HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 7-06-2010 MPCA Shallow Aquifer Monitoring Wells
MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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DATE: 7/06/2010
CONSENT ITEM #: 4
MOTION as part of Consent Agenda AGENDA ITEM: Consider Request by MPCA for Temporary Location of small Shallow Aquifer Monitoring Wells on Public Land/Municipal Property SUBMITTED BY: Jack Griffin, City Engineer THROUGH: Bruce A. Messelt, City Administrator
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The Lake Elmo City Council is asked to
authorize the City Engineer and City Administrator to further investigate and, if appropriate,
effect a mutually advantageous partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for temporary location of small shallow aquifer monitoring wells on appropriately-identified public lands/municipal property. No specific motion is needed, as this is recommended to be part of the overall approval of the Consent Agenda.
BACKGROUND & STAFF REPORT: The City of Lake Elmo has been approached by MPCA regarding the placement of temporary small well sites within Lake Elmo for monitoring the presence and movement of various elements and contaminants within the shallow aquifer.
City staff are in support of such partnerships, as the data made available by such monitoring will prove exceptionally valuable, not only to MPCA, but to the City with respect to current and future provision of potable water services, current and future efforts to seek external financial support from polluters, granting agencies and state and federal governmental sources for costs
associated with such water service.
However, prior to moving forward, the City Engineer and City Administrator believe additional information is necessary with respect to location of such monitoring wells, impact and screening, if identified and required, on selected sites, liability, maintenance and operating arrangements,
and cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health and other involved partners with
respect to sharing monitoring data. If approved tonight, the City Engineer and City Administrator will report back to the City Council regarding implementation of this partnership program. If necessary, City staff will also
City Council Meeting Consider Request by MPCA for Temporary Location of Shallow Aquifer Monitoring Wells
July 6th, 2010 Consent Agenda Item # 4
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coordinate with the Parks Commission and Parks staff regarding the potential location and
operation of these small, temporary monitoring wells. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that as part of tonight’s Consent Agenda the City
Council authorize the City Engineer and City Administrator to further investigate and, if
appropriate, effect a mutually advantageous partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for temporary location of shallow aquifer monitoring wells on appropriately-identified public lands/municipal property.
Alternatively, the City Council does have the authority to remove this item from the Consent
Agenda and further discuss and deliberate prior to taking action regarding tabling, approval or denial. If affirmative action is then taken, the appropriate action of the Council following such discussion would be:
“Move to authorize the City Engineer and City Administrator to further investigate and, if appropriate, effect a mutually advantageous partnership with the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency for temporary location of shallow aquifer monitoring wells
on appropriately-identified public lands/municipal property.
ATTACHMENTS: MPCA Program Description SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS (if removed from the Consent Agenda):
- Questions from Council to Staff ............................................. Mayor Facilitates
- Call for Motion ............................................................... Mayor & City Council
- Discussion ....................................................................... Mayor & City Council
- Action on Motion .................................................................... Mayor Facilitates