Agenda - Council - 11/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

needs. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approved the implementation of these three wells, with the stipulation that the City of Ramsey investigate alternative water supple sources to meet ongoing future water supply needs... The City of Ramsey draws water from the Franconia Ironton Galesville (FIG) aquifer. This aquifer also serves neighboring communities. The DNR is reviewing the overall water use in the region and has raised significant concerns regarding the ability of the FIG aquifer to meet the water needs of the region. Mr. Linton reported that implementation of the three new wells has begun, with Well #6 projected to be on line by the end of the year. The City Council authorized retention of Bolton & iVlcnk. Inc. for design services on Well #7 and #8 at the April 12, 2005 meeting. Those two wells will be on line by the end of 2006. The next step in the implementation of the water supply plan is to further investigate potential. alternative water sources. The 2004 Comprehensive Water Plan recommended that the Mississippi River be investigated as an alternative water source. This investigation will include evaluation of the availability and treatability of the water appropriated from the Mississippi River, as well as a detailed cost evaluation of the water supply and treatment facilities. Mr. Linton stated that staff requested a proposal from Bolton & Menk for initiating the investigation of the use of the Mississippi River as an alternative water source for the City. This case is to initiate the process of investigation of how we could use the Mississippi River as a source for our water supply. Bolton & Menk have provided a proposal to us. He listed what Bolton & Menk would provide and pointed out the timetable and proposed costs. At the end of the study, they will summarize the findings in a report. The total estimated cast is $1.82,500 and the money would come from the Water Enterprise Fund. Mayor Gamec inquired if this will also be presented to the DNR. John Peterson, Bolton & Menk, stated that the goal after the review of the hydro geological data and the membrane filtration pilot plant test would be to design the plan and present it to the City Council and to the DNR and they would be able to look at other funding sources, etc. Counci lmember Cook inquired if this is a shallow river bed well. 14r. Peterson responded in the affirmative and explained the process for that. C :ouncilmember Strommen asked if this will all be coordinated with the DNR to which Mr. Peterson replied yes. OLHICilnlember Strommen inquired if this could affect the river level to which Mr. Peterson replicd somewhat. We will not be doing a direct surface draw — we are drawing water from l�)elow the river. We will have the wells to back us up. Comicilmember Elvig commented on the funding and inquired if they have looked into any grants 1-or this pilot test itself t.4r. Peterson responded that last week the LCMR came through and they will look at that. 0 Couiicilmember Elvig wondered if the City Council should approve this without a grant. City Council/November 7, 2005 Page 10 of 16 -25-