6.2. SR 11-19-2007`rt °` REQUEST FOR ACTION
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River
To Item Number
Ma ox & Ci Council 6.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Communi Develo ment November 19, 2007 Rebecca Hau Environmental Admin
Item Description Reviewed by
Approval of Loading Assessment, Nondegradation Report and
Outstanding Resource Value Water Reports Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff is recommending the Council approve the ciry's Loading Assessment, Nondegradation and
Outstanding Resource Value Water Report completed by Bonestroo as required by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Background/Discussion
In August 2007, the city council authorized Bonestroo to complete the city's Loading Assessment,
Nondegradation and Outstanding Resource Value Water (ORV W) Report as required by the MPCA as
part of the ciry's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This report is due
on December 1, 2007. The MPCA will consider the pemrittee to be in compliance with the
nondegradation Hiles if 19881oading levels of storm water volume and pollutants can be achieved, either
through existing facilities, programs and policies, or through proposed modifications.
The report detemuned that current practices will not meet the 19881oading levels for Average annual
flow volume, Total suspended solids, and phosphorus levels. In order for us to achieve compliance, the
report includes Best Management Practices (BMP) that will need to be developed. These new BMPS
focus on new development, thus mitigating the impacts of future growth. They also focus on
redevelopment through the creation of a redevelopment ordinance that seeks water quality retrofits on a
sliding scale. The BMPs also include modifications to water quality treatment requirements and
implementation of water quality treatment ordinance, implementation of a dtywide infiltration ordinance
and implementation of BMPS with public projects.
The MPCA will be reviewing the report and will let the city know if the report is adequate to meet the
1988 loading levels for Average annual flow volume, Total suspended solids, and phosphorus levels. The
City Council should expect staff to be developing ordinances to achieve these requirements and bringing
them forth fox approval in the next year.
Attachments
• Summary of Nondegradation report
Action Motion by Second by _ Vote
Follow Up
cHy a
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NONDEGRADATION REVIEW
Nondegradation Report
Elk River, MN
October 2007
Project Number: 1482-07-001
INTRODUCTION
Since 2003, the MPCA has required municipalities with a population hetween 10,000 and 100,000 to
secure a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) permit authorizing discharge of storm water from
their municipal storm drainage system to waters of the state. This authorization occurs under the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. These municipal systems are known as Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer Systems or MS4s.
In 2003, the MPCA was sued by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy aver the State's alleged
noncompliance with its nondegradation rules. As part of the court action, the Minnesota Court of Appeals
ruled specifically that the permit issued by MPCA to conditionally authorize storm water discharge from an
M54 system under the NPDES program had to address nondegradation requirements in the rules.
To comply with the court action, the MPCA revised the NPDES permit program in 2006 to require 30
municipalities across the state, whose storm water discharges are permitted through the M54 program, to
complete additional work called a "Nondegradation Review" that will enable the state agency to determine
if nondegradation rules are being met. MPCA selected these 30 MS4s based on their assessment of those
communities most likely to have expanded storm water discharges to surface waters as reflected hy:
1. population changes since 1990,
2. current population, and
3. projected population growth to 2020.
Elk River is one of the 30 permitted M54s to which this Nondegradation Review requirement applies,
MS4s must complete a Nondegradation Report when their Loading Assessment indicates they have
significant new and expanded discharges. Elk River's loading Assessment calculates new and expanded
discharges of pollutants to certain water bodies. In some cases these new and expanded discharges are
clearly significant. For this reason the City of Elk River includes this Nondegradation Report with its Loading
Assessment.
The Nondegradation Report must propose BMPs that address nondegradation far inclusion in Elk River's
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program or SWPPP. As a par[ of minimum control measure 5 in the City's
existing SWPPP several BMP summary sheets were developed dealing with stormwater management for
new development and redevelopment. Elk River's Nondegradation Report includes a discussion of potential
BMPs to attain 1988 levels for total phosphorus (TP), total suspended solids (TSS), and water volume. Elk
River has also developed new BMP summary sheets for inclusion in its SWPPP and these are attached to
this Nondegradation Report. These BMP summary sheets are not for the actual landscape BMPs that attain
1988 pollutant loads. Rather these BMP summary sheets describe the development of official controls that
lead to these landscape BMPs and build on the BMP summary sheets Sa-1, 5b-1 and 5c-1 already
developed. These new official controls focus on new development, thus mitigating the impacts of future
growth. These official controls also focus on redevelopment through the creation of a redevelopment
ordinance that seeks water quality retrofits on a sliding scale. The city intends that the new development
strategy apply uniformly throughout the city but that the retrofit strategy will be focused in areas where
new and expanded discharges have occurred.
E!k River 1482-0 70 0 1
Nondegradation Report page 1
A discussion of Elk River's proposed mitigation steps and why these alternatives are both reasonable and
practical follows.
REVISIONS TO THE CITY'S WATER QUALITY TREATMENT REQUIREMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
OF WATER QUALITY TREATMENT ORDINANCE
The Loading Assessment shows that for Elk River's urban land uses (urban and high density residential,
commercial/industrial, Old Town, Mixed Use and public/semi-public) additional water quality treatment is
necessary to meet Baseline loading rates. It also shows that a conversion from agricultural land use to rural
residential land use is a slight improvement on the Baseline pollutant loads.
The City's current Section 2500 Design Standards require sedimentation basins and wet extended detention
ponds designed in accordance with the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. This is currently only a design
standard and not an adopted ordinance. Options far increasing the water quality treatment required for
urban land uses were considered. For comparison, a requirement of 60% total phosphorus removal from
urban developments was analyzed to determine whether itwould be adequate to meet mitigate increased
loadings. Using an accepted relationship between TP and TSS shown in Figure 1, removal of 60% of TP
generally correlates to 93% TSS removal.
figure 7 -Stormwater Pollutant Removal Efficiencies Related to Pond Detention Time.
(Adapted from OWML,198.y)
100
90
80
o ~o
60
a
50
40
~ 30
C
20
°
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Detention Time (hrs)
Subwatershed ER04 is primarily urban for 2020'conditions, versus large tracts of agriculture for 1988
conditions. As an example, the 60% TP removal requirement was applied to all urban land uses within
ER04 for 2020 conditions to determine if it is adequate to meet the nondegradation goals. Table 1
presents a comparison of loading rates with and without the 60% TP removal requirement.
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Elk River 1482-0 700 1
Nondegradation Report Page 3
TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF MODELED LOADINGS GENEUATED IN ER04
TP Load
(Ibs/yr) `TSS Load
(Ibs/ r) Runoff VoWme <:
(ac-fU r)
Baseline Condition 1,230 440,600 1,050
Present Condition 1,920 678,600 1,740
2020 Condition w/o 60% TP removal 2,230 772,700 2,000
2020 Condition w/60% TP removal 890 54,100 2,000
As shown in Table 1, there is a significant improvement in the 2020 loading rates far TP and T55 to less
than the Baseline condition with the 60% TP removal requirement in place. This implies same retrofit of
water quality treatment for areas already developed. Conservatively, it was assumed that there would be
no effect on runoff volumes based on this water quality treatment requirement. An infiltration requirement
is necessary to mitigate the increase in runoff volumes.
It should be noted that the 60% TP removal requirement was applied as a general standard to all urban
land uses without specific guidance or analysis on how it would he achieved. Typically standard National
Urban Runoff Program (NURP) designed ponds provide adequate water quality treatment to achieve the
60% TP removal. Ultimately the City will be required to apply a water quality treatment requirement that
meets nondegradation goals. Structural and non-structural BMPs developed as a part of BMP summary
sheet Sa-1 should be designed to meet the water quality treatment requirement.
To address revisions to the city's water quality requirements, the City of Elk River proposes aBMP Se-1
modification to the citywide water quality treatment standard and adoption of a water quality treatment
ordinance as modification to its current SWPPP.
OF AN INFILTRATION REQUIREMENT
As discussed above, application of a water quality treatment requirement was not assumed to provide a
reduction in runoff volume. Therefore an additional infiltration requirement is needed to mitigate the
increase in runoff volumes for urban land uses. Based on the Soil Survey, the City is dominated by
hydrologic soil group A and B soils and therefore a good candidate for infiltration best management
practices. At present, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (MPCA NPDES) General Construction Permit sets an infiltration guideline such that the runoff
generated by the 0.5-inch rainfall over the impervious surfaces of a development is infiltrated/filtrated.
Continuous simulation of urban residential development indicates that 0.5-inch off of impervious surface
infiltration standard reduces by 80% the average annual runoff volume over the case where no infiltration
is used. Though this assumption would have to be verified and subsequently redefined for other land uses,
it becomes a useful benchmark in determining what can be done to eliminate new and expanded
discharges.
As a starting point, this standard was applied to subwatershed ER04 to determine its adequacy in meeting
the Baseline loads. Table 2 presents a comparison of loading rates with and.without the infiltration
requirement.
E!k Rrver 1481-0 700 1
Nondegradation Report Page 4
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF MODELED LOADINGS GENERATED IN EROS
TP Load'
(Ibs/yr) TSS Load
i (Ibs/ r} ": Runoff Volume :!
(ac-ft/ r}
Baseline Condition 1,230 440,600 1,050
Present Condition 1,920 678,600 1,740
2020 Condition w/o infiltration 2,230 772,700 2,000
2020 Condition w/infiltration 450 54,100 400
The results presented in the table above are based on the assumption that 80% volume reduction implies
80% phosphorus reduction (though greater than 80% removal likely occurs) and 93% 755 reduction.
Application of the 0.5-inch infiltration requirement is adequate to meet Baseline conditions far all three
parameters based on this example.
It is also possible to consider the decrease in load by a runoff depth comparison between agricultural land
use and urban residential land use.
0.14 Rv Agriculture * 31.5 inches average annual precipitation = 4.4 inches/year
0.21 Rv Urban residential * 31.5 inches average annual precipitation = 6.6 inches/year
6.6 inches/year' 20%= 1.3 inches/year
This simple calculation shows that the runoff depth for urban residential with implementation of the
infiltration requirement is considerably less than the runoff depth generated with agricultural land use.
City staff and the City Council will consider whether an adjustment is needed to the infiltration requirement
to meet nondegradation requirements. Structural and non-structural BMPs developed as a part of BMP
summary sheet 5a-1 should be designed to meet the infiltration requirement.
To address the need for a citywide infiltration requirement, the City of Elk River proposes BMP 5d-1,
implementation of the citywide infiltration ordinance.
IMPLEMENTATION OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WITH PUBLIC PROJECTS
Another means of attaining nondegradation compliance is for the City to begin retrofitting BMPs to areas
through routine and periodic public improvement projects such as street reconstruction, park and other
public facilities projects. In the case of street reconstruction projects very often these are mill and overlay
and not full reconstruction projects. Nonetheless, some opportunities might present themselves for
retrofitting different BMPs depending on the specifics of each project. A potential annual load reduction
would be speculative if offered now. Rather, the BMP summary sheet for this SWPPP modification
emphasizes adaptive management through experience and reporting through the annual reporting required
by the permit.
To address the need for retrofitting BMPs, the City of Elk River proposes BMP Sf-1, implementation of BMPs
with public projects.
Elk River 1482-07001
Nondegradatlon Report Page 5
SUMMARY OF NONDEGRADATION REPORT
Elk River's Nondegradation Review consisu of a Loading Assessment and this document which is
considered Elk River's Nondegradation Report. According to the M54 General Permit, Elk River is required
to complete the Nondegradation Report since its Loading Assessment showed that the city had new and
expanded discharges. Elk River's Nondegradation Report focuses on mitigation through revisions to its
official controls with an emphasis on controls over new development and redevelopment. The components
of the revised official controls are contained in the revised BMPs that fallow. These new BMPs, or proposed
SWPPP modifications, are summarized as follows:
1. Modifications to water quality treatment requirement and implementation of water quality
treatment ordinance
2. Implementation of a citywide infiltration ordinance
3. Implementation of BMPs with puhlic projects
f!k River 1482-07001
Nondegradation Report Page 6
BMP Summary Sheet
M54 Name: City of Elk River
Permit requirement addressed: Part X.C Nondegradation Report
Unique BMP Identification Number: Sd-1
*BMP Title: Implementation of Citywide Infiltration Ordinance
*BMP Description:
This Best Management Practice includes the development of a new infiltration standard that strives to attain
nondegradation, defined as maintenance of 1988 water volumes discharged to a receiving water. Structural
and non-structural BMPs developed as a part of BMP 5a-1 will be designed and reviewed for compliance with
its infiltration and stormwater standards. Reviews conducted subsequent to implementation of this ordinance
revision will consider nondegradation compliance.
Location(s) in SWPPP of detailed information relating to this BMP:
BMP 5d-1 Implementation of a Citywide Infiltration Ordinance
*Measurable Goals:
• Adoption of ordinance
• Number of developments reviewed under new ordinance
*Timeline/Implementation Schedule:
• Winter 2007/2008 -Develop technical basis for standard and ordinance language
• Spring 2008 -Council adopts new ordinance
• Summer 2008 -Begin review of developments under new ordinance
• Annually after adoption -Document the number of development sites reviewed under new ordinance
Specific Components and Notes:
• Analysis of water volume discharge for commercial land use as allowed by Elk River
• Comparison of water volume discharge to that of undeveloped land
• Determination of infiltration standard
• Draft ordinance for review
• Council approval of ordinance
• Implementation of ordinance
*Responsible Party for this BMP:
Name: Rebecca Haug
Department: Environmental Division
Phone: 763-635-1068
E-mail: rhaug@ci.elk-river.mn.us
*Indicates a REQUIRED field. Failure to complete any required faeld will result in rejection of the application due
to incompleteness.
BMP Summary Sheet
MS4 Name: City of Elk River
Permit requirement addressed: Part X.C Nondegradation Report
Unique BMP Identification Number: Se-I
*BMP Title: Modification of Citywide Water Quality Standard and Implementation of Water Quality
Ordinance
*BMP Description:
The current citywide water quality standard requires sedimentation basins and extended detention ponds
designed in compliance with Minnesota Stormwater Manual guidelines for a development site. This standard
is contained in the city's Section 2500 Design Standards. This Best Management Practice includes the
modification of the water quality standard that strives to attain nondegradation, defined as maintenance of
1988 TP and TSS loads discharged to a receiving water. Structural and non-structural BMPs developed as a
part of BMP Sa-1 will be designed and reviewed for compliance with its stormwater standards. Reviews
conducted subsequent to implementation of this ordinance revision will consider nondegradation compliance.
Location(s) in SWPPP of detailed information relating to this BMP:
BMP 5e-1 Modification of the Citywide Water Quality Standard and Implementation of Water Quality
Ordinance
*Measurable Goals:
• Modification of design standard
• Adoption of Ordinance
• Number of developments reviewed under new ordinance
*Timeline/Implementafion Schedule:
• Winter 2007/2008 -Develop technical basis for standard and ordinance language
• Spring 2008 -Council adopts new ordinance
• Summer 2008 -Begin review of developments under new ordinance
• Annually after adoption -Document the number of development sites reviewed under new ordinance
Specific Components and Notes:
• Comparison of TP and TSS loads discharged to that of undeveloped land
• Determination of water quality standard
• Draft ordinance for review
• Council approval of ordinance
• Implementation of ordinance
*Responsible Party for this BMP:
Name: Rebecca Haug
Department: Environmental Division
Phone: 763-635-1068
E-mail: rhaug@ci.elk-river.mn.us
*Indicates a REQUIRED field. Faidure to complete any required field will result in rejection of the application due
to incompleteness.
BMP Summary Sheet
M54 Name: City of Elk River
Permit requirement addressed: Part X.C Nondegradation Report
Unique BMP Identification Number: Sf-1
*BMP Title: Implementation of Best Management Practices with Public Improvement Projects
*BMP Description:
This strategy considers implementation of BMPs on public lands within or downstream of street major
maintenance projects or other development projects. Public lands could include those owned by schools,
dhurches, and the city. The city might also utilize undeveloped lands to retrofit treatment. The BMPs
constructed for the retrofit would be over and above those the future development would need to meet current
city standards. This BMP will provide the city the information it needs to determine whether this model for
retrofitting BMPs can be consistently implemented and be cost effective. The knowledge gained from this
BMP will result in a more cost effective long-term implementation plan. The city will review its projects and
report on these through its annual report.
Location(s) in SWPPP of detailed information relating to this BMP:
BMP 5f-1 Implementation of BMPs with Public Improvement Projects
*Measurable Goals:
• Number of infiltration areas installed and area over which treatment is retrofitted
• The calculated load reduction obtained from these BMPs
• The cost of this load reduction
*Timeline/Implementation Schedule:
• Winter 2007 -Begin considering how to retrofit BMPs into different types of proposed projects
• Spring, Summer, Fall 2008 - BMPs implemented with projects
• Spring 2009 -Review extent of implementation and other measurable goals, document in annual report
Specific Components and Notes:
• Cost/benefit will be considered in light of previous research by others
• Maintenance costs and other life cycle costs will be considered
*Responsible Party for this BMP:
Name: Rebecca Haug
Department: Environmental Division
Phone: 763-635-1068
E-mail: rhaug@ci.elk-river.mn.us
*Indicates a REQUIRED field. Failure to complete any regzrired field will result in rejection of the appdication due
to incompleteness.