|
Crow Wing County will require stormwater plans
Crow Wing County announced it will begin requiring plans for managing stormwater runoff as part of its approval process for granting permits in lakeshore areas.
County Land Services Director Mark Liedl announced the initiative as part of the county's new site-based permitting process established by the county board. Liedl also noted that the University of Minnesota Extension Service is partnering with Crow Wing County on this innovative program.
"Helping lakeshore owners control runoff into our lakes is an essential service we can provide to help protect our water quality," Liedl said in a news release. "Crow Wing County's lakes are the life-blood of our economy. We need to work with property owners on common sense approaches to protecting and enhancing these precious natural resources."
The new initiative is set to begin immediately. Crow Wing County land service specialists will work with landowners on site to create stormwater plans for their particular property as part of the county zoning permit process. Earlier this fall, the county changed its permitting process by instituting site visits by land service specialists before issuing permits for building construction, septic system installation and other land uses regulated by the county's zoning ordinance.
"This is a natural extension of the service we now are offering under our new site-based permitting procedures," said Christopher Pence, land services supervisor, in a news release. "Our field service representatives can help property owners and tradesmen do the right thing, which will enhance property values and better protect our lakes. Everyone benefits when we work together to keep our water clean."
Under Minnesota DNR Shoreland Rules, local governments are charged with examining proper stormwater management practices when issuing zoning permits in shoreland areas, which are defined as lands within 1,000 feet of a lake. Among other things, the state shoreland rules require permitting officials to examine the use of "natural drainage ways, wetlands and vegetated soil surfaces" to "convey, store, filter and retain stormwater runoff before discharge to public waters."
Pence said Crow Wing County's new initiative is designed to better perform those responsibilities here.
"This initiative is not about adding another layer of government regulation," Pence said. "It is about working cooperatively with property owners, builders and landscaping professionals to better achieve the results we all want."
Partnering with the county on the new initiative is the University of Minnesota Extension Service, which will offer training, education and assistance to promote best practices to effectively manage stormwater runoff. Barb Liukkonen, Extension Service water resources education coordinator, said with the university's science resources, including the state-of-the art research being conducted at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory in Minneapolis, the Extension Service may add significant value to Crow Wing County personnel working with landowners in the field.
Area Extension personnel will help provide training to county land service specialists and work directly with landowners on implementing stormwater plans and assist county staff with performing follow-up visits to permit sites to ensure plans are being implemented effectively, the county reported. The county and Extension also plan to team up to offer a series of education and training sessions for the public on common sense approaches to managing stormwater, hopefully in conjunction with area lake associations and other conservation-minded civic groups, the county reported.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
|
|
Top Commented Articles
