Agenda - Public Works Committee - 04/19/2011

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McGlone and Councilmembers Elvig and Tossey and Mayor Ramsey. Voting No: None. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Case #1: Consider Agreement with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding Ambient Groundwater Quality Monitoring Wells Public Works Director Olson reviewed the staff report and listed the elements that the Agency will be looking for. He explained the Agency is testing not just because they think the water is contaminated, but will be testing sites that have not yet been tested to establish a base line report. Ms. Becca Reason, MPCA, explained this is a program to establish a baseline and water quality level across the state. She noted they will be putting wells in across the metro this year. Public Works Director Olson mentioned there have been issues in groundwater in communities adjacent to Ramsey. It would be good to know if there are trace elements of contaminants There are trace amounts of arsenic in Ramsey's drinking water wells that are less than the recommended limit. There are no concerns at this point, though any learning that can happen now can help prepare for the future. Councilmember McGlone questioned whether the MPCA would be responsible for capping the wells when it became necessary. He asked if there is an end date. Ms. Reason responded there is no established end date. The plan is to put the wells in and leave in for as long as possible. Some of the project depends on funding. Public Works Director Olson noted the State of Minnesota requires the wells to be capped. Ms. Reason explained the project is funded through the Cleanwater Land and Legacy Act. Councilmember Elvig asked what the infrastructure was. Ms. Reason indicated the wells will go 7 feet below groundwater. There will be a 10 foot screen which is 2 feet in diameter. After the screen, it is PVC. The finished product above grade is 2 feet high, 6 inches in diameter, and will have a cover. She added the MPCA will put a lock on it. Chairperson McGlone noted since Ramsey has the landfill, there are already 200 wells. The MPCA is already monitoring Ramsey and he questioned whether there is any overlap. Ms. Reason explained the Agency did look at the landfill and the functions in relation to it. This program is somewhat different since they are concentrating on shallow groundwater. The inspection process is a different. She noted the wells will not be close to the landfill for testing water. Locations were chosen based on land use area. Chairperson McGlone established that there is no cost to the City. Public Works Committee / March 15, 2011 Page 2 of 6