12-08-1975 Meeting held in Orono offices re: MWCC

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! • �r � S[�tARIZATION OF MEETING HELD 8 DECEMBER �9 75 AT 1:00 P.M. IN Tf-lE ORONO AI�iINISTRATION � OFFICES REC,ARDING 'TE� REPORT ENTITLED "EIWIROI�NT ASSESSMFNf-ORONO-LONG I.AI� INTER- CEPTOR" • In attendance were Steve Albee and Klaus Forester, Metro Waste Cantrol Co�nnission; • Rod Leas of National Biocentric, Inc. ; Orono Mayor Robert Searles; Camcilman � Walter Massengale; Planning Conenission Member, Brad Van Nest; City Administrator, Walter R. Benson. � Brad Van Nest began by relating concern for the City's Surface Water Management � Plan in relation to wells, ponds, swamps and Lake Minnetonka. With the possibility of the interceptor and its potential for u�banisation of the area it would have a � impact an the Lake when phosphorus and other pollutants are increased by further densities. • � Mr. Albee agreed but stated the MWCC was limited in ftmding and cazmot thoroughly evaluate an environmental impact. � Ma.yor Searles defined Orono's perplexity in a situation where zoning authority has � to rest with the conammity and the corrmainity having adopted a complete Comprehensive Guide Plan and Land Use Regulations of a rural characteristic find themselvss can- i fronted with the construction of a se�wer facility made to MWCC specification with the only option to use it to its full capacity and not a limited:use. • ` Massengale related how an interceptor conflicts with Oro�no's Comprehensive Guide Plan because of the total urbanization effect in the area it serves which defeats � four years of professional input into Orono Land Use Plans. Albee stated "I agree but what can w�e do" � Forester noted that the Sewer Treatment Plants had to be cleaned up. • Mag$engale agreed that originally the treatment plants were the target but now not • only are the treatment plants of major concern but full urbanization is the goal which will not anly contribute to other forms of pollution but will carry off our good. sur- � face water. � Searles noted that there is always slippage in any major proposal which requires further study and research. One example is the Stubbs Bay area. Originally it was � praposed to spend $1,000,000 to install sewers, now we have a proposal of $97,000 to acccx�►plish that sm�ne task. • Ma�sengale felt that the urbanization effect of taking water out of the watershed and having more impurities of the surface water could upset the balance of the lake � - it could even cause a drop. � The MVYCC was asked tvhy Orono could not get the Metro Council to restrict the line witil the ingredients of the plan would be known. Forrester called attention to previous • situations faced by the Metro Co�mcil where pipes had been overbuilt too large and their subsequent desire to use the interceptors to the fullest possible extent. Albee noted that the MWCC wished tl�y had the powerMand authority to restrict the lines but S this was in the Metro Council's jurisdiction. Searles expressed his worries about the � premise of a 35 thausand population using Orono as a basis. Albee felt the basis of over-design was more favorable but was not sure of future trends. Van Nest called attentian to the Orono input at the Public Hearings against this and how Metro decided � to utilize the pipes to the utmost capacity. • �