HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe: sewage treatment lagoon ,Jg NtF - fYz"
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Minnesota Pollution Control A ency
520 Lafayette Road, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155-3898
4:;;4ii, Telephone (612) 296-6300
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May 16, 1991
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Mr. Michael P. Gaffron
Assistant Planning and
Zoning Administrator
City of Orono
P.O. Box 66
Crystal Bay, Minnesota 55323
Dear Mr. Gaffron:
Re: Sewage Treatment Lagoon Abandonment and Sludge Disposal
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has reviewed your letter of
May 6, 1991. The comments in your letter properly represent our phone
discussion regarding the issue of abandoning your sewage treatment lagoon and
disposing of the remaining sludge in the bottom of the pond.
Item #3 best represents the MPCA's opinion on how the abandonment should be
handled. Any other alternative would seem to be only putting off the
inevitable and would allow a potential source of pollution to remain.
I contacted Mr. Gene Strommen of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District,
900 East Wayzata Boulevard, Room 160, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391,
(612) 473-7033. He indicated that his organization is very interested in how
this pond is abandoned and would appreciate being contacted and kept informed
regarding this issue.
In addition, I contacted Mr. Jack Frost at the Metropolitan Council and
Mr. Fred Bannister at the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission (MWCC) . Both
felt that any sludge remaining in the cell should be properly disposed of
before reusing the site. Mr. Bannister also indicated that it is very unlikely
that the MWCC removed any sludge from the pond when it was taken out of service
approximately 10 years ago.
The Department of Natural Resources should also be contacted regarding the
proposal to abandon the pond. They may have information regarding current or
pending legislation rules regarding impacts on wetlands.
Regional Offices: Duluth • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes• Marshall • Rochester
Mr. Michael P. Gaffron
Page 2
I would appreciate being kept informed on the decisions you make. Feel free to
call me if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
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Don Smith, P.E.
Municipal Section
Water Quality Division
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= =� CITY of ORONO
Post Office Box 66•Crystal Bay,Minnesota 55323•Municipal Offices
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On the North Shore of Lake Minnetonka
May 6 , 1991
Don Smith
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
Re: Sewage Treatment Lagoon Abandonment
Dear Mr. Smith:
This letter is a follow-up to our phone conversation of
Monday, May 6th. We discussed what concerns the M.P.C.A. might
have and what regulations apply to permanent abandonment of the
Orono sewage treatment pond on Old Crystal Bay Road, which has
not been in use for approximately 10 years. Our discussion
centered around what concerns would be generated if the pond were
allowed to revert to a wetland, if the dikes were removed, or if
the outflow weir structure taken out.
My understanding of the M.P.C.A.'s concerns and regulations
is as follows:
1. The M.P.C.A. does not strictly regulate, and in fact,
has no specific guidelines, regarding the abandonment of
sewer ponds, once the sewage treatment use ceases.
•
2. The M.P.C.A. would only be concerned if a future problem
crops up, i.e. "hot spots", or zones of contamination that
affect some future use of the property. You noted that to
resolve future problems after a future use is in place may
be more expensive and less practical than mitigation prior
to future uses.
3. You suggested that the responsible procedure for the
City to following, would be first testing the depth and
composition of the remaining sewage sludge, and then removal
and spreading on an approved land spreading site. This
would likely greatly reduce the possibility for future
contamination of Lake Minnetonka by nutrients, etc. leaching
to the adjacent wetland which discharges to Lake Minnetonka.
•
BUILDING&ZONING-473-7357 • ADMINISTRATION&FINANCE-473-7358 • PUBLIC WORKS-473-7359
ASSESSING FAX-473-0510
' M
Don Smith, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Re: Sewage Treatment Lagoon Abandonment
May 6 , 1991
Page 2 of 2
The City of Orono is attempting to determine the ultimate
disposition of this sewer pond, and the possibilities include
reversion back to the pre-existing wetland/upland configuration,
for residential use, or possibly allowing the outlet control
structure to remain in place and allow the pond to naturally fill
with water as a wildlife amenity. Removal of the dikes has been
considered.
I would appreciate if you could confirm in writing that my
understanding of the M.P.C.A.'s position is correct, and if it
isn't, please further advise in writing. Your comments will
assist us in determining the most appropriate future uses of this
property. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
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Michael P. G ron,
Asst Planning & Zoning Administrator
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Enclosure - Air Photo
cc: John Gerhardson, Public Works Director
Mark Bernhardson, City Administrator
Jeanne Mabusth, Building & Zoning Administrator