08/30/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has received a $103,000 grant from the Metropolitan Council to implement an important component of smart growth: Low Impact Development (LID). LID integrates ecological and environmental considerations into all phases of•urban plan- ning, design, and construction. The goals of LID include mini- mizing the impacts of urbanization on the natural water processes and maxi- mizing the protection of natural areas. The Dakota SWCD is partnering with the Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Land Trust, develop- ers, builders associations, local units of government; and others to implement the initiative. Funds from the grant will be used to promote LID through education and •voluntary incentive programs The majority of the grant dollars will be used for LID demonstration projects and cost -share grants. Low Impact Development coordinates development with greenway efforts Contact Jay Riggs at 651- 480 -7779 if you would like more information about the Dakota SWCD Low Impact Development Initiative. Conservation site design protects existing vegetation, minimizes stormwater effects, midis an important component of Low Impact Development. The Chub Creek Watershed Assessment is a joint venture. between the: North Cannon River Watershed Management Organization and the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District to assess the overall health of the Chub Creek Watershed in southwestern Dakota County. Already in its second year, the study has collected flow information and water quality data from six sites in the watershed. These sites include four along the main stem of Chub Creek, from Hwy 23 to the City of . Randolph, one at the outlet of a southern tributary, Mud Creek; and one at the outlet of the North Branch of Chub . Creek. Monitoring equipment at each site constantly records stream depth, which is used to calculate stream flow. Seven water quality samples were taken at each site last summer: four during low flow periods and three during rain events. These samples were analyzed for Ssubstances such as sediment and solids, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and fecal coliform bacteria. Although data is preliminary, Chub Creek appears to be in fair condition — the water quality is not great but it's not horrible. Fecal coliform bacteria was very high at many of the sites, especially after storms. Although fecal coliform is not itself harmful, it indicates pollution from fecal matter which could carry harmful pathogens. This pollu- tion could be caused by failing septic systems, wildlife excrement, pet waste, br animal feedlots. This summer we will take weekly coliform samples at the sites to deter- mine if the stream is impaired.by bacteria according to Pollution Control Agency standards. - In addition to the water quality and quantity moni- toring, we will also collect fish and invertebrates (bugs) from various places in the watershed this fall to deter- mine what species inhabit the creeks. Making a list of the number and type of fish and bugs in the stream can also help us determine the health of the watershed. Last summer several citizens of the watershed helped us monitor water quality by visiting a site on the creek once a week and recording the water's trans- parency and appearance. More volunteers are needed this Summer to measure transparency, collect fecal coliform samples, or record rainfall. If you would like to be involved in the Chub Creek Watershed Assessment Project or would like more infor- mation, please contact Laura Jester, Dakota SWCD, 651 -480 -7784. •