12-09-2024 Council Meeting Agenda Packet

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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING STAFF REPORT AGENDA ITEM 6D STAFF ORIGINATOR: Tom Hoffman, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: December 9, 2024 TOPIC: Consider Resolution No. 24-164, Approving MOU with VLAWMO, Wilkinson Lake Stormwater BMP Feasibility Study VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting City Council approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) and North Oaks Company (NOC) for the preparation of a feasibility study for stormwater treatment for Wilkinson Lake. BACKGROUND Wilkinson Lake is a natural environment lake located in the southeast portion of Lino Lakes. The watershed area is approximately 1,000 acres. Approximately 300 acres of the watershed are located within the City of Lino Lakes. Wilkinson lake is within resource management unit 4 in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Wilkinson Lake is listed as an impaired waterbody by the MPCA. The lake is listed as impaired for nutrients (phosphorus) limiting the use of aquatic recreation. As part of the TMDL each MS- 4 is given a load allocation to reduce nutrient loading to the waterbody. Lino Lakes has a TMDL reduction of 1.2 Ibs/yr to meet the requirements. Most of the land within the Lino lakes portion of the sub watershed is currently agricultural and low density residential. The lack of development and infrastructure within the City boundary limits the City's ability and opportunities to reduce pollutants. As agricultural land redevelops it will be required to meet the City's MS-4 requirements which will limit sediment and nutrient runoff. Because of the limited opportunities within the watershed to implement stormwater BMP's the City is looking to partner with VLAWMO and NOC to complete a feasibility study in this location. With adjacent future development this presents an opportunity to work with stakeholders (VLAWMO and NOC) to provide additional stormwater treatment.