The resident at 8070 155th Lane NW contacted City staff last fall to express concern related to a stormwater pond located in their backyard.  They stated that the surface water level of that pond has been dropping over the years and has never rebounded to an acceptable level with a permanent pool.  Staff reviewed historic aerial photographs in an effort to determine when the decline began and what might have caused it.  It is possible that there may be a connection between the surface water in the area to the aquifers that supply the City’s municipal water system.

 

Staff brought this item to the Public Works Committee on January 18, 2011 for discussion, and requested feedback on whether we should initiate a project to remove excessive vegetation and root mass from this pond in an effort to restore some of the original hydrology, and a permanent pool of water.  This water body is shown in the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) as a protected surface water, which may require potential mitigation with any planned modifications.  Historically such vegetative removal has been allowed as long as drainage patterns are not impacted and the defined quantity of material proposed to be removed does not exceed certain thresholds, which are determined based upon wetland type and quality.

 

Direction at that time was to instruct the resident about the City's petitioning process for implementation of a public project.  The appropriate information was conveyed to them property owner, but they have responded that this approach in unacceptable and the City should be doing something to assist with corrective actions.  There will be residents in attendance to discuss this matter first hand with the Committee.

 

To date, staff time has been used to investigate this concern.  A funding source may need to be identified depending on discussion and ultimate Council direction.