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

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As part of the expansion of the Council's Empire Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2004-2007, the Council added a number of low impact development practices including a green (vegetated) roof on the reverse activated sludge building, two large infiltration basins within the plant area, a raingarden at the plant entrance, vegetated swales, a prairie plant garden, and five permeable paver parking areas to reduce the storm water impacts on the site and ultimately to the Vermillion River, a DNR designated Trout stream. Policy on Water Conservation and Reuse: The Council will work with our partners to identify emerging issues and challenges for the region as we work together on solutions that include the use of water conservation, wastewater and stormwater reuse, and low impact development practices in order to promote a more sustainable region. Implementation Strategies: • Identify and pursue options to reuse treated wastewater to supplement groundwater and surface water as sources of water to support regional growth, when economically feasible. • Promote water supply resiliency through the use of stormwater best management practices that minimize aquifer impacts and maximize groundwater recharge, where practical. • Promote water conservation measures, including tool development and outreach. • Encourage low impact development, land uses, and cooperative water use practices that minimize impacts on aquifers. • Investigate reusing treated wastewater, and when cost-effective, implement reuse. • Provide research and guidance on best management practices to use for effective surface water management. • In partnership with others, research and promote the development of innovative best management practices including low impact development technologies and agricultural best practices. • Install and monitor innovative nonpoint source pollution reduction practices at Council facilities and support economically feasible projects that demonstrate new technologies and their effectiveness. Assessment of Regional Water Resources The region's water resources must be sustainable for current and future generations. Sustainable water resources means providing adequate sources of drinking water and other sources of water needed for industry and agriculture, promoting sustainable management and operations of our wastewater treatment systems and providing for available and high quality water resources for fishing, swimming, and supporting our aquatic life and terrestrial habitat. Thrive MSP 2040 includes accountability as its third principle to measure success in implementing our policies and strategies. Accountability requires a commitment to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of our programs and policies. In partnership with others in the 22