8.2. SR 07-02-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Stanfiec CITY OF ELK RIVER -STORM WATER UTILITY Introduction June 25, 2012 oxygen-demanding substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and floatable solid wastes. The increase in these pollutants to the rivers and lakes has caused an increase in the number of impaired waters in the state. Impaired waters as defined by the MPCA are waters that do not meet the water quality standards for one or more water quality parameters; thus, they are defined as "impaired". The Mississippi River, Elk River and Upper and Lower Lake Orono are listed by the MPCA as impaired waters within the City of Elk River. Due to the impaired status of these waters the MPCA will be requiring a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) protocols be established. A TMDL is a process and formula that determines the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that can be discharged to a waterbody and still meet water quality standards. Since the City of Elk River resides within drainage areas of impaired water, the City will be required to meet water quality standards set by the TMDL. 2.3 STORM WATER CONVEYANCE SYSTEM The MPCA requires the City of Elk River to obtain a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit. The MS4 general permit gives the City permission to discharge storm water to lakes, rivers and wetlands. The MPCA defines the municipal separate storm sewer system as a conveyance or system of conveyances including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels or storm drains that are owned by the City that discharges stormwater into waters of the state. The City is required through the MS4 permit to properly manage the stormwater discharges and reduce the pollutants that enter the public conveyance system. The principal conveyance systems in Elk River are the streets, catch basins, curb, gutters and the storm pipe. The City is required to maintain these items but also to enforce that the waters that enter the public conveyance system are meeting the MPCA's water quality requirements. 2.4 EXISTING STORM WATER UTILITY The City of Elk River has developed and managed a storm water program to comply with the MS4 regulations since 2003. The City has designated $50,000 each year from the general property tax revenues to finance the storm water program. Funding also comes through impact fees charged to developers. This funding has allowed the City to comply with the minimum storm water requirements set forth by current State and Federal regulations. Each city within the MS4 program is required to file an annual report to the MPCA that summarizes actions the City has taken to comply with the MS4 permit and achieve measurable goals for each minimum control measure. These measures include Public Education, Public Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Runoff Control, Post- construction Runoff Control, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping. Project No. 193802143 2.3