1999 Correspondence - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

.", ........-r._~ e e Minnesota Department of Natural Resources DNR Waters -Metro, 1200 Warner Road, S1. Paul, MN 55106-6793 Te'1ephone:(651)772-7910' Fax: (651)772'-7977 January 19, 1999 Cindy Sherman City of Ramsey 15153 Nowthen Boulevard N.W. Ramsey, Minnesota 55303 RE: DRAFT OF 1998 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Dear Ms. Sherman: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the City of Ramsey's Draft 1998 Comprehensive Plan. Overall I was impressed with the quality of the plan. In the "Natural Features" section on page 9, it is good to see the City's watercourses mentioned. The bluffs on the Mississippi and the City's wetlands should also be mentioned as natural features. We appreciate that the City is keepingits options open and moving cautiously regarding the "Possible New Mississippi River Bridge" (page 58). In the "Water Supply Plan" section (page71) the M1. Simon-Hinckley formation is mentioned as being available for the expansion of the City's water supply. It should be noted that Statute 103G.271., Subd. 4a., states that new water use permits may not be issued for the Mt. Simon- Hinckley aquifer unless the appropriation is for potable use, there are no feasible or practical alternatives to this source, and a water conservation plan is incorporated with the permit. The "Wild and Scenic Rivers Act" section on page 92 should mention the reworking of the wild and scenic rules and the participation of the City staff in the process. It should be pointed out that in "A Place to Preserve Natural Resources" it should be recognized that some higher quality wetlands have values in excess of their ability to treat stormwater, and if over-used, the other wetland values will suffer, and possibly result in the degradation of the wetland. Concerning "Rivers, Urban Streams and Drainage Ditches" (page 109); should the City consider having ditches or portions of ditches abandoned. I suggest that one of the goals in "Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management Goals" (page 111), should be to "Reduce the effects of impervious surfaces on water quantity and water quality." DNR Information: 651-296-6157 · 1-888-646-6367 · TTY: 651-296-5484 · 1-800-657-3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer Who Values Diversity '\ Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a '-., Minimum of 10% Post-Consumer Waste