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DNR Update for the N&E Metro GWMA Project

GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY

Groundwater is vital to Minnesota’s prosperity. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has initiated a planning process to establish a Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) in the North & East Metro. The proposed working boundary for the North & East Metro GWMA includes all of Ramsey and Washington counties, the southern portion of Anoka County, and a portion of Hennepin County. The GWMA planning process will produce a plan to guide DNR actions in the area. Formal designation of the GWMA will take place at the end of the planning process when the Commissioner of the DNR approves the plan. Implementation will begin following formal designation of the GWMA.

 

The DNR formed a Project Advisory Team (PAT) to provide advice and feedback during the GWMA planning process. The project Advisory Team includes cities, permitted users, private businesses, conservation districts, and other state agencies. Project Advisory Team meetings are open to the public, and guests attending are encouraged to participate in the meetings.

 

More information about the GWMA is posted on the DNR project website.

DNR HOLDS LOCAL OUTREACH MEETINGS

The DNR hosted three meetings in February to introduce the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) Draft Plan. The meetings were held in Shoreview, Woodbury, and at Century College. One more local meeting is planned in Blaine on February 26.

 

These local meetings allow DNR to introduce the proposed GWMA Draft Plan, describe the process used to develop it, and explain the goals and actions in the plan. Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to hear the stakeholders’ initial feedback.

 

The DNR will accept comments on the GWMA Draft Plan through the end of March 2015. The public can comment by completing a feedback survey or by sending an email to NEMetroGWMA.dnr@state.mn.us. The Draft Plan, a short survey, and additional information about the project are posted on the North & East Metro GWMA project webpage.

DNR HOLDS PROJECT ADVISORY TEAM MEETING

Following the introduction of members at the February 13, 2015 meeting, the Project Advisory Team discussed the two recent stakeholder meetings held in Shoreview and Woodbury. The team provided feedback on how to improve future stakeholder meetings planned for February and presented ideas for additional forums to communicate the details of the Draft Plan and receive additional perspectives.

 

Following the update on the stakeholder meetings, the team discussed the challenges of differentiating the Groundwater Management Area from the legal settlement related to water levels of White Bear Lake. The Advisory Team also heard presentations from representatives of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, and the Minnesota Department of Health. The agency partners described how they were planning to coordinate their work within the GWMA. Follow this link to read more about the February Project Advisory Team meeting.

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The next meeting of the Project Advisory Team will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the DNR Headquarters in St. Paul. 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.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO ENGAGE

• Review and comment on the Draft Plan
• February 26, 2015 – Local Meeting for Draft Plan Orientation. Blaine Public Works Building.
• March 13, 2015 - - Project Advisory Team Meeting.  DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul. 8:30 – 11:30 am
• Individuals interested in receiving meeting notifications and project updates for the N&E Metro Pilot GWMA can sign up by following this link and entering their email address,
• Provide your comments and ideas directly to the DNR. Direct your communications to paul.putzier@state.mn.us.
• 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.