2013-05-28_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Noting that most current construction permits for point of discharge were between 7 — 14 days, Vice Chair Stenlund questioned how this was being monitored and enforced by staff. Discussion included placement of straw mats on grass; protection of rain gardens during construction to keep soils from detaching in the first place, one of the most frequent and difficult areas for contractor compliance due to it not being cost- effective for them; and the need for more education and enforcement, and how to strengthen that enforcement. BMP Section 4 Vice Chair Stenlund opined that it seemed the City's management of brown water was weak even with best management practices in place, with snow melt still leading to filthy water. While there were State, City and Federal regulations in place, Vice Chair Stenlund opined that the City needed to be aware of how water was moving off those sites. At the request of Vice Chair Stenlund, Mr. Schwartz reviewed the current status of basement sump pumps and how that water should be pumped onto grassy areas, as well as pool water. Mr. Schwartz advised that staff continually fielded calls from the public on those types of questions; and Vice Chair Stenlund sought stronger controls for construction projects. Regarding the State's upcoming release of a new stormwater permit and requirements for all MS4 municipalities to resubmit for a new permit, Mr. Schwartz noted that there were significant changes, including discharge from the entire system and how to demonstrate that maintained or reduced volume through reduced loading. Mr. Schwartz noted that, in the past, watershed districts had typically done that and demonstrated through the City's current permit. Mr. Schwartz referenced a recent Minneapolis Star Tribune article (May 21, 2013) outlining the new permit; and an additional news release soon to be released that also covered some of those changes, including impaired waters, preventing/reducing discharge and specific pollutants and water impairments, mapping all stormwater pipes to track illicit discharge, erosion/sediment control; with those local programs being forced to become as stringent as the state, including developers/contractors mimic natural conditions so post-construction stormwater volume is not greater than pre-construction volumes. Vice Chair Stenlund also noted that it will ask for green space and a larger function for benefits (e.g. tree canopy for future water quality for intercepting and/or mitigating storm water) with a strong emphasis on nutrient loading to avoid blue/green algae in water bodies. Vice Chair Stenlund strongly suggested that someone from City staff be certified for MS4 and reviewed the components of that certification, offering to provide additional literature for staff, and allowing the City to be more adept through this national program. Page 4 of 15