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This Policy Plan supports regional balance with policies and implementation strategies that <br />provide for uniform rates in the region for all of our wastewater customers. The Council provides <br />equal access to the affordable wastewater systems for customers within the metropolitan urban <br />service area, and uniformly maintains all parts of the regional wastewater system infrastructure. <br />Outreach to underrepresented communities is essential as the Council develops plans and <br />implements future projects and other activities. This Policy Plan was prepared under the <br />Council's Public Participation Plan and has built on the extensive outreach and engagement <br />completed for Thrive MSP 2040, including targeted community engagement with historically <br />underrepresented communities. This Policy Plan commits the Council to expanding on and <br />fostering public engagement in its system planning and in project development. <br />Sustainability and Stewardship <br />Sustainable water resources means having adequate high-quality groundwater and surface <br />water resources to support the region's growing water supply needs and the region's unique <br />and intricate ecosystems. And it means managing our resources in a way that ensures <br />availability of our water resources for current and future generations. <br />The Minnesota State Legislature has defined sustainability as it relates to water supply: <br />"Water is sustainable when the use does not harm ecosystems, degrade water quality or <br />compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." <br />The Council is committed to collaborating with our partners, including federal, state, local and <br />regional agencies and organizations, to promote the long-term sustainability of the region's <br />water resources for surface and ground water quality and quantity and wastewater collection <br />and treatment. To promote sufficient and high-quality ground and surface water, the Council will: <br />• Promote water sustainability through the Water Resources Policy Plan, the wastewater <br />system plan, the Master Water Supply Plan and through the review of local water supply <br />plans, surface water management plans, and comprehensive sewer plans. <br />• Practice a high level of environmental sustainability in our wastewater treatment system <br />operations, leading by example in the sustainability of our operations in the following <br />areas: <br />- Energy conservation and renewable energy generation <br />- Emissions reductions <br />- Water conservation <br />- Solid waste conservation and recycling <br />• Collaborate with our partners to save dollars, share expertise and accomplish more. <br />- Lead the Council's team to address climate change on a community level and <br />environmental sustainability in all the Council's operations <br />- Work with external partners on climate change and sustainability to learn from each <br />other, develop and lead regionwide sustainability strategies <br />• Promote the wise use of water at the community level through optimizing surface water <br />and groundwater use, conservation, reuse, and aquifer recharge. <br />• Collaborate with partners, including providing technical assistance to local governments <br />about wastewater, water supply and surface water management. <br />6 <br />