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6. Page 33, Stormwater. The planned increase in impervious surfaces will also increase the amount of road salt used in the project area. Chloride released into local lakes and streams does not break down, and instead accumulates in the environment, potentially reaching levels that are toxic to aquatic wildlife and plants. Consider promoting local business and city participation in the Smart Salting Training offered through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. There are a variety of classes available for road applicators, sidewalk applicators, and property managers. More information and resources can be found at this website. Many winter maintenance staff who have attended the Smart Salting training — both from cities and counties and from private companies — have used their knowledge to reduce salt use and save money for their organizations. We also encourage cities and counties to consider how they may participate in the Statewide Chloride Management Plan and provide public outreach to reduce the overuse of chloride. Here are some educational resources for residents as well as a sample ordinance regarding chloride use. 7. Page 34, Water Appropriation. Please note that the details of the future of the water supply system for the City of Lake Elmo will be subject to the decisions of the Ramsey County Court and the State Legislature concerning the White Bear Lake Court Decision. 8. Page 37, Stormwater. Because the project area is located in an area prone to surface karst feature development, we urge caution regarding the use of infiltration basins. If infiltration basins are found to suitable, we recommend verifying infiltration design rates by performing an infiltration test at each location prior to construction of the stormwater feature in order to reduce the chance of infiltration basin failure. We appreciate that construction of infiltration basins will only take place on dry soils and that measures will be taken to preserve soil structure and reduce compaction. 9. Page 46, Rare Features. The DNR concurs that impacts to rare features are unlikely to occur as a result of this project. While impacts to rare features are not anticipated, there is the potential to retain wildlife habitat and reduce fragmentation and loss of habitat by retaining existing groups of trees and wetlands. Opportunities include: the small group of trees on the eastern side of the property that are proposed to be incorporated into a park, the rectangular small chunk of forest on the northwest side of the project area, the small groupings of trees on the south side of 34th Street N along the eastern part of the property (especially nearest to the pond), and the small, younger patch of woods in the northeast corner of the property. In the metro area, retaining forest, even the small and isolated remnants on the landscape, is especially important for wildlife habitat, clean water, and for the recreation/aesthetic values to the residents of Lake Elmo. We encourage the City to learn more about the DNR’s School Forest Program, which provides an opportunity to use some of the retained forest as an outdoor classroom in one or more of its schools. 10. Page 19, Rare Features. We appreciate that the development will use native seed mixes and plants in landscaping and encourage the City to utilize native plantings to the greatest degree possible. 11. Page 51, Dust and Odors. Should water for dust control be taken from a lake, wetland, river or stream in volumes that exceed 10,000 gallons of water in a single day, then a DNR Water