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DNR Update for the N&E Metro GWMA Project

GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY

Minnesota’s use of groundwater has increased over the last two decades and is expected to provide a significant percentage of our increasing future water needs. An increasing reliance on groundwater may not be a sustainable path in all parts of the state for continued economic growth and development.

The DNR is establishing the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) to help improve groundwater appropriation decisions and help groundwater users better understand and plan for future development opportunities. More information about the GWMA is posted on the project webpage.

DNR HOLDS PROJECT ADVISORY TEAM MEETING

The February 14, 2014 meeting of the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area Project Advisory Team kicked off by welcoming new member Brad Barott, a well driller with Barott Drilling, and the new meeting facilitator, Kris Van Amber, with the Office of Management, Analysis, and Development. After reviewing the purpose and principles underlying the project, project manager Paul Putzier provided some follow-up to issues raised at the January advisory team meeting. Putzier told the group that the DNR is moving forward to include that portion of the City of Minneapolis east of the Mississippi River within the management area working boundaries. This is based on the fact that this area is connected hydrogeologically to the rest of the GWMA.   No other changes are planned at this time, but continuing consideration will be given to the working boundary as the process advances.

Development of the groundwater management area is guided by the seven management strategies identified in the statewide Draft Groundwater Strategic Plan. At the February 14, 2014 meeting, the team discussed how to address strategies aimed at heightening the priority given to groundwater management by the DNR, and improving communications and education around all groundwater issues, including the development of the N&E Metro GWMA.

Considerable work already has been done to raise the priority of groundwater management within the DNR. Since October of 2013, DNR has added 7 new staff to focus on groundwater, appropriations, and compliance, as well as assigning project managers and support staff for each of the 3 groundwater management areas being piloted. The agency also has begun working to enhance the collection and analysis of groundwater related data, and it has elevated the discussion of groundwater issues throughout the DNR and with other agencies.

Most of the rest of the meeting was devoted to discussion of communications and education activities related to sustainability of groundwater. Advisory team members encouraged the DNR to develop key messages and to work with partners such as cities, professional and business associations, businesses and other interests to reach the public with information about groundwater management and conservation, and the relationship between groundwater and surface waters.

The next North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Project Advisory Team meeting will be held at the DNR headquarters on March 14, 2014. More information can be found on the project webpage.

UPCOMING PROJECT MEETINGS

March 14, 2014 Project Advisory Team Meeting.   The North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Project Advisory Team will meet on March 14^th from 8:30 to 11:30 am. The meeting will be held at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.

The meeting will include a discussion of Management Strategies 3 – Improving compliance with groundwater appropriations regulations, and Strategy 7 – Conservation. With respect to conservation, the team will be looking at actions that fall within the DNR’s scope and authority. More information about the planned meeting and the agenda will be posted on the project webpage.

Individuals do not need to be on the Advisory Team to attend. The Advisory Team meetings are open for interested parties to observe and time is available to provide comments and ideas.

For directions and parking information for the DNR Central Office, visit the parking webpage.

April 11, 2014 Project Advisory Team Meeting.   The North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Project Advisory Team will meet on April 11th from 8:30 to 11:30 am. The meeting will be held at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.

PROJECT OUTREACH

Project staff continues to meet with individuals and stakeholder groups to discuss the planning process. Recent and planned meetings include: Water Forum at Century College hosted by Sen. Chamberlin, Rep. Fischer and Rep. Scalze; Coon Creek WD Board; White Bear Lake Conservation District LLRC; SW Metro Groundwater Working Group; Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee and others.

PROJECT ADVISORY TEAM MEETINGS HELD FOR TWO OTHER GWMAs

On February 21^st and February 26^th the Project Advisory Teams for the Straight River GWMA and Bonanza Valley GWMA met to discuss the working boundaries for the 2 groundwater management areas in central and northern Minnesota.

For more information go the DNR’s GWMA webpage.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO ENGAGE

• March 14, 2014 - Project Advisory Team Meeting. DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul. 8:30 – 11:30 am.
• April 11, 2014 - Project Advisory Team Meeting.  DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul. 8:30 – 11:30 am.
• Web based Survey – Read the Draft Groundwater Strategic Plan, complete the survey. The public survey portion of the project will be closed in April.
• Project Updates Available - For information about the project, updates have been posted on the project webpage.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions about this project, please contact Paul Putzier (DNR project manager at 651-259-5692; paul.putzier@state.mn.us) or visit the DNR’s GWMA webpage.