Consider Natural Resources Aspects Related to the Proposed Water Treatment Facility (Project No. 22-104); Case of City of Ramsey

The City is proposing the construction of a Water Treatment Facility that would be located directly north of the new Public Works campus at 14199 Jaspar St NW (the "Subject Property").  The Water Treatment Facility is designed to remove iron and manganese from the municipal drinking water system and will have the capacity to treat up to 10 million gallons per day.  The Water Treatment Facility will not only remove iron and manganese from the drinking water, but it is estimated that approximately 6 million gallons of water per year could be conserved as water main flushing will no longer need to be conducted in the spring and fall.

Project Summary
The parcel for the Water Treatment Facility would be approximately 4.21 acres in size.  The proposed facility would be approximately 19,000 square feet in area, resulting in 10.4% building coverage.  The Subject Property is zoned E-2 Employment District and Governmental and Public Utility Buildings and Structures are a permitted use.

Natural Resources Inventory and Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
The City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) does not identify any natural plant communities on the Subject Property.  Foster Cemetery, which abuts the Subject Property to the south and east, is identified as an Oak Forest of moderate quality in the NRI.  No trees within the cemetery will be impacted; however, two (2) trees on the outer edge of this woodland will be removed.

The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) identifies the Subject Property as 'Urban with Little Vegetative Cover'.

Wetlands and Floodplain
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) does not identify any wetlands on the Subject Property.  The entirety of the Subject Property is considered to be in Flood Zone X, which indicates it is outside of any designated flood zone.

Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan
The bulk of the Subject Property is devoid of tree cover, with the exception of around the edge of Foster Cemetery and in the northwest corner, where there are planted trees (this area is presently outside the limits of proposed disturbance).  After visiting the site, the only trees on site impacted by the proposed improvements are Siberian elm and black locust, both of which are considered invasive species.  Per the Existing Conditions and Removals Plan Sheet, only two (2) trees (both are Siberian elms) are slated for removal.  The remainder of the trees are proposed to be preserved or are on the proposed second lot (at the intersection of 143rd Avenue and Jaspar Street).  

Staff is seeking input specifically on the trees slated to be preserved, which are all considered to be invasive species.  Considering the moderate quality oak woodland in the cemetery and the proposed native prairie area around the reservoir, Staff would recommend removal of these trees.  This would reduce the seed pool and thus, reduce the potential introduction into both an existing and proposed native plant community.

Landscape Plan
The proposed Landscape Plan includes a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.  As proposed, the plan meets/exceeds the required canopy cover requirements.  The combination of species is acceptable as well.  The site will be established with a low maintenance turf along the north and east sides; a stormwater seed mix along the western boundary (this is another native seed mix); and a mesic prairie seed mix around the water reservoir and along the southern boundary (abutting the Public Works Facility property).  Staff supports the proposed groundcover, but is requesting a detailed, 3-5 year maintenance plan to help ensure proper establishment of the native plants.

 

Review of this project is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Motion to recommend approval of the natural resources elements of the plan set, contingent upon compliance with Staff's review comments.