Discuss LRRWMO 4th Generation Watershed Management Plan

The Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization  (LRRWMO) is currently in the process of finishing their 4th Generation Watershed Management Plan in accordance with state rules for surface water management.  Cities within the management area and other agencies are given a 60-day review period to provide comments on the proposed plan.

The LRRWMO was formed by a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) entered into in the Summer of 1985 for the purpose of preparing a water management plan to meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes Sections 473.875 to 473.883.The current 3rd Generation plan was updated in 2011 and adopted in 2012

Every 10 years, watershed districts, watershed organizations and Cities are required to update their Watershed Management Plans.  The purposes of the watershed management programs required by state statute (Sections 103B.205 to 103.255) are as follows:

• Protect, preserve, and use natural surface water and groundwater storage and retention systems.
• Minimize public capital expenditures needed to correct flooding and water quality problems.
• Identify and plan for means to means to effectively protect and improve surface water and groundwater quality.
• Establish more uniform local policies and official controls for surface water and groundwater management.
• Prevent erosion of soil into surface water systems.
• Promote groundwater recharge.
• Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational facilities. 
• Secure the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface water and groundwater.

As required by state statute the LRRWMO is currently in the process of finishing up on the draft plan. Once the plan has been approved by the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the member Cities (Anoka, Andover and Ramsey) will be required to update their local water resource management plans within 2 years of the completion of the LRRWMO approved plan. The LRRWMO 4th Generation Plan is due to be completed by December 2021. As of right now it appears that the LRRWMO will meet that deadline date.

The proposed WMO plan consists of the following contents:

Executive Summary  This describes the administration and cooperative roles, programs, and projects by the LRRWMO for the various sections of the plan.
Section 1 (Introduction): This section summarizes the ;location and history for the LRRWMO as wel as its purposes, authorities and management structure.
Section 2 (Land and Water Resource Inventory): This section contains information such as climate, precipitation, topography, drainage, land use, geology, groundwater, surface waters, natural areas, habitat, rare species, recreation, and pollutant sources.
Section 3 (Issues Assessment): This section summarizes the priority issues identified by the LRRWMO during the development of the plan.
Section 4 (Goals and Policies): This section has established goals to address the water and natural resource management issues described in Section 3.
Section 5 (Implementation):This section summarizes the activities the WMO plans to perform over the next 10 years. The implementation program includes administrative activities, programs, studies and projects necessary to pursue WMO goals. Methods for prioritizing and funding programs and  projects necessary are also discussed in this section.
Section 6 (References): This is currently being drafted by the engineering consultant.
Appendix A (Joint Powers Agreement): Establishes the LRRWMO to plan, control, and provide for the development of the WMO.
Appendix B (Grading, Stormwater Management and Erosion/Sediment Control Permit Application)
Appendix C (Application for MN Wetland Conservation Act Decisions and Procedure Requirements
The LRRWMO ensures that member cities are complying with the LRRWMO plan by requiring a permit for any project disturbing more than 1 acre. The WMO Engineer reviews the grading, drainage and erosion control plans to ensure they meet the stormwater design requirements (which include infiltration) are being mean and erosion control measures are in place to minimize erosion to water resources such as wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes. The City of Ramsey Engineering department reviews plans before they are forwarded to the WMO engineer.

The LRRWMO is the designated Local Government Unit (LGU) for all 3 cities (Anoka, Andover and Ramsey) when administering  the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). All proposed impacts to wetlands on projects must be reviewed and approved by the WMO.

This item is for information and discussion purposes only. After input is provided by the City Council, staff will prepare the formal response to the draft LRRWMO 4th Generation Watershed Management Plan.

Approximately 20 minutes has been reserved for this case. Approximately 5 minutes is planned for presenting information with another 15 minutes for questions and answers after Staff's presentation.

The Watershed Management Plan must be updated every 10 years.  The LRRWMO is funded by annual assessments to the member cities.  Several years ago the Board voted to increase the annual assessments over normal assessments and set the additional amount aside to fund the 4th generation plan.   This reserve fund has been used to pay for the work on the 4th generation plan.

The Civil Engineer IV will present the case and will field questions during and after the presentation.

Staff recommends forwarding comments on the plan to Staff who will then compile and forward the comments to the LRRWMO Engineer for updating the plan.