Agenda - Council - 07/28/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

• If delegated to a local board of health by the MDH, manage delegated well programs for regulating water wells, monitoring wells, and/or dewatering wells, such as in Dakota County • Coordinate monitoring networks and monitoring groundwater and surface water quality and quantity • Regulate individual sewage treatment systems, if a program exists • Regulate feedlots • Enforce building codes • Monitor water resources • Test private wells • License solid and hazardous wastes • Provide well sealing grants and technical assistance • Educate the public, businesses, organizations and others about water appropriation and conservation • Identify sensitive areas that may be vulnerable to adverse water supply impacts Soil and water conservation districts Role Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are local units of government that manage and direct natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work in both urban and rural settings, with landowners and with other units of government, to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources. One crucial niche districts fill is that of providing soil and water conservation services to owners of private lands. Responsibilities SWCDs provide needed technology, funding and educational services. Counties and Soil and Water Conservation Districts may collaborate or delegate all responsibilities to one or the other. Master Water Supply Plan Implementation • Write, coordinate, and administer county groundwater plans, if they are developed, that reflect the Master Water Supply Plan • Review local water supply plans and recommend Metropolitan Council approval, if a County Groundwater Plan has been adopted persuant to Minnesota Statutes 473.859, Subd. 6 Additional water supply -related activities • Monitor groundwater and surface water resources • Promote best management practices that protect and enhance water supplies, particularly in rural areas Watershed management organizations Role The organization of watershed management responsibilities varies across the metropolitan area. Watershed management may occur through Watershed Management Organizations (WMOs), Watershed Districts, or counties. Regardless of the management structure, watersheds work to conserve the natural resources of the state by land use planning, flood control, and other conservation projects using sound scientific principles for the protection of public health and welfare and wise use of the natural resources. WATER SUPPLY MASTER PLAN- Draft June 2015 91