Agenda - Council - 03/10/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. Identifies some of the difficulties associated with developing regional water supply system partnerships, and the need for Met Council to actively support and lead discussions in developing regional partnerships. 4. Emphasizes the high costs required to convert groundwater supply systems to surface water supply systems, and the inability of local agencies to pay for such improvements on their own. 5. Emphasizes the need to maintain groundwater supply systems for supplemental or emergency water supply needs, such as when pollutants are released in surface waters triggering a temporary facility shutdown. 6. Supports further exploration and implementation of water conservation methods, including the reuse of gray water. The last bullet above is based on recent discussion by the Environmental Policy Board (EPB). Per their discussion, the City of Ramsey should encourage exploring alternatives for waste water treatment that incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to promote infiltration prior to discharging the remaining wastewater into the regional wastewater system. However, the EPB noted that this is not to be interpreted as the City desiring a local wastewater treatment plant, but rather to aid in groundwater recharge. Page 43 of the draft policy plan includes a preliminary plan for increasing gray water reuse, including a demonstration project in East Bethel. Staff will amend the draft response based on City Council direction, and will submit the response prior to the public comment deadline for the draft Water Resources Policy Plan which is 5 pm, March 20th, 2015. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. Recommendation: The draft Water Resources Policy Plan was not formally reviewed by City advisory Boards, Commissions, or Committees. However, the Environmental Policy Board has commented on the topic of water resources on multiple occasions and the attached draft response includes language that staff believes is in alignment with the goals of the EPB, most notably the goal of water conservation and reuse. Staff recommends approval of the draft City of Ramsey response to the Water Resources Policy Plan. Action: Motion to approve the draft response to the Water Resources Policy Plan as is, or with Council directed modifications. Draft Water Resources Policy Plan Ramsey WRPP Response Ltr Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Chris Anderson Chris Anderson 03/05/2015 01:50 PM Patrick Brama Patrick Brama 03/05/2015 02:08 PM Kurt Ulrich Kathy Schmitz 03/05/2015 02:09 PM Form Started By: Bruce Westby Started On: 03/03/2015 02:48 PM Final Approval Date: 03/05/2015