Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/2014

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In order to determine whether the aquifer will support this level of development, the City of Ramsey has agreed to establish a well monitoring program in conjunction with constructing three new wells in the next 3 years. This program is summarized as follows: 1. Drill a test well at the Well No. 6 site. The objective of this test well is to determine aquifer availability at this site, and to determine any potential vibration issues due to close proximity to the railroad lines. 2. Drill monitoring wells at an easement site within the Ramsey Town Center. The objective of these wells is to monitor both the Ironton — Galesville aquifer and the drift aquifer water levels. 3. Drill monitoring wells adjacent to Lake Itasca. The objective of these wells is to monitor both of the Ironton — Galesville and drift aquifer water levels. 2. Surface Water Sources Ramsey is bordered to the south by the Mississippi River. Both the Minneapolis Water Department and The St. Paul Regional Water Services obtain water for drinking water purposes from the Mississippi River. Typically, smaller communities have not found it cost effective to obtain water from this source due to the treatment requirements of a surface water source. However, with the increasing demand being placed on local aquifers, and the decreasing costs of advanced membrane technologies, the Mississippi River is a viable option for providing water to the City of Ramsey. Based on discussions with MnDNR staff, treatment of this source will be evaluated, with a groundwater source backup based on the current well system. Surface water would be obtained indirectly from the river utilizing a riverbank infiltration system. This system collects water from the river utilizing vertical wells, horizontal collectors or infiltration galleries, located near the riverbank. Water is pumped from these collection devices, lowering the local water table below the river stage. This establishes a hydraulic gradient into the aquifer, City of Ramsey, Minnesota — M21.34343 Page ES -5 Water System Study Prepared by Bolton & Menk, Inc.