6.6. SR 04-19-2010Item # 6.6.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator
DATE: April 19, 2010
SUBJECT: 2009 NPDES Permit Update/Annual Meeting -Public
Comment
The City of Elk River was required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to
apply for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Storm Water
(NPDES) Permit in 2003. This permit requires the City to hold annual public meetings
regarding the Best Management Practices and measurable goals achieved for the year. The
permit identifies six goals and they are Public Education and Outreach; Public
Participation/Involvement; Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination; Construction Site
Runoff Control; and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping.
In 2009, the City of Elk River was able to meet goals in each of the six measures. The
following are some examples:
• Articles in the "Current" regarding storm drain stenciling to educate the public of
where the water ends up that is put down the storm drain and two articles informing
residents about the Elk River Watershed and the new wetland rules
• Staff presented to Elk River students about the 3R's of water (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
where stormwater runoff was discussed
• Website link to storm water related information
• Continuance of licensing lawn care professionals
• Inspections of building sites to ensure proper erosion control measures are being
taken
• Inspections of storm drains (20% required each year)
• City staff elected to the Minnesota Stormwater Steering Committee Board through the
League of MN Cities
• Elk River Cable shows: Environment Elk River "Orono Water Quality", August 2009
and "Runoff', May 2009
• Streets Department inspected and repaired 334 basins
City staff plans to continue improving on the City's storm water program in 2010 by
implementing additional measures. One such measure is the Stormwater Training for City
staff scheduled for May 4 and May 6. Also, the partnership with the Sherburne Soil & Water
Conservation District (SWCD) to install stormwater measures at different locations
throughout the City.