11-01-94 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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They instructed their engineer to write to the reviewing bodies asking that they pay specific attention to these proposals for the Olson Lake estates discharge, and to comment on the solutions. It was also stated that Lake Olson dissolved Oxygen content would be measured just before freeze up, to determine the lake's susceptibilty to winter fish and plant life kill. Mr. Parkin reported that the water level of Olson lake estates pond was at 958 vs. 962 when the pond was discharged .in 1993. If the pond level continued to increase the VBWD may have to declare an emergency to permit them to discharge the excess water in spite of the lack of compliance with the terms of the temporary permit. I have since telephoned members of the DNR and PCA expressing our concern over the proposed solutions, and that the use of a seepage/ evaporation pond within Oakdale is not considered. The report is currently moving between different departments in the review process. It was good to let them know of the importance of this project to Lake Elmo and the long term health of Lake Olson, The DNR's main concern was with the well being of the fisheries and with any recreational and aesthetic damage. The PCA are more directly concerned with water quality. It appears that we are dealing with a situation where the Olson Lake Estates Pond was designed more as a flood control unit than a water quality refiner. The latest environmental thinking and our experience with Lake Olson may have made the pond solution inadequate. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I aim to ensure that Lake Olson doesn't suffer more. We would welcome more local homeowner concern to be voiced with the Valley branch, DNR and PCA. They pay more attention to the public input rather than what may appear to be an inter city squabble.