2015-053 Council Resolution - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 6E STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala MEETING DATE: June 8, 2015 TOPIC: Consider Resolution No. 15-53, Authorizing Feasibility Study for Development of a Stormwater Reuse and Irrigation System. VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting City Council consideration to authorize a feasibility study for the development of a stormwater reuse and irrigation system. BACKGROUND Over the past three years management of both surface water and groundwater resources have received increased awareness both locally and regionally. Lino Lakes is included in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management District established by the Department of Natural Resources. The City is currently completing the NE Lino Lakes Drainage study covering a 1,400 acre area. Council members recently attended the Water Summit hosted by the City of Hugo discussing the White Bear Lake/DNR settlement agreement. Internally, staff has been discussing with WSB, city engineer, opportunities for improving the efficient use of both surface water and groundwater resources. At this time staff is requesting council consideration of a proposal submitted by WSB to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a stormwater reuse and irrigation system. The NE Lino Lakes Drainage study currently in progress identifies water reuse as a potential best management practice within the drainage area to offset limited infiltration ability. Recent successful projects including the Oneka Ridge golf course irrigation conversion has led to increased awareness of the opportunities for using stormwater for irrigation purposes. This idea has the ability to address both stormwater management requirements and address water conservation goals. Mattamy Homes is anticipating submittal of a development application in 2015. While no city approvals have been granted, the project, regardless of its final form, will require large areas of stormwater ponding and contain a significant amount of open space and public park land. Irrigation and seasonal non-domestic use accounts for an estimated 1/3 of the city's annual residential water use. Accordingly staff is interested in evaluating the opportunity to establish a stormwater irrigation system to serve the entire property. The ability to establish a system like this would help to meet stormwater volume and water quality requirements while reducing groundwater pumping demands.