4.5. D 10-07-1996MEMORANDUM
ITEH 4.5.D
ty of
TO:
iver
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING AND
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE:
OCTOBER 7, 1996
SUBJECT: CHANGES TO THE WETLAND
CONSERVATION ACT
As the Council is aware there have been legislative changes to the Wetland
Conservation Act (WCA) in 1996. One misconception is that wetland
replacement in Elk River has been reduced from a 2 to I ratio down to a I to
1. Two acres of replacement wetland is still required for each acre filled.
The significant changes to the WCA in 1996 include:
It is now possible to fill up to 5,000 square feet (verses 400 under the old
rules) of types 1,2,6 and 7 wetlands without replacement as long as the
wetland is not in a shoreland district. A simple grading permit is
required to exercise this exception to the WCA.
Road upgrades for safety purposes still require a replacement of two acres
of wetland for each acre filled. However, under the new rules the Board of
Soil and Water Resources now does the replacement. This new rule will
apply to the City's upgrade of 171st Avenue. Under the old rules the City
had to create wetland by the Street Department's maintenance building
for wetland filled when 221st Avenue was straightened.
Of course these changes are far more complicated than elaborated on in this
memo. Staff will be at Monday night's meeting to explain in detail, if it is the
Council's desire.
s:kb&z\stever\ccwca.doc
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425