Agenda - Council - 12/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minnesota). Chloride is one of the components of salt, which is used in forms such as sodium chloride (table salt), calcium chloride and magnesium chloride (road salts). Sodium chloride is commonly used in home water softeners and by water treatment plants to treat "hard" water. Minnesota generally has groundwater with high levels of calcium and magnesium that must be removed through softening in order to improve taste and prevent lime scale buildup in appliances, pipes and water fixtures. The majority of home water softeners use sodium chloride (NaCI) in a softening process that replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium, while the chloride ions are discharged in the wastewater and eventually end up in the environment. Each community needs to determine which tool is appropriate for their situation. This factsheet suggests ways for homeowners to optimize their water softener salt use, while this link provides resources for cities and examples of how other communities in Minnesota are addressing their high chloride levels. We suggest that as this development moves forward, the City of Ramsey consider what strategies can be used to minimize chloride use. 6. Page 16, Pre-Construction Site Runoff. It is unclear if any of the project area is currently tile drained, and how that may alter site hydrology if removed. 7. Page 16, Post Construction Runoff. Due to the potential groundwater connection near the surface, the installation of large infiltration basins has the potential to impact wetland hydrology. Further review of hydrologic site conditions is recommended in order to avoid impacting seepage wetlands within the project area. 8. Page 16, Post Construction Runoff. The DNR recommends that water from stormwater features be used as to irrigate landscaping if feasible. 9. Page 16, Post Construction Runoff. The DNR recommends using native seed mixes in stormwater features and native plants in landscaping to the greatest degree possible in order to provide pollinator habitat. 10. Page 16, Post Construction Runoff. The planned increase in impervious surfaces will also increase the amount of road salt used in the project area. Chloride released into local lakes and streams does not break down, and instead accumulates in the environment, potentially reaching levels that are toxic to aquatic wildlife and plants. Consider promoting local business and city participation in the Smart Salting Training offered through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. There are a variety of classes available for road applicators, sidewalk applicators, and property managers. More information and resources can be found at this website. Many winter maintenance staff who have attended the Smart Salting training — both from cities and counties and from private companies — have used their knowledge to reduce salt use and save money for their organizations. We also encourage cities and counties to provide public outreach to reduce the overuse of chloride. Here are some educational resources for residents as well as a sample ordinance regarding chloride use. 11. Page 20, Surface Waters. The EAW states that buffers will protect wetlands, but it is unclear what type and width of wetland buffers will be used throughout the development. The DNR recommends that native upland vegetation be used for wetland buffers as opposed to lawn or turf that might be managed with fertilizer and pesticides. It is unclear from design plans where the wetland buffers will be located.