Environmental

Surface Water Management Plan

On February 26, 2019, the City Council approved the latest iteration of the City's Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) (PDF). This third generation Plan builds on the City’s previous SWMPs and addresses several key issues related to stormwater management that the City is likely to encounter in the coming years. The purpose of this plan is to provide a guide and framework for the City to manage its wealth of water resources as development and redevelopment occur into the future. With this guidance specific to surface water as well as the broader guidance provided in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, this Surface Water Management Plan will serve to:

  • Provide for the use, management, improvement, and protection of the City’s surface water resources based on the best available information
  • Contribute to residents’ quality of life by preserving and improving the high environmental quality of the community
  • Protect public investments and private property related to or affected by surface water
  • Recognize the larger context of surface water management issues
  • Balance environmental protection with community and economic needs and capabilities
  • Meet regulatory requirements

SWPPP - Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

"Rain and snow melt run over the abundant impervious surfaces in urbanized areas — roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, roof tops, etc. — and pick up pesticides, fertilizers, oils, metals, road salt, sediment, trash, and other pollutants and carry them into storm drains. Storm drains discharge directly into lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands, so stormwater runoff is a leading source of water pollution.  In addition, stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces travels faster and in larger quantities, which results in damage to rivers, streams, and wetlands; destruction of aquatic habitats; and elevated pollutant levels reaching surface waters. Impervious surfaces also prevent stormwater from soaking into the ground and recharging groundwater. Local public entities that own or operate municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) play a key role in preventing stormwater runoff from harming Minnesota’s valuable water resources."  More information can be found on the MPCA's website.

The City is an MS4 and has therefore developed a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to maintain and improve the quality of it's creeks, lakes, ponds, and streams.  Here is the  City's latest MS4 Annual Report.  The City has also submitted its application for coverage under the MPCA's revised 2020 MS4 General Permit.