HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 7453 Long Lake Creek Q
CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
c'› NO. 7453
cESH04F
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE LONG LAKE CREEK SUBWATERSHED
PARTNERSHIP AND THE COUNTY ROAD 6 POND RETROFIT PROJECT
WHEREAS, in 2014, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) completed a Total
Maximum Daily Load(TMDL) Study, which established nutrient budgets for impaired water
bodies in the Long Lake Creek Subwatershed, which includes five impaired lakes within the
cities of Orono, Long Lake, and Medina; and
WHEREAS, TMDL allocations have been established and the city of Orono, like other parties,
is required to show progress towards meeting the established TMDL allocation; and
WHEREAS, in April 2016, the city of Orono passed a resolution to partner with other
intergovernmental agencies to pursue grants to improve water quality in the Long Lake Creek
Subwatershed, recognizing that pursuing grants and work in partnership would result in more
organized and effective efforts; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, with support from this partnership, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District(MCWD) obtained state grant funding and led a subwatershed assessment to provide a
scientific understanding of the system as a whole, identify cost-effective projects and strategies,
and develop an actionable roadmap for implementation; and
WHEREAS, in fall 2020, the MCWD presented the preliminary findings and recommendations
from this assessment to the city councils of the three cities; and
WHEREAS,this work has now completed and resulted in what is formally referred to as the
Long Lake Creek Roadmap (Roadmap); and
WHEREAS,the Roadmap identified 34 projects for advancement based on their cost-
effectiveness and feasibility to implement. These projects were further categorized based on an
implementation strategy, which includes (1)regional stormwater treatment, (2) landscape
projects, and(3) internal load management; and
WHEREAS,the enhancement and addition of regional treatment is recommended as the first
priority due to the ability to cost-effectively treat a large drainage area while localized projects
are implemented over time; and
WHEREAS, the roadmap identified the County Road 6 Pond, located in the city of Orono on an
easement already held by MCWD, as a regional stormwater opportunity that looks to retrofit the
existing pond with a filter bench to enhance its performance (Project). The Project has since been
O.A1
CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
sl CI No. 7453
.kESHo4f‘.
included in the MCWD's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and budget to reduce nutrient loading
to Long Lake; and
WHEREAS,the MCWD commissioned a feasibility study, completed in September 2023, that
has identified the addition of a gravity sand filter bench that is estimated to remove 67 pounds of
phosphorus annually, in a cost-effective manner; and
WHEREAS, at the March 11, 2024 Council Meeting, the MCWD presented an overview of the
partnership history, Roadmap, and proposed Project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby accepts the Long Lake
Creek Roadmap and supports the ongoing partnership with the MCWD and cities of Medina and
Long Lake to advance efforts to improve water quality in the Long Lake Subwatershed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council supports MCWD's plans to implement
the County Road 6 Pond Retrofit project.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Orono, Minnesota at a regular meeting held on March
11, 2024.
ATTEST:
61: 1;1/ -
Chris caprAr Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor