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has the potential to affect us. The DNR requires us to implement water conservation programs. We <br />have a social obligation to use our natural resources wisely. As we are experiencing global warming, the <br />change in weather patterns will increase demand for water. Being Energy City also obligates us to <br />promote conservation and make wise use of a limited resource. <br />We are proposing a black dirt ordinance with the urging of the DNR as a strategy to reduce irrigation <br />needs. Tilling black dirt into the native soil will help retain moisture longer in the grass root area thus <br />reducing irrigation needs from 10% to 25%. This also has the benefit of reducing soil compaction thus <br />muzimizing run off. This strategy is particularly effective in sandy soil which is prevalent in the Elk River <br />area. <br />The following communities have unplemented a black dirt ordinance. <br />Otsego -developers must use 6" of black dirt where the ground is sandy. <br />Rogers - 4" black dirt. Much of Rogers is heavy clay. They will be annexing additional areas with sandy <br />soil. <br />St. Michael/Albertville - 2" black dirt ordinance is under consideration. DNR is encouraging them to <br />adopt an ordinance. <br />Big Lake -requires 4" of black dirt for seeded lawns and 2" of black dirt under sodded areas. <br />Becker - re9uires 3" of black dirt by homeowner, not developer. <br />Ramsey - no requirements. <br />Monticello -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Andover -requires 4" of black dirt. Winter construction developer puts money in escrow. <br />7unmerinan -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />St. Francis - 2" of black dirt. <br />Brooklyn Park -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Blaine -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Maple Grove -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Stillwater -requires 4" of black dirt in boulevards only. <br />Northfield -requires 4" of black dirt. <br />Buffalo - 4" top soil. <br />Princeton - 4" top soil. <br />Coon Rapids - 2" top soil. <br />The above cities we surveyed, generally the city building inspection department does the inspection and <br />enforcement. Escrow payment is made to insure compliance. It is also interesting to note that many of <br />the above referenced cities include a landscaping ordinance specifying number and size of trees and <br />shrubs for residential lots. <br />Financial Impact <br />Tlus will cost the new home owner approximately X3,000 for an average city lot and may be difficult to <br />enforce. Some communities have experienced lawns not being installed due to the added cost. <br />Attachments <br />Chart #1 -Post and future growth trends. <br />Chart #2 - 2006 & 2007 peak day and monthly water pumpage. <br />September 16, 2007 Star Tribune Articles. <br />\\Win20U3_scve~\h\GM Documents\Black Dirt Action Reyuested.doc <br />