2001-08-23_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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BWSR Meeting Minutes July 25, 2001 Page Five approximately 12,000 drinking water wells in the current economy. In 2000, there were about 13,000 wells, and in 2001 it was down to 11,500 drinking water wells. Jim Anderson, Minnesota Extension Service, reported that NRCS over the years has had the opportunity to assign up to five percent of EQIP dollars coming into the state for educational purposes, which has included a small grant educational program. Jim distributed two items to the Board, which have also been distributed to all NRCS offices in-the state and Extension offices and should be available in all counties. One is a booklet put together on low-cost conservation practices. The other handout is a summary of the EQIP education projects. Roger Bjork, Pollution Control Agency, reported that their board made a decision yesterday regarding mercury concentration at several large wastewater plants. Their board decided the wastewater plants in Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, and in St. Cloud will have mercury protection levels that they have not had in the past. He also noted that an Appeals Court over-turned a lower court decision and agreed with PCA on not doing an EIS on the Bois Cascade expansion. That appeals decision can have majorimpacts on forests here in the state. Internally -senior management staff are meeting on a work detailed analysis to re-evaluate their goals. Issues such as groundwater, odor, and noise are being looked at. They have also lost approximately 70 staff positions over the last year and are moving staff around to other programs to avoid layoff. Consent Agenda St. Louis County Comprehensive Local Water Plan Update -Darrell Bruggman reported that. the northern subcommittee met on July 13 in Duluth and recommends ** approval of the plan.. Moved by Darrell Bruggman, seconded by Ginny Imholte, to 01-53 approve the St. Louis County Comprehensive Local Water Plan Update. Ginny made a request. on behalf of St. Louis County which was directed at the DNR, MPCA and also involves BWSR. We should start looking at water resources not all being all the same value or level of protections. The county would like homeowners to look at new methods of septic system education. In addition, they would like agencies to request funding for further testing for alternates and any education on new technology. This request was well written in their plan. Motion passed on voice vote. Committee Recommendations Grass Lake Watershed Management Organization Plan -Jack Frost. ** reported that the metro subcommittee reviewed the plan and recommends. Moved by 01-54 Jack Frost, seconded by Karen Harder, to approve the Grass Lake Watershed Management Organization Plan. Motion passed on a voice vote.