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As you may be aware, MPCA reanalyzed Lake Orono in 1996. The last time <br />they did this was in 1991 and the Lake had a 66 rating, which falls under <br />"Swimming Impaired". The 1996 rating was 72, which translates into <br />"Swimming Prohibited". <br /> <br />It is staffs understanding that the negative 1996 rating was based on algae <br />not necessarily toxic contamination. This does not mean there is not a <br />potential health problem or toxic chemicals in the Lake. The rate of <br />deterioration of the lake is alarming. The Lake Orono Sedimentation Task <br />Force is meeting with representatives of MPCA on February 12, 1997 to get <br />more details. <br /> <br />It is also staffs understanding that the state does not necessarily step in and <br />close a lake down. It most likely will fall on the City as to what measures are <br />taken, such as health advisories or shutting down Orono Beach for <br />swimming. We should be able to add to MPCA's data from our study to <br />better advise the Council as to what to do, prior to the swimming season. <br /> <br />This worsening trend in water quality can be reversed, but it can never be <br />brought back to an acceptable level without working on the entire watershed. <br />Lake Orono is a small volume lake with a large watershed flowing through it. <br />Approximately 40% of Benton County's and 70% of Sherburne County's run- <br />off flows through Lake Orono via the Elk River. This water needs to be <br />cleaned-up before the waters of Lake Orono can really be considered fit. <br /> <br />The City of Elk River (government and citizens) need to get involved in the <br />efforts of the Elk River Watershed District. Staff will be updating the <br />Council on strategies for getting involved at Monday's meeting. <br /> <br />ENERGY CITY <br /> <br />The Energy City program is going well. The Action Committee for Energy <br />(ACE) will be asking for a joint meeting with the City Council, EDA, Elk <br />River Municipal Utilities Commission and the Energy Alley Steering <br />Committee probably sometime in March or April. Further, ACE should have <br />a 1998 budget proposal for the City Council's and Energy Alley Steering <br />Committee's review in June or July. <br /> <br />Some of the more notable demonstrations being considered include: <br /> <br />· The Elk River Landfill converting landfill gas into electricity to run a <br /> burner that would treat their leachate. <br /> <br />· Northern Alternative Energy's proposed wind generator. The proposed <br /> wind generator will be the largest single wind generator in North <br /> <br />s:Xb&zkstever\envupdat.doc <br /> <br /> <br />