> Given the significant Investment the City is considering making In this system, we felt it prudent <br /> to bring to your attention a few issues which have arisen in relation to some of these projects. <br /> We are aware of one project which Is in litigation on the allegation that the salt content in the <br /> irrigation water pumped from the pond has caused landscaping plants and grass to die. Whether <br /> or not this tums out to be the cause of the problem or not, It should be noted that other systems <br /> have not had this problem <br /> Another Issue related to the use of storm water for irrigation is the public perception that the <br /> irrigated area is not safe for their children given the pollutants In the storm water. The area we <br /> Engineering <br /> Planning <br /> Science <br />