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Lino Lakes Local Water Management Plan 47 November 2018 – WSB Project No. 02988-500 Floodplain Management Issues Given the physical characteristics, high water table, and number of water bodies and flood prone areas, floodplain management is an important consideration to minimize future flooding events. In addition, a number of areas of current flooding concern have been identified by the City Public Works Department and RCWD. Future flooding could also be a concern if development is not conducted in a manner that reduces runoff rates and volumes and if changes in rainfall and snowmelt patterns overwhelm existing infrastructure. Public Ditch System Issues Several of the major drainageways in the City are public ditch systems managed by the RCWD. Some of the public drainage systems are located within completely urbanized areas, have been totally or partially replaced by storm sewer pipe, and no longer serve agricultural land or provide agricultural benefits. These systems function as the outlet for storm water runoff. Other public drainage systems are comprised nearly entirely of undeveloped/agricultural areas that are primarily forecasted for urban development. Public ditch systems need to be managed to provide the drainage services suited to the land contributing to the system. Groundwater Management Issues The City of Lino Lakes relies solely on groundwater as its water supply source. The Prairie du Chien- Jordan aquifer serves as the City’s municipal water source. In addition, there are numerous private wells throughout the City. There is a growing concern that water supplies may be depleting, and as additional municipal wells are added in the region, this may affect private residential wells, which are often shallower. Depleting groundwater will affect not only public and private drinking water supplies, but also resources that may depend on groundwater, such as wetlands, lakes and streams. The MnDNR established the Northeast Metro Groundwater Management District in 2012 to regionally manage the area’s aquifers. Natural Resources Issues Lino Lakes is rich in unique and rare natural resources. These resources are most often hydrologically dependent on natural water systems. Reduced quality and variances of water levels stemming from land use changes may have critical impacts to the sustainability of these resources. Preserving and enhancing quality natural resources within the City can have a positive effect on surface and ground water. Extensive development or misuse of the natural areas within the City can have deleterious effects on water resources. Erosion and Sediment Control Issues Erosion prevention and sediment control is an important aspect in the effort to improve water quality and protect and improve water and natural resources. Erosion is caused by runoff over disturbed soils such as on a construction site or along streambanks. This erosion can result in the transport of sediment into water and natural resources. Sediment deposits and sediment transport can decrease water quality and increase maintenance efforts. Regulations, Permitting and Reporting Issues The City is regulated under a number of local, state, and/or federal programs that require the implementation of ordinances, permitting, and/or reporting. In addition, the City implements ordinances and permitting to attain the goals outlined in this Plan. Monitoring, Maintenance and Inspection Issues To protect its capital investments and provide an effective water management system, the City of Lino Lakes needs to conduct monitoring, maintenance, and inspection of City infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner. Infrastructure needs to be monitored and maintained regularly to prevent unnecessary reconstruction projects. This can only be accomplished if an effective inspection and regular maintenance program is in place. A monitoring program verifies the effectiveness of the stormwater infrastructure. Public Participation, Information and Education Issues City residents, businesses, and property owners need to have a clear understanding of basic stormwater management, water quality, and natural resource protection concepts, policies, and regulations to support and implement stormwater management and natural resource protection efforts. Financing Issues The City needs to ensure that funding is available to implement the policies and actions identified in this plan and to respond to future needs of development, operation and maintenance, and repairs. To attain the goals identified in this plan, the City will need to provide funding and staffing resources adequate to address the goals of the plan. Current funding includes trunk stormwater improvement fees and the general fund; however, other funding options may need to be considered.