2016.02.18 CC Minutes - NE Metro Water Summit

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Minutes for the NE Water Summit on February 18,2015 Page 2 of 4 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Update DNR Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore talked about the White Bear Lake settlement agreement, stating it was compatible with updates to the Water Supply Plan. They are receiving comments and implementing ideas. The DNR is working with communities individually on Comprehensive Plan updates. They are on target to set the protective Lake elevation by November 2016. Barb explained this is not a guarantee lake level, but negative threshold reports will alert the DNR to examine it and address concerns. The Ground Water Management plan was finalized in 2015 and she talked about SF 1910 and explained where things were left off stating she didn't expect any changes. Naramore provided information on the augmentation study saying cost estimates to augment from the Saint Paul Regional Water Services chain of lakes would cost between $55M and $67M with operational costs of$500-$660k annually. Phosphorus levels and other contaminants were of concern, and advanced treatments would increase the cost by$23-$40 million, with maintenance going to $900,00044M. The study made no assumption on who would construct or operate the system. Columbus Council Bill Krebs said it was unfair to expect taxpayers pay for augmentation of White Bear Lake. MN House Rep Peter Fischer stated that the models they are looking at right now show that the lake will eventually dry up. The White Bear Lake Conservation District would be responsible for operating the system. He said he felt the state should be responsible if it is shown that ground water pumping is part of the problem. RCWD Commissioner John Waller mentioned diverting JD #1 Ramsey County into White Bear Lake because 1/2 of the water currently flowing through it would provide the 2 billion gallons estimated for augmenting the lake. Naramore replied to Krebs comment saying that the DNR is doing what legislation has directed them to do. Senator Roger Chamberlain added that it is a legislative issue now. Representative Matt Dean stated that augmentation of White Bear Lake is not new, and he thought the cost estimates were high. Another study is being done by the residents on White Bear Lake Metropolitan Council Update Met Council Environmental Services Leisa Thompson talked about the Met Council's vision to keep more water in the region by reusing it, and she highlighted some water reuse projects related to wastewater effluent stating that 250 million gallons a day gets reclaimed. The Water Resources Plan highlights creating a reclamation plant for groundwater recharge in lieu of enlarging sewer pipes, and this would be needed by approximately the year 2030. It is being suggested reclaimed water could be used to augment White Bear Lake, except phosphorus and chlorides would be an issue, along with water temperature.