6.1. ERMUSR 09-20-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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/i Elk River Municip al Utilitie s 13069 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 September 6, 2006 To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Jerry Takle Jim Tralle John Dietz From: Bryan Adams Subject: Conservation & Emergency Plan ~- phone: 763.441.2020 Fax: 763.941.8099 At our August 22, 2006 Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, the issue of ISD 728 utilizing existing or drilling new wells for lawn irrigation was discussed. The question is can a property owner construct and use a well when Municipal Water System is available to the property and where local ordinances prohibit such activity? The state plumbing code requires all buildings that have Municipal Water available to cormect for domestic use. The plumbing code does not address irrigation wells. Minnesota Statutes 103I.111 allow construction of wells and takes precedence over local ordinances prohibiting well construction. This statue is attached for your reference. In the case for irrigation use, the MDH issues the construction permit and the DNR issues the ground water withdraw appropriation if greater than 1,000,000/year. After numerous conversations with MDH &DNR personnel, it became obvious that not many of these people were aware of this statues and how it complicates the required Wellhead Protection Plan and Conversations & Emergency Management Plan. Discussion continues with the DNR as to the appropriate appropriation level of ground water withdrawal. On another related issue, the DNR is requiring us to amend our Water Emergency and Conservation Plan because we have requested an increase in withdraw appropriation from 875 million gallons/year (MGY) to 1400 (MGY). Elk River authored its first plan in 1996 and amended it in 2001. This plan verifies that the water suppliers are doing the necessary operation and maintenance, future planning both capacity and financial, implements emergency planning and response procedures and carry on conservation and education programs. Attached is our revised plan for your review and approval. Typically, the DNR will review and approve this plan while requesting more information or clarification.