Groundwater Management and Planning in Washington County, MN

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1 Groundwater Management and Planning in Washington County, MN Amanda Goebel Environmental Coordinator Washington County Department of Public Health & Environment

2 Washington County Washington County has made a strong commitment to understanding and protecting its groundwater and surface water resources. The greater County-wide community must manage, protect, and conserve these resources.

3 7-County Metro Area WASHINGTON COUNTY MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL

4 Source: U.S. Census Bureau (PROJECTED)

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7 Water Governance In the late 1990 s the County undertook a Water Governance Study. This study was performed to identify and evaluate the best governance structure for water management from a countywide perspective.

8 Water Governance To create a water management structure that will provide long-term protection for surface and groundwater resources. To create local water management units with the fiscal capacity and authority to govern efficiently and effectively. To identify financing mechanisms that are fair and adequate to meet the needs of the county.

9 Water Governance To coordinate surface water, groundwater, land-use and natural resources management to provide for a more comprehensive approach to resource management. To adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach to countywide water governance. To increase the accountability of the water management structure.

10 Groundwater Plan Groundwater provides 100% of the drinking water, and virtually all of the water for commercial, industrial, and irrigation needs of Washington County.

11 Groundwater Plan Groundwater is also vital for maintaining the quality and quantity of water in many lakes, wetlands, and streams. Much of Washington County groundwater originates almost entirely within its own borders.

12 Groundwater Plan In 1987 Metropolitan Counties were given the authority to prepare and adopt groundwater plans through Minnesota Statutes 103B. The ten year groundwater plan was adopted in 2003.

13 Groundwater Plan The Groundwater Plan provides a County-wide framework for the protection and conservation of groundwater resources. The Plan compliments existing water plans and establishes a structure for the writing of the next generation of water management plans by establishing goals and policies to protect groundwater.

14 Groundwater Plan Non-Agricultural Land Use Agriculture, Turf, and Animal Waste Management Individual Sewage Treatment Systems Wellhead Protection and Well Management Groundwater Supply Groundwater and Surface Water Interaction Hazardous Materials Management and Transportation

15 Groundwater Plan Integrating Groundwater and Surface Water Management for North and South Washington County Intercommunity Groundwater Protection, Sustaining Growth and Natural Resources, in the Woodbury/Afton Area

16 Groundwater Plan Geologic Investigation of Southern Washington County Cottage Grove Area Nitrate Study Abandoned Well Sealing Grant Program Watershed District/Water Management Organization/Local Government Unit Projects

17 Water Consortium 7 th Active Year Address surface water and groundwater issues crossing local governmental boundaries

18 Water Consortium Members include: WDs/WMOs; LGUs; State, Regional, and Local Natural Resource Agencies; and County Departments

19 Water Consortium Monthly Consortium Meetings focus on: Collaboration Opportunities Information Sharing Policy Issues Worldwide Water Issues Educational Tours

20 Water Consortium Accomplishments: Funding and hiring of joint water resources educator Joint Washington County fair booth Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost Share Program Coordination Education and interaction with local government units Groundwater/surface water interaction studies Development of groundwater protection rules

21 Groundwater Rules Objective to provide model language for groundwater protection that water management organizations and ultimately local units of government can adopt and incorporate in their rules/ordinances.

22 Groundwater Rules Model language developed to address the following issues: Groundwater Appropriations Volume Control Groundwater Quality Groundwater Dependent Natural Resources

23 Groundwater Dependent Natural Resources Rule Groundwater dependent natural resources are rare, natural communities where soils are periodically saturated from the upwelling of groundwater, creating spring rivulets and wet areas.

24 Groundwater Dependent Natural Resources Rule Because of their moderate temperatures, stable hydrology and unique water chemistry, groundwater dependent natural resources often contain plant assemblages that are rare or endangered in the State of Minnesota.

25 Groundwater Dependent Natural Resources Rule Goal - Provide a high level of protection for groundwater systems by maintaining natural patterns of recharge and not disrupting groundwater levels that are critical for ecosystems.

26 Groundwater Contamination There are 14 Special Well Construction Areas (SWCA) in the State of Minnesota. Washington County has 4 SWCAs Lake Elmo/Oakdale SWCA Baytown/West Lakeland SWCA St. Paul Park SWCA Lakeland SWCA

27 Groundwater Contamination The Special Well Construction Area can restrict which aquifers wells may use. MN Department of Health reviews and approves each well before construction. Water samples are required before well is completed and put into service.

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30 Conclusions Proactive approach to water management Integrate groundwater and surface water management Collaborate with local and state water resource organizations

31 Contact information (search groundwater) Amanda Goebel (651)

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