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09/05/~0 TUE 12:05 FAX 651 490 2150 , SEH I{fJUUJ Mr. James Noonan September S, 2000 Page 2 · Local Plan Review; . Regional controls related to non point source pollution; and · Consistency with City Comprehensive Plan. The water resources management plan and all subsequent amendments will become part of the City's Comprehensive Plan (adopted by reference), in accordance with Environmental Review 21040, 1995 revisions to Minnesota Statutes 103B.235, Subd. 3A and 473.859, Subd. 2 (Chapter 176, Laws of Minnesota 1995). Metropolitan Counoil's review of the local water resources management plan is concurrent with the watershed review. Comments are fOlwarded to the WMOs. The plan does not have to be re-submitted to Metropolitan Council as a formal comprehensive plan amendment for additional review. The adopted local plan will meet Metropolitan Council's requirements and will be thereby recognized as a comprehensive plan amendment. EP A Storm Water Discl1arge Permit Final rules were issued in October 1999 for EPA's Tier II National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water discharge permits, resulting from the Clean Water Act. MPCA is currently in the process of developing a state program. Tile final rules for the Phase 1/ permits wiU likely not require monitoring. The rules apply to all urban areas with population densities of more than 1000 persons per square mile. This is in contrast to earlier indications that the program would only apply to communities of 50,000 and above. The reality is that the entire metropolitan area will fall under the Part II rules, utilizing existing monitoring data from the Phase I program (Minneapolis and St. Paul data). Southeast Area Drainase Study Update In the late 1990's a hydrologic model of the southeast area of the City was developed by SEH. Changes which have occurred since the plan was completed should be documented. Wetland Management The need to be consistent with current wetland management laws is an important part of the plan update. This will also define the role of wetlands in the storm water system and the pretreatment requirements for storm water discharges. Water Quality Focus Minnesota Rules 8410 and Metropolitan Council requirements are much more focused on water quality than were earlier requirements for water resources planning. The steps included in a water quality planning effort include an inventory of existing water bodies, classification of significant water resources, determination of baseline water quality conditions, development of strategies to improve water quality and a proposed water quality monitoring program.