06/25/2003 Environmental Board Minutes

Home Search

ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 3APPROVED MINUTES Asleson submitted the example in the City where 1300 lbs. of fluorescent bulbs were dumped near the fen site. Chair Kukonen inquired the meaning of injection wells. Mr. Jacques indicated that they were illegal in Minnesota. O’Connell questioned what was involved in illegal dumping, and did businesses know what items were illegal. She cited the example of cleaning vent hoods on the rooftop with a grease stripper. She had witnessed in other cities it entering the storm sewer system as a regular practice. Mr. Jacques responded the MPCA was the point agency, and he would simply report them. He added that a public education program could address the issue. Asleson stated that when staff discovered a dump or spill site, the standard practice was to notify MPCA, the fire department and the police. O’Connell suggested a note in advance would be helpful. Mr. Jacques affirmed that the City could choose to be more restrictive. He cited the example of car washes and other users that use a lot of water, might be required to use non- stormwater discharge. The manner in which it was written, enabled the City to interpret the language. Chair Kukonen inquired about water quality on page 86, under objective H, the meaning of water based recreation with public access. Mr. Jacques responded that the City was not required to provide a public access, but the language tied it to the statewide policy. Chair Kukonen noted page 86, under Objective IB on the table, and questioned the meaning of C for policies. Mr. Jacques answered it was the scoring system of Metropolitan Council. He stated it was important that the City dispute whether some were lakes according to the stated definition. Asleson indicated that C was passing, analogous to school grading system. Mr. Jacques cited Table 3.17 on page 71 lake status, where several agencies including Rice Creek Watershed District reviewed the definition. Chair Kukonen asked for clarification on policy 1A Water Resources discussing technical gaps that could not be filled by the City. Mr. Jacques answered that it could add to the database, but there were some minimum requirements. Asleson cited that Rice Creek addressed parcels larger than 2.5 acres, anything under that amount the City could fill the technical gap.