Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 09/11/2006

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NEW BUSINESS Board Member Hustvedt asked Coordinator Anderson if he had received his e-mail about well information and testing. Coordinator Anderson stated that he received it. Board Member Hustvedt asked if the City of Ramsey was doing the actual testing, checking, and sealing of abandoned wells. Board Member Max stated that he thought it was Anoka County's responsibility. Board Member Hustvedt showed his own well test to the EPB members. He noted his concern about abandoned wells and the unreliability of the State of Minnesota's well reporting data. He stated the State of Minnesota categorizes well information by the name of well drilling contractors. He stated that the State of Minnesota is now attempting to organize their information better. He noted his concern about locating and sealing abandoned wells for health and safety reasons. Coordinator Anderson stated that he initially touched base with Mr. Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor (formerly Parks & Utilities Supervisor), but Mr. John Nelson is the current Utilities Supervisor and would be the person for Board Member Hustvedt to contact now. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated that Mr. Ray Renner of Renner Well Company is one of the private well contractors who drilled most of the wells in the City of Ramsey. Mr. Renner has spoken to the EPB at prior meetings because of his expertise. Board Member Hustvedt asked whether this was something that would eventually fit into the EPB agenda. Chairperson McDilda stated that it definitely fits into environmental concerns by the EPB. Board Member Freeburg stated that he did go on the ground-truthing tour with Mr. Peterson's staff. He stated that he felt it was a good opportunity to understand where the data comes from. He stated that he later went to Trott Brook for a walk and noticed that someone has dropped two 55 gallon drums off the boardwalk. Coordinator Anderson stated that he would ask Staff to check it out. Board Member Bentz stated that they may possibly be drums intended for garbage. Board Member Freeburg provided EPB with a copy of the Sunday, July 23, 2006 Star Tribune front page article about the State of Minnesota's new interest in threats to wetlands. Chairperson McDilda asked for adjournment of the meeting so EPB members could tour the prairie landscaping offered by Board Member Freeburg. Environmental Policy Board/August 7, 2006 Page 7 of8