HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/30/2011 Env Bd Packet•
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City of Lino Lakes
Environmental Board Meeting
November 30, 2011
6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
1. CaII to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
October 26, 2011 — To Follow
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Open Mike
5. Action Items
A. Storm Water Management Plan Goals and Policies Draft Review
6. Discussion Items
A. Anoka County Solid Waste Management Plan
B. Contract for Recycling Discussion / Report to City Council
C 2011 and 2012 Environmental Board Goals / Report to City Council
7. Adjourn
• Agenda Item 5A
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Staff Originator: Marty Asleson
Environmental Board Meeting Date: November 30, 2011
TOPIC:
Review and comment on Goals and
Policies for the New Lino Lakes Surface
Water Management Plan.
Background:
The City of Lino Lakes is required to prepare a Surface Water Management Plan
that must, at a minimum, meet the requirements for local plans in Minnesota
Statutes, Section 103B.235 and be in conformance with Watershed District,
Management Organization and Metropolitan Council plans. The Rice Creek
Watershed District (RCWD) completed an update to their watershed
management plans in June of 2010. As such the City is required to complete an
update to its plan within two years.
In June of 2001 the City Council retained the services of Emmons, Oliver
Resources Inc (EOR), to prepare the plan. EOR has previously worked with the
city and RCWD extensively to prepare both the Resource Management Plan
(RMP) and the Special Area Management Plan (SAMP).
ANALYSIS:
Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8410 establishes the contents and structural
requirements of the plan. These components include:
• Executive Summary
• Land and water Resource Inventory
• Establishment of Goals and Policies
• Assessment of problems
• Corrective Issues
• Financing Considerations
• Implementation Priorities
• Amendment Procedures
The purpose of this Environmental Board review is to look specifically at, and
comment on identified issues, goals and policies for our new Surface Water
Management Plan revision /update as outlined in the Attachment Identified
Issues, Goals and Policies.
Recommendation:
Incorporate Environmental Board Recommendations into the document.
Attachments:
• Identified Issues, Goals and Policies
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4.0 Identified Issues, Goals and Policies
The overall goals listed in the 2005 Surface Water Management Plan were:
- Water Quantity. Use the natural characteristics of the City watersheds (e.g., pond, swales, wetlands)
in combination with development standards and projects, to reduce present and future flood
damages, and enhance the quality of surface and ground water.
- Water Quality. Protect and improve water quality and the scenic and ecologic values of City lakes.
The City seeks to maintain and improve the water quality of these lakes using nutrient loading as the
yardstick for success.
- Natural Resources. Prioritize the important natural resources of the City and preserve key
components and characteristics of the terrestrial and aquatic communities necessary for basic
ecosystem function.
- Wetlands. Protection of City wetlands in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
- Erosion Control. Develop proper mitigation measures to allow disturbed environments to recover as
quickly as possible.
- Public Participation, Information, and Education. Enhancement of cooperation and sharing of
information between various levels of government to enhance efficiency and reduce the likelihood
of duplication.
- Monitoring. Conduct surveys and acquire natural resource data to facilitate the evaluation of the
effectiveness of the City's water resource management program.
- Maintenance and Inspection. Protection of City water resource infrastructure.
- Finance. Establish funding sources for water resource management activities.
Additional detail on the issues, goals, and policies specifically identified in the 2005 Surface Water
Management Plan are outlined below. Issues, goals, and policies specifically identified in other plans
and documents are also listed and identified by source.
4.1. Water Rate & Quantity
Issues
Water Quantity, Water Quality and Erosion Control are priority issues for the City. Rice Creek and its
tributaries have been subjected to increased surface water runoff carrying heavy nutrient -rich sediment
loads, road salts, and hydrocarbon -based contaminants typical of developed areas.. Increased discharge
rates have caused serious down- cutting and stream bank erosion. Current water quality conditions
present a potential stress to the diversity and population sizes of fish and aquatic invertebrates
indigenous to these systems.
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These issues are likely to intensify in the future. The METCO prepared and adopted a regional growth
strategy that anticipates further urbanization of the City. In addition, transportation improvements in or
near the City will facilitate and precipitate urbanization. Without mitigation, the inevitable impacts will
be increased volume and increased peak flows of surface water runoff. Sediment loads, and with it
pollutants and contaminants, would also likely increase. Fortunately, detailed diagnostic /feasibility
studies were completed in 1991 and 1992 for Centerville, Peltier and Bald Eagle Lakes. As part of these
studies, intense monitoring was performed on the inlets to these and other lakes. As a result of these
studies, implementation projects were completed in the late 1970s through mid 1980s. These detailed
lake studies have collected large amounts of information, which should be assimilated into the
watershed management and regulatory programs of the City.
From a water conveyance point of view, a number of watersheds are expected to experience the most
significant increase in runoff flows and volumes under a future development scenario. The RCWD has
identified these areas as critical for runoff rate control.
RCWD Ditches
Following establishment on January 18, 1972, Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington Counties transferred
jurisdiction of all public drainage systems (i.e. County and Judicial Ditches,) within the new boundary to
the RCWD. The public drainage system within the District is extensive, consisting of more than 20
systems with a total length exceeding 120 miles. Some of the public drainage systems are located within
completely urbanized areas, have been totally or partially replaced by storm sewer pipe, and no longer
serve agricultural and or provide agricultural benefits. These systems function as the outlet for storm
water runoff. Other public drainage systems are comprised nearly entirely of undeveloped /agricultural
areas that are primarily forecasted for urban development.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Use the natural characteristics of the City's watersheds (e.g., pond, swales, wetlands) in
combination with development standards and projects, to reduce present and future flood damages and
enhance the quality of surface and ground water.
Policy: Establish standards for storm water runoff quantity from new and re- developments
consistent with RCWD, VLAWMO and NPDES Phase 11 requirements.
Policy: Currently, the City is entirely within the legal jurisdiction of RCWD and VLAWMO, which
have WCA and water resource permitting programs. The City will remain under RCWD and
VLAWMO permitting jurisdiction. The City will coordinate its NPDES Phase 11 responsibility with
the RCWD and VLAWMO permitting programs while understanding that ultimate responsibility
for implementation of such a program remains with the City.
RCWD Goal: Manage and operate drainage systems and manage and use waterways in a manner which
recognizes the origin of the system (e.g., constructed vs. natural), the interconnectedness of resources,
and present and future conveyance needs, while considering legally established rights.
RCWD Policy: Apply methods, procedures, standards and criteria for the maintenance, repair,
restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of drainage systems and waterways, while
acknowledging that traditional drainage repairs, to the as- constructed and subsequently
improved condition, are generally not going to be feasible or cost effective due to changes in
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land uses, wetland replacement obligations, and resulting excessive cost and assessments to
benefitted landowners compared to the benefits.
RCWD Policy: Drainage system maintenance and wetland replacement activities can have both
public and private benefits. Therefore the District will develop a funding system that considers
both: 1) localized charges on lands contributing to the drainage system management costs or
benefitting from the system; and 2) ad valorem levies on lands and taxpayers benefited at large
by the District's management program.
RCWD Policy: The district will identify the level of drainage system maintenance on which
landowners can depend, which in some instances could be less than the as- constructed and
subsequently improved condition.
RCWD Policy: Manage public drainage systems in a manner that recognizes the need to provide
a functional level of service to benefitted lands, within the context of local, state and federal
laws and programs.
RCWD Policy: Develop a hybrid legal framework that includes Minnesota Statutes103E, 103D,
and 103B that balances the legal interests of the Wetland Conservation Act and the Public
Waters law, along with other laws that have placed boundaries on drainage rights.
RCWD Policy: The management of drainage systems and conservation programs within the legal
authority of the District may involve impacts to landowners rights. In such cases it may be
appropriate to explore the conservation benefits of drainage related activities and consider a
system of reasonable and fair compensation for the drainage rights and other voluntary or
incentive approaches.
RCWD Policy: Recognize the landowner as the primary entity responsible for maintaining,
managing, and operating private drainage systems and mitigating wetland impacts associated
with private drainage.
RCWD Policy: Minimize and address channel instability as a result of additional runoff due to
land use changes, and promote ecological value as appropriate for the type of open channel.
RCWD Policy: Maintain legal right of entry and access along pubic drainage systems and formally
document easements along public drainage systems as part of drainage system legal
proceedings and the permit review process.
RCWD Policy: Inventory, manage, and provide access to public drainage system records to
improve operational efficiency, make accessible common information to constituents and
improve the basic understanding of public drainage systems.
RCWD Policy: Use consistent terms and definitions when describing the maintenance, repair,
improvement and general management of public and private drainage systems. In support of
the orderly and consistent management of public drainage systems in the District, it is the policy
of the District to utilize the following definitions, to facilitate understanding and describe the
work to be completed within repair reports and the need for maintenance activities, various
public drainage system proceedings, and routine operation and maintenance.
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RCWD Policy: Use the range of legal process and funding sources available to the RCWD to
manage the public drainage and currently designated trunk system during the implementation
of the hybrid legal framework, which includes Minnesota Statutes 103E, 1030, and 103B. Until
implementation of the hybrid legal framework is completed for a public drainage system or
currently designated trunk system, funding approaches may include: 1) the use of ad valorem
funds to complete minor maintenance; 2) the use of proceedings as described within MS 103E
and assessments to benefited lands when permits and /or wetland mitigation is required; 3) and
various combinations of 103E, 1030 and 103B for systems where a repair report has been
adopted and implemented., and 4) Ad- valorem funds the maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or
restoration of the trunk drainage system.
RCWD Goal: Minimize the potential damage to public and private infrastructure, private property, the
land and other important water related natural resources caused by excess runoff and flooding.
RCWD Policy: Minimize, avoid and reduce flood damages through the use of a floodplain
management program including analyses completed by the District, which is focused on
identifying and assessing flood prone areas, characterizing flood damages and regulating the
placement of structures within the floodplain.
RCWD Policy: Use the District rules and the permit program to mitigate the increase in the rate
and volume of runoff resulting from land disturbance, land development, an increase in the
amount of impervious surface, and other changes to the landscape.
RCWD Policy: Preserve and manage the storage associated with the 100 -year floodplain along
and within water - bodies to minimize the frequency and severity of flooding cause by high water.
RCWD Policy: Recognize the potential uncertainty associated with managing water resources
and understand the implications of emerging issues including climate change, the use of
monitoring data, and the interpretation of scientific and technical data, in the decision- making
process.
RCWD Policy: Foster and encourage the use of agricultural conservation practices and
management practices, and the implementation urban Best Management Practices, to reduce
the rate and volume of runoff.
RCWD Policy: Foster and encourage the use of regional Best Management Practices, to reduce
the rate and volume of runoff.
RCWD Goal: Construct, maintain and operate facilities owned or operated by the District in accordance
with their resource management purposes and gage their effectiveness over time.
RCWD Policy: Manage district -owned facilities subject to Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) program requirements consistent with permit conditions and facilitate data
sharing among public entities within the District, subject to MS4 program requirements.
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RCWD Policy: Manage district -owned facilities in accordance with the original design purposes,
periodically review these purposes, and modify operation in consideration of current resource
management objectives.
4.2. Water Quality
Issues City lakes Marshan, Rice, Reshaneau, Centerville, George watch and peltier
are classified as impaired for swimming. Hardwood Creek and Clearwater Creek for
Biota. The hardwood Creek TMDL is finalized. The watershed is processing TMDL
studies for the rest of the impaired waters in the City.
Current data already suggests that the City has water quality issues. Several City lakes, such as Bald
Eagle, Peltier, George Watch, Marshan and Centerville, are included in the MPCA's July 8, 2002,
proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) list because of excess nutrients that makes swimming an
unsupported lake use. In addition, both Clearwater and Hardwood Creeks are also included in TMDL list
because of impaired biota. The RCWD Water Management Plan regards George Watch and Marshan
Lakes as Type 5 wetlands due to their shallow depths, organic bottom material and emergent
vegetation. As a result the City views these lakes as functioning properly within their wetland
classification and believes they should be removed from the TMDL list. Furthermore, the City has little
influence on the status of Bald Eagle Lake because the City does not have control of a significant
drainage area to it. Much the same is true of Hardwood and Clearwater Creeks; in both cases the vast
majority of their drainage originates upstream of the City.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies are being coordinated with the RMP to understand the
source of excess phosphorus in several of the lakes. The Peltier /Centerville TMDL study is being funded
by the MPCA. The second TMDL study, being funded by the RCWD, includes the Chain of Lakes
downstream of Peltier. To identify phosphorus sources and loads, subwatershed catchment areas were
broken out and modeled. The TMDL studies will discuss the relevance of the loading to lake impairment.
In this document, loading is discussed with respect to wetlands and the implications for wetland
management.
TMDL: A significant resource protection issue appears to be the spreading of manure adjacent to
HWC /JD2.
VLAWMO: Amelia Lake rated as high priority wetlands by VLAWMO and some rare natural features
present.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Protect and improve water quality and the scenic and ecologic values of City lakes.
Policy: Preserve and improve the recreational resources associated with water.
Policy: In cooperation with RCWD and VLAWMO, establish Maximum Acceptable Nutrient
Concentrations (MANC) in streams contributing runoff to recreational lakes.
Policy: In cooperation with RCWD, adopt standards for storm water runoff quality from new and
re- developments.
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Goal: Present conditions and desired future conditions for the City's recreational lakes that are based on
previously completed lake monitoring and modeling.
Policy: Preserve and improve recreational resources associated with water.
Policy: In cooperation with RCWD and VLAWMO, establish Maximum Acceptable Nutrient
Concentrations (MANC) in streams contributing runoff to recreational lakes.
Policy: Implement and enforce a program to detect and eliminate illicit discharges as defined at
40 CFR 122.26(b)(2).
Comp Plan Goal: Initiate and continue vigorous collaborations and programs to address, restore, and
preserve the water quality of the region's lakes, wetlands and other aquatic assets.
Policy: Establish a surface water management system consistent with the RMP.
Policy: Apply the Resource Management Unit recommendations from the RMP to meet RMP
goals for aquatic resource protection and management.
Policy: Incorporate TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) limits, when determined, into the City's
Surface Water Management requirements to reduce degradation and improve the quality of the
city's and region's lakes, waterways and other aquatic resources.
Policy: Collaborate with adjacent jurisdictions and agencies to achieve TMDLs.
RCWD Goal: Manage lake systems for their ecological and community value, in a manner consistent with
user expectations and technically achievable goals and the resources available for preservation,
maintenance and restoration.
RCWD Policy: Collaboratively manage lakes and shoreland
associations, lakeshore residents and cities, and engaging state
RCWD Policy: Collaboratively manage lakes and shoreland
associations, lakeshore residents and cities, and engaging state
RCWD Policy: Develop attainable lake water quality targets,
standards developed by the State of Minnesota and natural
quality
resources, by empowering lake
agency management efforts.
resources, by empowering lake
agency management efforts.
while recognizing water quality
year -to -year variability in water
RCWD Policy: Promote and foster activities, which result in sustainable, healthy, aquatic eco-
systems.
RCWD Policy: Manage lake levels in a manner which enhances ecological integrity and function
(e.g., shallow lake systems) and acknowledges the effect of water levels on agricultural drainage
and flooding.
VLAWMO goal: Amelia Lake the initial standard is no degradation from existing 2005/2006 conditions.
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Hardwood Creek TMDL Goals: Attainment of aquatic life uses is determined by directly measuring fish
and aquatic macroinvertebrate populations to see how they compare to reference areas. The MPCA has
been using fish community data to assess water resource quality for the last decade. Minnesota uses a
regional reference site approach based on a major river basin framework. Attainment benchmarks are
established for each subbasin in the form of biocriteria (indices of biological integrities, or IBIs). For the
Upper Mississippi Watershed, a separate IBI was developed for four stream size classes based on
drainage area (Table 2). Hardwood Creek has a drainage area of approximately 27 square miles and
therefore the applicable criterion is an IBI of 46 or greater.
Hardwood Creek TMDL Goal:Total Suspended Solids Goal: TSS was selected as a surrogate to represent
sedimentation and habitat quality in streams, and an in- stream TSS concentration goal was used to
calculate the TMDL. Minnesota does not have numeric sediment criteria developed for rivers and
streams in the state. Therefore, a numeric TSS goal was developed with the aim of improving and
protecting in- stream habitat. The effects of recent stream restoration projects in Hardwood Creek were
used to determine the in- stream TSS concentration as a result of these activities, and this concentration
was used as the TSS goal. The restored habitat results in less erosion and a lower contribution of
sediment. The goal was developed by using an in- stream sediment transport model, CONCEPTS, to
predict the in- stream TSS concentration under different scenarios. CONCEPTS (CONservational Channel
Evolution and Pollutant Transport System) is a computer model that simulates open channel hydraulics,
sediment transport, channel morphology, and geotechnical processes of bank failure by tracking bed
changes and channel widening. The restored channel modeled scenario represents the effects of the in-
stream stabilization practices implemented in lower Hardwood Creek. The existing conditions modeled
scenario (i.e., pre- restoration condition in 2002) predicts an average annual in- stream TSS concentration
of 22 mg /L, and the restored channel scenario predicts an average annual in- stream TSS concentration
of 19 mg/L. 19 mg /L TSS was used as the in- stream TSS goal for the Hardwood Creek TMDL.
Hardwood Creek TMDL Goals: Biochemical Oxygen Demand Goal: BOD was used as the target parameter
to address the DO TMDL. Minnesota does not have numeric BOD criteria developed for rivers and
streams in the state. However, the state has data summaries by ecoregion in a technical report entitled
"Selected Water Quality Characteristics of Minimally Impacted Streams from Minnesota's Seven
Ecoregions" (McCollor and Heiskary 1993). The technical team for this TMDL considered these data and
decided to set the BOD goal for the Hardwood Creek TMDL at the 75th percentile of the minimally
impacted streams in the North Central Hardwood Forests ecoregion, which is 3.2 mg /L BOD. In the
absence of more watershed - specific data, using historical ecoregion data with emphasis on the 75th
percentile levels is an appropriate approach and is among the options recommended by EPA for water
quality criteria (e.g., see USEPA, 2000 for nutrient criteria in rivers and streams) and was used recently
by the MPCA for development of the state's lake eutrophication standards.
4.3. Natural Resources
Issues
Preservation of Natural Resources is a priority issue for the City,as established in the City Comprehensive -
Plan.
,Exotic species_ are problematic ',because, when ;introduced into a - new environment they are__ _.-
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usually free from the checks and balances experienced in their native environments. As a result, exotic
species often grow very quickly to nuisance levels, and may overtake native plants and animals.
Centerville, Peltier, Otter and Bald Eagle Lakes are examples of such problems. They have been
identified by the MDNR as infested with Eurasian Water Milfoil. Problems such as these are recognized
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to be of such a great concern that intentional introductions are prohibited, and accidental introductions
are actively avoided. Additionally, as previously discussed, much of the City wetlands are a monoculture
of reed canary grass, which is another invasive exotic plant. Balancing the benefits that aquatic plants
provide with the nuisances they can create is a special challenge for urban lake management. Aquatic
plants perform valuable ecosystem functions such as providing fish habitat, retarding beach erosion,
providing a food source for some aquatic animals, and sometimes even minimizing algae blooms.
Aquatic plants can also become a nuisance. When aquatic plants become too abundant or grow over
extensive areas, they can interfere with swimming, boating and fishing. In the extreme, they can
become blight. Because rooted, aquatic plants get their nutrients from the lake soils instead of the lake
water, they cannot be simply "starved" by reducing the input of nutrients, as can be done with algae.
Instead, control of nuisance aquatic plants is most often accomplished using mechanical methods
(harvesting) or chemical methods (herbicides).
In addition, fishing, over - fishing, selective fishing (preferentially taking certain species or sizes), and fish
stocking all work to alter the nature of native fisheries. Also, alterations to a lake bottom or to plant
communities could affect the ability of fish populations to sustain themselves. As a practical matter, the
predominant fisheries management tool for urban lakes is stocking, which occurs in Centerville Lake. To
some extent, urban fisheries are managed through regulations that specify the numbers, size and kinds
of fish that can be taken.
Urbanizing pressures on other animals is evidenced by the City Councils of Lino Lakes and Centerville
moving quickly to protect the great blue heron nesting areas on Peltier Lake. The Councils acted (in
2002) by voting to establish a slow no -wake zone around the island, elocate water - skiers to the
southern portion of the lake. To protect the rookery and the sensitive ecological zone on the north end
of the lake, they passed joint ordinances creating a no -wake zone starting approximately 250 feet south
of the island. The north end remains open to fishing, canoeing and slow -speed boating. It is hoped that
this new buffer zone will protect the rookery from disruption and allow the herons to complete their
nesting season.,The new ordinances will take effect this summer and will remain' in place through 2004.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Prioritize the important natural resources of the City and to preserve key components and
characteristics of the terrestrial and aquatic communities necessary for basic ecosystem function.
Policy: Manage water resources in a manner consistent with the need to maintain a diversity of
plant and animal species.
Policy: Assess and monitor colonization and continued distribution of harmful exotic species
within City lakes and wetlands.
Policy: Maintain riparian buffers along waterways within the City.
Policy: Encourage orderly development of shoreline areas around lakes.
Comp Plan Goal: Identify, protect and preserve the desirable natural areas and ecological and aquatic
resources of the community.
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Policy: Pursue a well- defined natural resource restoration and management plan consistent
with the RCWD /Lino Lakes Resource Management Plan (RMP).
Policy: Continue to provide natural resource staff and advisory board.
Policy: Maintain the partnership of Lino Lakes and Rice Creek Watershed District and other
groups such as Anoka County to maintain, restore, and manage the aquatic and upland areas of
the city.
Policy: Establish and fund programs to maintain or improve current green spaces owned by the
city.
Policy: Where possible, restore damaged or misused natural and ecologically significant areas to
their original state.
Policy: Require natural space buffers, where appropriate, around wetlands to preserve their
function and value.
Comp Plan Goal: Ensure that well - planned, quality residential, commercial, industrial and institutional
development to accommodate the city's projected growth needs occurs in a manner that also conserves
and enhances the city's natural resources and amenities.
Policy: Encourage developers, where appropriate, to use Open Space Design /Conservation
Development Model to implement the Resource Management System Plan.
Policy: Provide clearly defined incentives to achieve conservation development principles and
apply low impact development techniques, to the extent feasible, to all development.
Policy: Ensure the development of the land within the community is done in a way that
consciously preserves its natural resources and amenities.
Policy: Require wetland functional assessments, based on accepted methodology, on new
development projects to ensure wetland function and values are preserved to the extent
possible.
Policy: Promote business and commercial development that is conservation conscious,
aesthetically interesting, and recognizes that each individual land use activity contributes to the
total effect on the community's natural resources.
Policy: Recognize there are unique lands that the city /residents may not want to be developed:
a. Promote techniques that encourage developers to preserve the unique lands within their
development.
b. Partner with the Rice Creek Watershed District and /or other groups to purchase unique
ecological properties if they become threatened.
c. Develop innovative practices, when appropriate, to acquire unique lands to prevent
development.
d. Promote partnerships with established conservancy groups in order to "save" these unique
lands. Examples: Nature Conservancy.
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Policy: Promote the use of quality and environmentally sound buffer areas between areas with
differing land uses.
Policy: Continue to use the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) process to assess the
impact of development on the city's natural resources and infrastructure.
RCWD Goal: Capitalize on opportunities to enhance water quality, reduce runoff volume and flood
damages, and enhance ecological resources by using open space and greenways.
RCWD Policy: Encourage the use of open space in the design of district sponsored projects when
multiple benefits are realized and the benefits are consistent with the mission of the District.
RCWD Policy: Capitalize on the efforts of others responsible for managing open space to
enhance their ongoing recreational programs, when these programs are related to the water
and resource management effort and are consistent with District open space priorities.
RCWD Policy: Seek opportunities to enhance habitat function and integrity, to benefit water
resources and eco- systems.
4.4. Wetlands
Issues
Wetlands are a priority issue for the City. Wetlands are very important for migratory wildlife including
ducks, and especially for migratory birds and frogs. Frogs, in particular, use these wetlands when in
proximity to woodland areas. Several species of frogs use these woodlands as a place to hibernate in the
winter and others use it as a place to forage in the summer. Other benefits attributed to wetlands
include floodwater storage and retention, nutrient assimilation, sediment entrapment, ground water
recharge, low flow augmentation, shore land anchoring and erosion control, aesthetics, and recreation
and education.
In some areas of the City, the higher quality wetland areas have experienced shrub invasions that are
contributing to shade - suppression and the decline of ground story plants. Other areas have been
ditched and modified in ways that have allowed the invasion by reed canary grass, buckthorn, giant reed
grass, and other weeds. Additionally, some sedge meadow areas have been hydrologically modified by
stabilization of water levels and even though sedges persist, much of the diversity of a healthy sedge
meadow has been lost.
In developing its "Handbook for Environmental Planning and Conservation Development ", the City
conducted a wetland survey that found widespread wetland modification. Alterations in the water level
dynamics, particularly the elevation and stabilization of water levels were observed, resulting from the
construction of roads and ditches and the damming of streams. The resulting wetlands represent a
significant (19 %) cover type in the City. These conditions have favored the establishment of the
extensive cattail communities that occupy the shallow waters of all lake shorelines. Additionally, stream
down- cutting and ditching have lowered ground water levels, leading to the seasonal dry -down of the
upper wetland substrates. This allows for decomposition and the liberation of nitrogen, phosphorus and
other nutrients that are typically organically bound and held tightly under submerged, saturated and
anaerobic conditions. The resulting increases in sediment, salt and nutrient loading from decomposed
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wetland soils and from surrounding degraded uplands have caused a shift in City wetlands to vegetation
types adapted to these conditions. This includes the introduced, Southeast Asian Reed Canary Grass and
Giant Reed Grass, which form dense mono - cultures. These species, along with cattail, comprise
approximately 75% of the City's wetland cover.
In many locations, uplands bordering wetlands have also become seriously impacted. Where previously
open and semi -open conditions were found, dense shading by boxelder, green ash, cottonwood, and
elm now prevent the growth of diverse, soil - stabilizing ground cover vegetation and lead to erosion and
loss of the native seed bank. In several locations of shade suppression, non - native plant species have
invaded. These include garlic mustard and creeping charley.
RMP: The primary issues for Lino Lakes to address through the RMP process are restoring groundwater
hydrology to groundwater- dependent wetlands, restoring naturally fluctuating hydrology to wetland
open space systems, maintaining ditch systems being used for agricultural benefit, establishing habitat
complexes and connected greenways, mitigating flood -prone areas, and reducing phosphorus loading to
impaired lakes.
Comp Plan: The primary issues for Lino Lakes to address through implementing the RMP are restoring
groundwater hydrology to groundwater- dependent wetlands, restoring naturally fluctuating hydrology
to wetland open space systems, maintaining ditch systems being used for agricultural benefit,
establishing habitat complexes and connected greenways, mitigating flood -prone areas, and reducing
phosphorus loading to impaired lakes. Urban land use most notably affects these resources through
stormwater volume. As such, a strategy of broad -based source reduction in volume is needed.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Protection of City wetlands in accordance with current rules and regulations.
Policy: Provide leadership in the management of wetland resources by coordination with RCWD
and VLAWMO.
RMP2 Goal: The goal is to provide for the surface hydrology that will serve existing, continuing and
anticipated new land uses for the foreseeable future without injuring the natural hydrological system of
the watershed or the functions it provides.
JD4 RMP Goal: Preserve both acreage and function (quantity and quality) of wetlands and related
resources
1D4 Policy: Require that wetland quality (function) is equal or greater in importance to wetland
quantity (acreage). Use the full complement of wetland functions for land planning and permit
decisions.
JD4 Policy: Integrate watershed characteristics and wetland functions for 'watershed- based'
management. Establish hydrologic management units with goals for no net loss and
enhancement.
1D4 Policy: Provide additional incentive to avoid impacts to higher functioning wetlands that are
connected and interdependent on the landscape, unique groundwater resources, relatively rare,
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or identified in the WPZ. Create 'impact debit' and replacement requirements that vary based
on wetland function and quality.
JD4 Policy: Avoid impacts to upland natural communities that are critical to wetland wildlife
habitat function and incorporate these into the wetland preservation zone /buffer zones.
Provide mitigation requirement for impacts to these areas or wetland replacement credits for
preserving additional upland habitat beyond that established to meet wetland habitat function.
JD4 Policy: Integrate parcel- or project -based wetland replacement with watershed -based
restoration and enhancement locations. Regulate potential wetland bank sites so that
replacement is watershed- based, not parcel- based.
JD4 Policy: Avoid impacts to wetland hydrologic functions as well as ditch system capacity limits
in the 1D4 and downstream subwatersheds from increased stormwater volumes. Use a
stormwater volume bank program for landowners to meet watershed district standards in the
RMP rule.
RCWD Goal: Manage wetlands in a manner which improves diversity and ecological integrity on a
district -wide basis, consistent with the Wetland Conservation Act and local opportunities for
preservation, enhancement, and restoration, while balancing multiple resource issues.
RCWD Policy: Manage wetland resources using the flexibility afforded by state and federal rules,
including the development of Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plans and
Special Area Management Plans.
RCWD Policy: Manage wetlands and establish wetland management goals based on benchmark
or reference and ecological condition.
RCWD Policy: Provide incentives to private landowners to avoid wetland impact, minimize
wetland impact, and restore wetlands, while acknowledging that wetland management and the
monetary value of wetlands can be based upon differing value systems.
RCWD Policy: Operate a wetland permit program as an integrated component of the District's
development review program, both under watershed district regulatory authority and as the
Local Governmental Unit responsible for implementing the Wetland Conservation Act.
4.5. Flooding
issues
None explicitly listed, however 2005 Plan mentions: The City is concerned about potential flooding
problems associated with future development in the vicinity of County Ditch 25, a runoff sensitive area.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Use the natural characteristics of the City's watersheds (e.g., pond, swales, wetlands) in
combination with development standards and projects, to reduce present and future flood damages and
enhance the quality of surface and ground water.
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Policy: Conduct conveyance and floodplain analyses.
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Issues
Benefits attributed to wetlands include floodwater storage and retention, nutrient assimilation,
sediment entrapment, ground water recharge, low flow augmentation, shore land anchoring and
erosion control, aesthetics, and recreation and education.
Additionally, stream down - cutting and ditching have lowered ground water levels, leading to the
seasonal dry -down of the upper wetland substrates. This allows for decomposition and the liberation of
nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients that are typically organically bound and held tightly under
submerged, saturated and anaerobic conditions. The resulting increases in sediment, salt and nutrient
loading from decomposed wetland soils and from surrounding degraded uplands have caused a shift in
City wetlands to vegetation types adapted to these conditions.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Use the natural characteristics of the City's watersheds (e.g., pond, swales, wetlands) in
combination with development standards and projects, to reduce present and future flood damages and
enhance the quality of surface and ground water.
Policy: Preserve ground water recharge areas in cooperation with Anoka County.
Policy: Establish standards for storm water runoff quantity from new and re- developments
consistent with RCWD, VLAWMO and NPDES Phase II requirements.
Policy: Currently, the City is entirely within the legal jurisdiction of RCWD and VLAWMO, which
have WCA and water resource permitting programs. The City will remain under RCWD and
VLAWMO permitting jurisdiction. The City will coordinate its NPDES Phase II responsibility with
the RCWD and VLAWMO permitting programs while understanding that ultimate responsibility
for implementation of such a program remains with the City.
RCWD Goals: Incorporate ground water considerations into the decision making process with
mindfulness of the interconnectedness of water and water dependent natural resources.
RCWD Policy: Continue to evaluate and monitor County Groundwater Plans and participate in
collaborative efforts to manage groundwater resources.
RCWD Policy: Collaborate with other Metropolitan watershed districts with volume control
requirements to develop a consistent message for managing groundwater concerns due to
infiltration.
RCWD Policy: Achieve a better understanding of local surface and ground water dynamics and
interactions.
RCWD Policy: Guide the use of stormwater infiltration BMPs in sensitive areas such as DWSMAs.
City of Lino Lakes SWMP I October 2011 13
4.7. Erosion & Sediment Control
Issues
Water Quantity, Water Quality and Erosion Control are priority issues for the City. Rice Creek and its
tributaries have been subjected to increased surface water runoff carrying heavy nutrient -rich sediment
loads, road salts, and hydrocarbon -based contaminants consistent with development pressures.
Increased discharge rates have caused serious down- cutting and stream bank erosion. Present water
quality conditions present a potential stress to the diversity and population sizes of fish and aquatic
invertebrae indigenous to these systems.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Develop proper mitigation measures to allow disturbed environments to recover as quickly as
possible.
Policy: Establish erosion control practices for new and re- developments.
4.8. Public Participation, Information & Education
Issues
None identified
Goals & Policies
Goal: Enhancement of cooperation and sharing of information between various levels of government to
enhance efficiency and reduce the likelihood of duplication.
effective and efficient programs and efforts through effective stakeholder
Policy: Maintain effe p g
communication and coordination with Local, State and Federal Agencies.
Comp Plan Goal: Identify and work cooperatively with the state and other local government entities to
develop approaches for addressing potential ecological challenges and threats that could adversely
affect Lino Lakes.
Policy: Identify and alert residents of potential ecological challenges and threats that can affect
Lino Lakes and the property of residents.
Policy: Plan and initiate cooperative efforts with the state and other local government entities or
programs that address and may manage these threats effectively.
Policy: Proactively educate the community and its residents of all ages about the specific actions
they can or may be asked to take in addressing these threats.
Policy: Continue to encourage and support programs that measure the effectiveness of Best
Management Practices.
RCWD Goal: Use education and outreach tools as an integral element within the many aspects of the
operation of the District to credibly convey data and information, thereby increasing knowledge,
awareness and the capacity for decision - making among the constituents of the District.
City of Lino Lakes SWMP October 2011 ! 14
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RCWD Policy: Manage information and data collected by the District in an effective and efficient
manner in accordance with applicable laws, obligations and best practices.
RCWD Policy: Share infrastructure information developed through the Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) program for District -owned facilities to educate the public about how
water resources are managed, the programs and policies and projects of the District, and to
encourage public involvement.
RCWD Policy: Provide data in a manner which maximizes use by the public, share and distribute
data and information in the most efficient manner possible, and minimize the duplication of
data collection through cooperative data collection efforts and information sharing.
RCWD Policy: Develop educational materials and programs for targeted audiences including
local governments, citizens, educators and the development community.
RCWD Policy: Encourage landowners and cities to improve water quality, reduce runoff volume,
and enhance ecological systems through the use of cost -share programs.
RCWD Policy: Utilize and engage citizens to promote sustainable stewardship of lakes.
4.9. Monitoring
Issues
Monitoring, Maintenance and Inspection are priority issues for the City. Any infrastructure needs to be
monitored and maintained. This can only be accomplished if an effective inspection and regular
maintenance program is in place. A monitoring program verifies the effectiveness of the storm water
infrastructure. The EPA recognized this when it included Anoka County and the City in Phase II of the
NPDES program. Storm water infrastructure associated with urbanization and transportation projects
within the City will be subject to this program.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Develop data needed to assess baseline watershed conditions to deal with development and
provide a technical basis for City projects.
Policy: Develop a City -wide Resource Monitoring Plan in cooperation with other governmental
agencies and citizens groups.
Policy: Implement the Resource Data Monitoring Plan.
4.10. Maintenance & Inspection
Issues
Monitoring, Maintenance and Inspection are priority issues for the City. Any infrastructure needs to be
monitored and maintained. This can only be accomplished if an effective inspection and regular
maintenance program is in place. A monitoring program verifies the effectiveness of the storm water
infrastructure. The EPA recognized this when it included Anoka County and the City in Phase II of the
City of Lino Lakes SWMP October 2011 15
NPDES program. Storm water infrastructure associated with urbanization and transportation projects
within the City will be subject to this program.
Goals & Policies
Goal: Protection of City water resource infrastructure.
Policy: Develop and implement a Plan for the regular inspection and maintenance of public
water resource infrastructure.
Policy: Develop a policy for the inspection and maintenance of privately constructed water
resource infrastructure.
Policy: Implement the Maintenance and Inspections Plan.
Policy: Develop and implement a training program to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff
resulting from City operations.
Policy: Reporting.
City of Lino Lakes SWMP I )c ±o 1 16
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