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<br />City of Ell< River <br /> <br />2004 Annual Report <br /> <br />application with the city for this expansion as soon as the EIS process is completed, which will <br />be late 2005 or early 2006. <br /> <br />Wetland Conservation Act (YVCA)- The city processed 15 wetland permits as well as <br />numerous wetland inquiries. The city no longer receives state funding for this program, which is <br />administered through Sherburne County. <br /> <br />Great River Energy-Great River Energy (GRE) had an equipment malfunction in 2004 that <br />mayor may not be ruled as an exceedance by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency <br />(MPCA). If it is not ruled as an exceedance, GRE has not had one since 200 I. GRE renewed <br />their permits with the city in 2004. <br /> <br />NRG Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Plant-There were II incidents at the plant in 2004 <br />where the Fenwal system discharged to counter act explosions. This is a typical amount for a <br />year. Even though the refuse is thoroughly sorted prior to processing, it is still nearly impossible <br />to remove all materials, such as aerosol cans, that can cause explosions. NRG renewed their <br />permits with the city in 2004. <br /> <br />Old City Dump-Another round of testing for contamination was conducted at the Old City <br />Dump site in Hillside Park. The test results fell below the Health Risk Limits (HRls) set by the <br />state, but was much closer to these limits than in past years due to the state lowering them. <br />Staff recommends testing continues until the city is confident the new HRLs will not be <br />exceeded. <br /> <br />Lake Orono-Many of the same issues staff worked on with the lake Orono Water Quality <br />Task Force in the past will need to be carried over to 2005. The draw down of the lake to <br />eradicate Curly leaf Pondweed in 2003 was partially successful but will need to be done again <br />in late 2005. The lake was only drawn down 4 feet the first time and did not get the entire <br />Curly leaf Pondweed, which went to a depth of about 5 feet. Reducing the number of geese in <br />the lake area was not necessary in 2004, but will be in the near future, probably 2005. Lastly, <br />efforts will be aimed at improving the quality of the water entering the lake from upstream (Le. <br />reducing fecal coliform counts). The Park and Recreation Director is also working with the <br />lake Association on a number of recreational issues. <br /> <br />Oak Wilt Program-The city received an additional $15,000 Minnesota Releaf grant to <br />continue its oak wilt suppression program. This program is being conducted in cooperation <br />with Sherburne County, Big Lake, Livonia, and Baldwin Townships. <br /> <br />National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits-The city <br />submitted its NPDES permit to the MPCA in 2003, but 2004 was the first full year of actually <br />administering this permit, which has proven to be an immense task. A grant from MPCA to aid <br />in this effort was applied for but the city was rejected. Getting compliance on the requirements <br />of this permit from non-city entities has proven difficult. The city's Engineering Department <br />developed a standard Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for developers. In addition, the <br />city has been failing or stopping building inspections and plats until erosion control <br />requirements have been met. The city is current with the requirements of their permit but will <br />be asking for an extension on a new mandate to provide data on new or expanded storm water <br />