4.4 EAW Attachment - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 21 The DWSMA is primarily classified as having a ‘low vulnerability’ and “at present, none of the human-caused contaminants for which the Safe Drinking Water Act has established health-based standards is found above maximum allowable levels in the City's water supply, nor are any present at one-half of those levels. Drinking water delivered to consumers meets all state and federal drinking water standards” (26). The Wellhead Protection Plan states, "increased precipitation may result in increased stormwater runoff, which may impact the aquifer in the moderately vulnerable portion of the DWSMA. Periodic drought conditions could reduce the capability of the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer to meet demand. Periodic drought conditions combined with increased demand of groundwater usage in the region may lead to changes in management of the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer” (26). The ERMU water system does not have any agreements to share drinking water supplies with other public water systems. Section 78-51 of Chapter 78 of the City code outlines water use restrictions and the public utility commission’s authority to invoke restrictions to ensure adequate water supplies to meet the health, safety, and welfare needs of the City and its residents. The development may require a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources water appropriation permit for temporary dewatering if withdrawal exceeds 10,000 gallons/day or one million gallons/year. The extent/duration of dewatering needs is not known at this time. The Phase I Environmental Review states, according to the “site owner, the property is currently connected to a water supply well” (Appendix H). The well will be sealed and abandoned in compliance with the Minnesota Department of Health regulations prior to development. vi) Surface Waters (1) Wetlands – Describe any anticipated physical effects or alterations to wetland features such as draining, filling, permanent inundation, dredging and vegetative removal. Discuss direct and indirect environmental effects from physical modification of wetlands, including the anticipated effects that any proposed wetland alterations may have to the host watershed, taking into consideration how current Minnesota climate trends and anticipated climate change in the general location of the project may influence the effects. Identify measures to avoid (e.g., available alternatives that were considered), minimize, or mitigate environmental effects to wetlands. Discuss whether any required compensatory wetland mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts will occur in the same minor or major watershed and identify those probable locations. In 2024, the wetlands were delineated onsite and approved by the City of Elk River (Local Government Unit) on February 4th, 2025 (Appendix E). The proper government agencies will determine the jurisdictional status of the wetlands during the permitting process following the environmental review process. Table 20 outlines the two wetlands delineated onsite. A semi- permanently flowing oxbow channel was also identified during the delineation.