Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 04/16/2018

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Acceptable Shoreline Stabilization Techniques There are a number of potential acceptable stabilization techniques that can be employed. While Ramsey would look for guidance from other, more technically specialized agencies, such as the Anoka Conservation District and the Department of Natural Resources, some potentially acceptable techniques may include: • Vegetation • Natural Barriers • Rip Rap • Wing Dams • Other Oftentimes, a combination of techniques may be necessary. However, each site likely will have specific conditions or circumstances that will, at least in part, determine which method(s) will be most effective. New Preservation Efforts Moving forward, Ramsey desires to enhance efforts in two (2) main categories. 1. Groundwater Supply Preservation 2. Solid Waste Reduction 3. Access to Solar 4. Alternative Energy 5. Greenway Planning 6. Water Quality 7. Public Realm Landscaping Groundwater Supply Preservation Ramsey desires to protect the quantity and quality of our groundwater supply and aquifers. The City will accomplish this goal with two (2) broad strategies. 1. Programs, Incentives, and Rebates 2. Educational Initiatives In the summer months, Ramsey's water usage typically doubles or almost triples that of winter months. This is not due to a lack of concern by Ramsey residents regarding water supply, but rather it is the result of the predominantly sandy nature of sandy soils. This previously prompted Ramsey to adopt a topsoil requirement applicable to any property with a Building Permit for a new principal building. However, this is not necessarily addressing the water usage as many property owners have not altered the programming of their irrigation system to account for the higher organic content of the topsoil. The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) recommended a change to City Code that required any new in - ground irrigation system to be equipped with some form of water efficient technology (e.g. smart controller, soil moisture sensors, evapotranspiration sensors, etc.). But, beyond that, the EPB also expressed an interest in incentives and/or rebates to encourage existing property owners with in -ground irrigation systems to consider retrofitting their irrigation system with water efficient technologies. Due to the greater financial impact of retrofitting, the EPB felt that a carrot, rather than a stick, approach would be better. There continues to be a need for public education on the current status of groundwater availability and conservation techniques and measures that could be implemented by individual property owners to help reduce the demand on aquifers. Ramsey has a keen interest in this subject as it had previously explored utilizing surface water from the Mississippi River as a source of drinking water. However, this is truly a City of Ramsey 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Natural Resources Plan Page 13of19