07/25/2007 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• over time, and address gaps or specific problem areas that have come to light during application of the rules over the past nine years. The District invites all interested parties to submit written comment on the proposed changes. Comments must be received by August 1, 2007. State and regional resource protection agencies, local governments and potentially regulated parties are particularly invited to engage in a review of these proposed rules for the purpose of making them as resource - protective as possible without creating excessive administrative costs or placing an undue burden on those subject to them. Comments on specific provisions in the proposed rules and how they may apply in practice are most useful. Similarly, criticisms are most valuable when accompanied by suggested alternative language or a suggested alternative regulatory approach. In addition to a 45 -day period for receipt of written comment, the District will hold a public hearing at the Council Chambers, City of Shoreview, at 7:00 p.m. on July 11, 2007, at which time any interested person will have the opportunity to address the District Board of Managers concerning the proposed revisions. The District will consider carefully all comments and make appropriate changes to the proposed revisions before adoption. The legal authority for the District's Rules derives from Minnesota Statutes Chapters 103B and 103D. Under Minnesota Statutes § 103D.341, subdivision 1, watershed districts must adopt rules "to accomplish the purposes of [the watershed act] and to implement the powers of the managers." These purposes include, among others, conservation of water for public uses; controlling erosion and siltation of lakes, streams and wetlands; and protecting water quality in these bodies. Minn. Stat. § 103D.201, subd. 2. District managers are further authorized to regulate and control the use of water within the watershed district and regulate the use of streams and watercourses to prevent pollution. Id. § 103D.335, subds. 10 and 16. Finally, watershed districts in the Twin Cities metropolitan area are authorized to regulate the water resource impacts of land use and development where local government units have not adopted district - approved local water management plans. Id. § 103B.211, subd. 1; § 103D.335, subd. 23. District rules, and revisions to those rules, must be adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Managers, after public notice and hearing. Id. §103D.341, subd. 1(a). Before adoption, a copy of the proposed rules must be provided to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and all public transportation authorities for a 45 -day period of review and comment. Id. §103D.341, subd. 1(b). 2