5.7 PCSR 07-25-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A number of local efforts are underway ground-water quality in as little as five or Wwill strengthen the growth manage- six years. t framework in the area. Crow Wing County is drafting a comprehensive plan The rapid growth in the 1970s resulted in based on the concept of sustainable de- a number of problems for local govern- velopment. The plan recognizes that ments, including poorly installed and future economic growth depends on pro- sited on-site sewage systems, increased tecting and preserving the natural stormwater runoff and loss of agricul- resources that make the area attractive. tural land. The large lot sizes and Cass and Crow Wing counties have scattered development pattern increased worked together to formulate their local the costs of providing urban services, water plans.In addition,lake associations such as sewer and water, fire protection in the area have actively promoted wise and road maintenance. land use and protected water quality. Most jurisdictions have since adopted growth management controls, ranging Mississippi Corridor Site: from comprehensive plans to innovative Growing Pains The Mississippi Corridor Site contains Mississippi Corridor Site seven cities and five townships in Sher- burne and Wright counties,straddling the Clear Lake Mississippi River. Part of the area lies Becker ElCity S I iERBURNE rW over the Anoka Sand Plain Aquifer. It is Clear Lake P COUNTY one of the fastest growing areas in the T W o - e Ctv state, with a 157 percent increase in oration since 1970. Nearly half of the Big Lake rwp. sing relies on on-site sewage systems wR,Gla" ake and individual wells. N W City Development pressure in the corridor Otsego comes from several sources. Demand is Miles Monticello Twp. City high for rural residential developments Immo Alber4ille)City on large lots, especially in the wooded areas of central Sherburne County and near the lakes in both counties. Younger Source.U.S. Census home buyers and commuters increas- ingly seek moderately priced housing on the fringe of the urban areas and in rural Mississippi Corridor Site: Population Change 1970 - 1990 areas. Proximity to major commuter routes makes such developments attrac- tive,and residents can use the services of 111 SHERBURNE nearby cities without paying higher city COUNTY taxes. High population density, rapid popula- tion growth, extensive use of on-site WRIGHT sewage systems and private wells, wide- COUNTY spread irrigated agriculture and sensitive soils all increase the risk of ground- and surface-water contamination. There al ❑ 0% to 50% dy is evidence of wells with elevated ■ 50% to 100% ate levels, attributed to irrigated agri- ■ 100% to 242% culture. Research has indicated that suburban development may affect Source:U.S.Census ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD 9