Presenters included Tiffany Determan, SWCD Water Conservation District, Eleanor Burkett, University of Minnesota-Extension and Marc Schneider, Sherburne County Environmental Services.  Topics included reasons for concern over rural runoff in Sherburne County, an overview of water quality issues, local policies and practices, contributing issues to water quality in Sherburne County, potential actions to improve rural runoff controls and implementation of local resources to address the problem.

 

In her presentations, Determan discussed studies around Birch Lake dealing with the amount of impervious surface at residences around the lake, and the presence or lack thereof of vegetation and trees to form buffer zones to slow down and filter rainwater runoff.  She also touched on roads and right-of-ways in the Briggs Lake chain area, all of which are classed as “impaired” lakes. 

 

Water running through agricultural areas is another area of concern, she said, since the ditches most often do not contain buffers and allow runoff to flow directly into lakes and streams.  Determan also said that “high quality lakes” such as Ann Lake in Orrock Tsp. are sustaining runoff containing sediment and debris that threaten water quality.

 

Solutions may include diversion of runoff water by disconnecting impervious surfaces, implementation of trench drains and underground water storage chambers, which are costly but effective means of water treatment.  Determan also cited the benefits of similar projects for Birch Lake, plus rain gardens and trees, which will hold runoff water and filter it to reduce chemicals and reduce wind erosion by keeping water in the ground instead of allowing it to evaporate from lake surfaces.

 

Schneider discussed the 2010-2030 county land use plan and the related zoning ordinances now in effect regarding grading, filling and excavating on building sites and related stormwater management and control issues.  He also discussed the benefits of sub-surface sewage treatment systems, and the use of variances and storm water to “mitigate” the negative effects of stormwater runoff in residential areas. 

He also discussed the importance of “environmental education” in getting homeowners and builders to consider the effects of runoff on their projects.

 

The workshop was made possible with support from the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with Sherburne County through the University of Minnesota – Extension Watershed Education Program.

 

Attendees included the following:  Eleanor Burkett, U. of M. - Ext.; Barbara Burandt, Elk River City Council; Barbara Tucker, Water Planning Comm.; Bill Bronder, SWCD; Dave Berg; Dave Jehoich, Santiago Tsp.; Douglas Manthei, Livonia Tsp.; Francine Larson SWCD Mgr.; Gary Anderson, BLCA; Janice Anderson, Blue Hill Tsp.; Jeff Schlingmann, Haven Tsp.; John Barr, Water Planning Comm.; John Norgren, Big Lake Tsp.; John Riebel, Sherburne Commissioner; Jon Bogart, engineer; Larry Goenner, Supr., SWCD; Lucinda Messman, Becker Tsp.; Lynn Waytashek, Sherburne zoning; Marc Schneider, Sherburne zoning; Mark Thompson, Elk River; Melanie Waite-Altringer, Water Planning Comm.; Michael Lindeneau, Sherburne ditch inspector; C. Perry Schenk, Water Planning Comm.; Mike Goebel, Big Lake public works; Mike Juricich, Sherburne Co. permit agent; Nancy Riddle, Sherburne Co. zoning administrator; Rhonda Lewis, Sherburne Co.  engineer; Rick Dahlman, Water Planning Comm.; Shane Berg, Orrock Tsp.; Steve Demeules, Palmer Tsp.; Steve Karel, Refuge Mgr.; Steve Pfleghaar, Town of Big Lake; T. Vander Eyk, Water Planning Comm., and Tiffany Determan, SWCD.