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Implement Green Infrastructure ` <br /> The Elk River watershed spans 613 square miles and has <br /> suffered from high levels of pollutants in the past.Since '`> A0, <br /> 1994,roughly 275 water improvement projects have been <br /> conducted on the watershed.Better water quality has <br /> been recorded in both Lake Orono and Elk Lake over the <br /> last 10 years,however these water bodies still exceed <br /> the threshold for what the State considers a safe level of <br /> bacteria.Water is an integral part of the City's identity <br /> and keeping it clean,safe,and accessible should be a top ® \ <br /> priority.Impervious surfaces related to urban development <br /> within the watershed are a major cause of pollutants such <br /> as oil,metals,lawn chemicals,pet waste and other pollut- <br /> ants reaching surface waters especially in extreme rainfall <br /> and storm events. ` <br /> To reduce the runoff of pollutants into the Elk River water- <br /> shed the City should consider implementing development <br /> standards for all new subdivisions that incorporate green <br /> infrastructure design.Green infrastructure design strate- <br /> gies include,but are not limited to the following: <br /> • Utilize low impact design best practices to minimize <br /> runoff and manage stormwater onsite; <br /> • Pervious pavement on sidewalks,streets,and driveways; <br /> • Planted medians and parkways with curb cuts to collect <br /> water runoff; <br /> • Use non-chlorine(road salt)snow and ice control; _ y4 <br /> 111 III'; <br /> • Fertilizer application control; <br /> • Bioswales and raingardens to collect and naturally filter <br /> water before it enters the watershed. <br /> Example:green stormwater infrastructure <br /> 38 Housing Plan•Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br /> DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY <br />