02-03-25 - Council Work Session Agenda

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7. Page 16, Stormwater. The DNR recommends that stormwater be used for landscape irrigation. The re -use of stormwater for irrigation will reduce the volume of stormwater and stormwater pollution flowing downstream of the site. In addition, the use of stormwater for irrigating landscaping will conserve valuable groundwater. 8. Page 16, Stormwater. The increase in impervious surfaces will also increase the amount of road salt used in the project area. Chloride released into groundwater as well as local lakes and streams does not break down, and instead accumulates in the environment, potentially reaching levels that are toxic to aquatic wildlife and plants. Consider promoting local business and city participation in the Smart Salting Training offered through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. There are a variety of classes available for road applicators, sidewalk applicators, and property managers. More information and resources can be found at this website. Many winter maintenance staff who have attended the Smart Salting training — both from cities and counties and from private companies — have used their knowledge to reduce salt use and save money for their organizations. We also encourage cities and counties to consider how they may participate in the Statewide Chloride Management Plan and provide public outreach to reduce the overuse of chloride. Here are some educational resources for residents as well as a sample ordinance regarding chloride use. 9. Page 16, Stormwater. Large stormwater ponds are proposed to be located directed adjacent to Wilkinson Lake, which is a high -quality natural resource. Stormwater directed towards this natural area could alter the natural hydrology, contribute to sediment and erosion, or introduce nutrients and other contaminants that could degrade this natural area. We encourage the development to give sufficient buffer to the Outstanding MBS Site, and to ensure robust Stormwater treatment to protect Wilkinson Lake. The project area is also in a High Potential Zone for the federally -endangered, rusty patched bumble bee. Therefore, we encourage the development to use weed -free, native seed mixes in landscaping and stormwater features to the greatest extent possible in order to provide pollinator and wildlife habitat. 10. Page 18, Wetlands. Please note that the MBS Site of Outstanding Biodiversity Significance and the associated two Native Plant Communities (NPC) mapped adjacent to the project area more than likely extend across the hard line that makes up the northern border of the NPCs. The straight line of the northern border is an arbitrary stopping point of a survey site based on the change from Ramsey to Anoka County and does not represent a change in plant community. Aerial imagery, historic imagery, and LiDAR support the extension of the NPCs into the project area (see image below), and a consultation with MBS staff confirmed that a continuation of the NPCs (MRn83 — Northern Mixed Cattail Marsh and WMn82a — Willow — Dogwood Shrub Swamp) into the project area would be considered appropriate based on DNR mapping standards. NPCs with a Conservation Status Rank of S1 through S3, or wetlands within High or Outstanding MBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance may qualify as Rare Natural Communities (RNC) under the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). Minnesota Rules, part 8420.0515, subpart 3, state that a wetland replacement plan for activities that modify a RNC must be denied if the local government unit determines proposed activities will permanently adversely affect the RNC. The