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Environmental Quality Committee Packet 10-14-2020
CITY OF PLYMOUTH AGENDA Environmental Quality Committee October 14, 2020, 7:00 PM Virtual Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Instructions to participate in virtual Environmental Quality Committee Meeting 2. PUBLIC FORUM – Individuals may address the Committee about any item not contained on the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum. If the full 15 minutes are not needed for the Forum, the Committee will continue with the agenda. The Commission will take no official action on items discussed at the Forum, with the exception of referral to staff for future report. 3. APPROVE AGENDA – Environmental Quality Committee members may add items to the agenda for discussion purposes or staff direction only. The Environmental Quality Committee will not normally take official action on items added to the agenda. 4. CONSENT AGENDA – These items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Committee member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed elsewhere on the agenda. 4.1 Approve August 12, 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes 5. GENERAL BUSINESS 5.1 5.2 Chloride Education Plan (Scharenbroich) 2021 Environmental Quality Committee Workplan (Scharenbroich) 6. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 2020 – 2022 Water Efficiency Rebate Program (Scharenbroich) 7. FUTURE MEETINGS 7.1 November 18, 2020 – Moved due to Veterans Day 8. ADJOURNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE October 14, 2020 Agenda Number: 1.1 To: Environmental Quality Committee Prepared by: Ben Scharenbroich, Water Resources Supervisor Reviewed by: Chris LaBounty, City Engineer Item: Instructions to participate in virtual Environmental Quality Committee Meeting 1. ACTION REQUESTED: The Chair provides instructions for the public to participate in the meeting by phone or online. 2. BACKGROUND: Environmental Quality Committee meetings will be conducted virtually (via Zoom webinar/conference call) due to the state of local emergency for the COVID 19 pandemic. Members of the Environmental Quality Committee and staff will participate in this meeting via telephone/video conference. Written comments may be submitted for inclusion in the Environmental Quality Committee packet by emailing bscharenbroich@plymouthmn.gov. You may also request that comments of up to one page be read into the record by the Water Resources Supervisor. You may speak during the meeting via telephone or via Zoom Conferencing Service at no cost. Please notify Water Resources Supervisor at bscharenbroich@plymouthmn.gov if you wish to speak to an item at the meeting or if you have questions about connecting to speak during the meeting. We ask that provide notification at least one hour prior to the meeting time to ensure message is received. The password to the meeting will be provided to you at that time. To join the Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EJuKetbaR3u7FXZgZZsngg For audio only: Call: (301) 715-8592 • Meeting ID: 827 2225 9129 • Password will be needed - obtain from staff at least one hour prior to meeting 3. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A 4. ATTACHMENTS: N/A Proposed Minutes Page 1 of 2 Regular Meeting of , 2020 Proposed Minutes Environmental Quality Committee Meeting August 12, 2020 Chair Gregor called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. on August 12, 2020. All present participated remotely, per State Statute 13D.021. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Gregor, Vice Chair Babcock, Committee members Polzin, Neidermeier, Senne, and Prokop COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Committee member Spoonheim STAFF PRESENT: Council member Roehl, Water Resources Supervisor Scharenbroich, Senior Engineering Technician Riegel Plymouth Forum There was no one present to address the Committee. Presentations and Public Information Announcements There were no presentations or public information announcements. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Committee member Polzin, and seconded by Committee member Babcock to approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda Motion was made by Committee member Senne, and seconded by Committee member Polzin to approve the consent agenda that included the following items: 4.1) Approve March 11, 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes 4.2) Approve June 10, 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. General Business 5.1) MS4 Annual Public Hearing Proposed Minutes Page 2 of 2 Regular Meeting of , 2020 Senior Engineering Technician Riegel presented an overview of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program. She highlighted the main components of the program, the annual revisions and updates, and the upcoming water quality improvement projects. Chair Gregor opened the Public Hearing for comments at 7:58 p.m. With no public present for comment, Chair Gregor closed the Public Hearing at 7:59 p.m. Reports and Staff Recommendations Water Resources Supervisor Scharenbroich gave an update of the Water Efficiency Rebate Program. To date, 77 devices had been purchased, with the majority being irrigation controllers. Scharenbroich estimates these devices will save 1.625 million gallons of water annually. He indicated there is still $36,000 of funding remaining, and the program may run through 2021. Future Meetings September 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. The EQC discussed modifying their fall clean-up event to be an individual project instead of a group project. Adjournment Chair Gregor adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE October 14, 2020 Agenda Number: 5.1 To: Environmental Quality Committee Prepared by: Ben Scharenbroich, Water Resources Supervisor Reviewed by: Chris LaBounty, City Engineer Item: Chloride Educational Plan 1. ACTION REQUESTED: Review and discuss recommendations on chloride outreach and education for winter 2020-2021 2. BACKGROUND: Chloride is becoming an emerging pollutant of concern in Minnesota as increase salinity of surface water has the potential to threaten freshwater fish and other aquatic life. Chloride from de-icing salt, water softener salt, fertilizer, manure, dust suppressants, and other sources gets into lakes and streams, and groundwater that supplies drinking water. Once in the water, there is no easy way to remove the chloride. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, fifty Minnesota lakes and streams, most of which are located in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, have chloride levels that are too high to meet the standard designed to protect fish and other aquatic life. The City of Plymouth has 6 waterbodies within the City that are impaired for Chlorides. City staff work to increase public awareness and understanding of stormwater issues within the City such as chlorides by publishing and distributing the information include in this report. In addition to the attached material, there are a number of websites that provide educational information on chlorides that staff will direct interested residents to. There include but are not limited to: - West Metro Water Alliance - http://www.westmetrowateralliance.org/ - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/chloride-salts - Salt Smart - www.saltsmart.info - Stop Over Salting - http://stopoversalting.org/ In the winter of 2020-2021 City Staff will follow the attached 2020-2021 Chloride Education Plan to assist in educating homeowner, multi-tenant property owners & managers, commercial property owners & managers, and snow and ice control contactors. 3. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A 4. ATTACHMENTS: 2020-2021 Chloride Education Plan Ten Things Brochure – West Metro Water Alliance Residential Snow and Ice Care – West Metro Water Alliance Commercial Property Guidebook – West Metro Water Alliance Salt Smart Cards – Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Using Salt Wisely – Clean Water MN Salt Pollutes Postcard – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Fight Snow and Ice Pollution-Free – Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Chloride in Communities & Watersheds – University of Minnesota Water Resources Center 2020-2021 Chloride Education Plan Goal Create awareness and understanding of stormwater issues within the City such as chlorides. Audiences Homeowners Multi-tenant Property Owners & Managers Commercial Property Owners & Managers Snow and Ice Control Contractors Objectives Make homeowners and property owners aware of the implications of excessive chloride use on the lakes and streams in our community Increase snow and ice control contractors knowledge of existing best practices that can be used to control ice in an environmentally conscious way Key Messages Once in the water, there is no easy way to remove chloride Less is better when applying salt Temperature matters when applying salt as most salt products do not work under 15 degrees F. Communications Tactics Tactic Audience Responsibility Tentative Timeline Newsletter Article Residents Communications Staff Winter 2020-2021 Webpage General Public Communication Staff November 2020 Letters Apartment, Condo, Water Resources & November 2020 Commercial Property Communications Staff Owners & Businesses Educational Material City Hall Visitors Communications Staff December 2020 – March 2021 Plymouth Businesses Economic Development December 2020 – March 2021 Educational Event Snow and Ice Water Resources Staff November / December 2020 Contractors News Release General Public Communications Staff November 2020 , February 2021 Social Media General Public Communications Staff November 2020 , January 2021 Watershed Educators General Public Water Resources Staff Winter 2020 - Spring 2021 Evaluation Attendance at Educational Event(s) by snow and ice contractor and the general public Activity on social media posts Number of related inquiries directed to Ben Scharenbroich, Water Resources Supervisor Website traffic on the page, via Google analytics Your streets connect to our lakes and rivers 7 Capture rain water Capture and clean rain water and recharge groundwater. Plant a rain garden, which collects rain water runoff, lets it soak into the ground, and filters out excess nutrients and other pollutants. Pollinators can benefit, too. You could also install a rain barrel, which captures rainwater from the roof of your house or garage to use in your garden. Or you can redirect downspouts to flow into your yard instead of running off into the street. 8 Replace turf with native plants Pledge to plant for pollinators and clean water. Trade some of your turf for native plants or choose a turfgrass alternative, which require less mowing and watering. Native plants provide pollinator habitat, are drought resistant, and their deep roots bring rain down into our ground water. Less mowing also improves air quality. Check local ordinances for maintenance requirements. 9 Un-pave the way Choose pervious paving for walks, patios, and driveways. Paving stones and porous pavement let water soak into the ground, recharging groundwater and keeping runoff out of the street. Next time you have a pavement project, visit our website to explore options. 10 Conserve water Reduce water use. Water your lawn only when it’s needed during dry periods. Water about one inch a week (including rain fall). Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation. Conserve water by sweeping, rather than hosing off, driveways and sidewalks. Install WaterSense fixtures inside and outside and maintain them regularly. Hennepin County Environment and Energy hennepin.us/dropoffs environment@hennepin.us 612-348-3777 34-406-05-19 Photo credit: Dawn Pape 10 things you can do to protect Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams www.westmetrowateralliance.org We all play a role in improving water quality in Minnesota No matter where you live, our choices are powerful because water moves. The raindrops that fall on our streets flow through storm drains that empty directly into our lakes, creeks, rivers, and wetlands. Raindrops pick up chemicals, pollutants, and debris that they touch along the way. Every point in a raindrop’s path is an opportunity to improve our water quality. The 10 actions in this brochure can help our waters immensely. Take on a few of these actions at your home and share them with others. You can also look for volunteer opportunities through your city, watershed organization, or county to have a greater impact on water quality in your community. Every positive choice and voice helps improve our waterways, wildlife habitats and the beautiful, fun waters where we Minnesotans relax and play. 1 Salt sparingly Shovel first, minimize salt use, sweep up excess. Just one teaspoon of salt permanently contaminates five gallons of fresh water. Shovel snow first, apply salt only to ice patches, use as little salt as possible, and sweep up leftover salt when ice is gone. Remember: More isn’t better, and sodium chloride, the most common deicer, stops working below 15°F. 2 Keep streets clear of leaves and grass clippings Sweep, rake, mulch or compost. Stormwater runoff carries leaves and grass clippings from streets into lakes and streams, where their nutrients cause destructive algae blooms. Use these nutrients to your benefit. Use them as mulch for weed suppression, or make them into compost to use as fertilizer. This protects water quality — and saves money! 3 Kick the chemicals Lawn and garden chemicals can harm pollinators and wash into the street’s storm drains that connect directly into nearby lakes and streams. Encourage the growth of healthy lawns and gardens. Pull weeds by hand or use spot treatment for weeds. If you have a weed or pest problem, consult the University of Minnesota Extension website for advice. Get a soil test before applying fertilizers. If you apply fertilizer, sweep up excess from pavement. Remember, a need for chemical treatments is an option of last resort. 4 Mow high Mow your grass to a height of 3 inches. Keeping your grass a little longer helps roots grow deeper into the soil, suppresses weeds, and requires less watering. If you do water, do so in the morning and ensure sprinklers only aim at the grass and the plants. 5 Scoop the poop Pick up after pets. When pet waste is left behind, rain water washes it into lakes and streams. Pet waste contains bacteria, such as E. Coli, that can cause illness in people, pets, and wildlife. Pet waste also contains nutrients that cause destructive algae blooms in lakes and streams. 6 Adopt a storm drain Keep drains free of leaves, grass clippings, and litter. Water entering a storm drain is carried directly to the nearest water body carrying leaves, grass, soil, litter and anything else it picks up along the way. This clogs stormwater infrastructure, contributes to street flooding, harms wildlife, and pollutes our waters. Remember, nothing but rain down the drain! Learn more and get resources at www.adopt-a-drain.org. Salt affects our water Residential Snow and Ice Care Help keep our water clean! Did you know… Since the early 1950s our metro area waters have become increasingly salty. Chloride levels have risen so high that many metro area creeks are now considered unhealthy. Chlorides harm plants and animals, contaminate our drinking water, damage buildings, and corrode vehicles, roads and bridges. Too much salt results in costly damages and serious environmental consequences. This brochure created in collaboration with WMWA and Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Members West Metro Water Alliance 3235 Fernbrook Lane N Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 763-553-1144 Watershed Management Commission You Can Prevent Storm Water Pollution Storm drains carry excess water from streets and homes to nearby lakes and rivers; that makes your property a waterfront property. During the cold winter months, salt that is applied to our streets eventually flows into our lakes and rivers. Help keep our waters clean this winter by following these few simple steps. You can make your own liquid de-icer! Mix 2 cups of hot water and one-half cup of rock salt (not table salt.) Before the storm Apply a liquid de-icer before snow storms to prevent snow and ice from building up. However, this is not a substitute for shoveling; it just makes it more effective. Shovel that snow Shovel, snow blow, plow and/or sweep. These are all effective measures that will remove snow and minimize ice build-up. Temperature Matters At low temperatures salt begins to become less effective; check your product for more details. When the temperature falls below 15º F consider using sand as an alternative to salt. Less is better When applying salt, if there are leftover crystals still visible, the salt has been over applied. The left-over salt can be swept up and reused or disposed of in the trash. Any salt that enters a storm drain does not go to a waste treatment facility. It goes directly into a local lake or river. Maintain your property the watershed- friendly way A guide for commercial and common ownership communities Information for property managers and homeowners associations on steps you can take on your property to protect lakes and streams and improve water quality. Get information on: 3 Inspecting and maintaining ponds and storm drainage systems to ensure they function as designed. 3 Setting up turf maintenance and snow/ ice control contracts. 3 Taking steps to minimize pollutants in ponds, lakes and streams. Inside: What are BMPs?............................1 Watershed-friendly turf maintenance .......2 Watershed-friendly ice and snow control . . .3 Eight steps to protect water quality........ 3 Managing vegetation ......................4 Managing ponds ...........................4 Developing a maintenance plan............5 Quick guide to BMP maintenance ..........6 BMP inspection schedule checklist .........7 May 2015 Best management practices The ponds, ditches, depressions and unmowed areas on or adjacent to your property are essential parts of your property’s storm drainage system. They are designed to reduce flooding and improve water quality. Ponds capture rainwater running off streets, parking lots and other hard surfaces and allow pollutants to settle out before the water is discharged to lakes, streams and wetlands. Ditches and depressions slow the flow of rainwater and allow it to infiltrate into the ground, reducing runoff and flooding and helping to recharge groundwater. Best management practices, or BMPs, are techniques, structures or facilities that reduce the impact of development on water quality and aquatic habitats. Laws enacted in the past few decades require control and reduction of urban pollutants, which include grass clippings, leaves, sediment, motor oil, lawn care products, road salt, trash and anything else that washes off from rooftops, driveways, parking lots, lawns and streets. Installing and maintaining BMPs decreases pollution in our lakes, streams and wetlands. Are you responsible for BMP maintenance? When it was developed, your property was likely subject to a maintenance agreement with the city that specifies who is responsible for maintenance. In general, unless the agreement states otherwise, you are responsible for maintaining not only the aesthetics but also the proper function of your BMPs. Check your maintenance agreement to identify your specific legal obligations. In most cases, these agreements stipulate that if you do not properly maintain the BMPs, the city has the authority to come onto your property, perform the service, and assess the cost of this work against the property. What are BMPs? Typical vegetated swale Typical wet pond 1 Maintenance of lawns and grounds has a big impact on water quality in lakes and streams. Healthy turf does a better job of letting water infiltrate, or soak into the ground. Healthy turf also requires less fertilizer, herbicides and watering, which will save you money and reduce pollutant runoff. You probably know how to compare prices for service, but how can you compare the value of a service in making or keeping your lawn a healthy environmental amenity? Ask the following questions of prospective turf care providers: 1. Will they perform an initial site analysis before recommending a specific lawn care program? What does that analysis include? Does it include an inexpensive soil test? 2. What fertilizers will they be applying on your property? The use of fertilizer containing phosphorus is prohibited in Minnesota unless a soil test demonstrates a need for additional phosphorus. Do they propose to apply phosphorus to your lawn without such a test? How much nitrogen will they apply to your lawn over the season? Compare this with the University of Minnesota Extension Service recommendations in Table 1. 3. What weed, insect or disease problems were identified in the site analysis, and what areas of the property are affected? Ask them to point out the pests and the symptoms that led them to that diagnosis. This will help you be more observant and informed about what appears on your property. 4. How do they manage insect, disease and weed problems? Find out if they will do spot treatment for specific problem areas or weeds rather than a blanket treatment. The response, “We treat the whole property to make sure the problem doesn’t spread,” is not a reason for blanket treatments. 5. How do they evaluate the progress being made? What is their measure of success, and is that consistent with your expectations? 6. Do they provide soil improvement services? For example, will they do lawn aeration on areas with compacted soils? If that service is not something they can or will do, they may not even evaluate your lawn for compacted soil conditions. 7. Is there a designated person you can call if you encounter a problem or concern, and does that person have the authority to make adjustments? 8. Are they aware of ordinances that prohibit mowing or blowing grass clippings or other yard waste onto streets, trails or sidewalks or into ponds? What about ordinances that prohibit applying fertilizer to impervious surfaces? 9. Are they familiar with maintenance practices for wet or dry ponds, swales, buffers and rain gardens? Turf maintenance: lower cost, higher water quality *Add one more fall application if clippings are removed. Turf maintenance practices Number of nitrogen (N) applications to apply at 1 lb N/1,000 sq ft Application timing Irrigated; clippings not removed 3*1. May-June 2. Late August 3. Mid-October No irrigation; clippings not removed 1*1. Late August to mid-September 2 Table 1. Minnesota Extension Service fertilizer recommendations Minnesotans are used to high-quality snow and ice control. We expect roads and parking lots to be cleared quickly after a snow or ice event, and maintaining ice-free walkways is a safety concern. Road salt and deicers are commonly used on walkways, roads and parking lots to improve traction and safety. However, using too much salt pollutes our lakes and streams. Follow these simple steps to help protect our waters: 1. Shovel that snow. The more you shovel or snow blow, the less salt you will need. Get out early and keep up with the storm. 2. Don’t over apply. More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. One pound is about a heaping 12 ounce coffee cup. When spread, this amount is barely visible. 3. Temperature matters. Most salts stop working below 15° F. In colder temperatures, use sand for traction. 4. Sweep up the excess. Salt and sand on dry pavement are not doing any work and will be washed away. Sweep up the extra and reuse it. Hiring a snow removal service? Hire a contractor who is trained to protect our waters by minimizing salt use. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency maintains a list of certified contractors. Search online for “Minnesota road salt certificate holders.” Ask potential contractors the following questions: 1. Have you attended a winter parking lot and sidewalk maintenance training session? 2. Are you certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in snow and ice control best practices? 3. If you aren’t certified, would you be willing to attend a training session? 4. What best practices do you use to reduce the amount of salt applied? Eight things you can do to be more watershed-friendly 1. Check your dumpster areas and property for litter at least weekly. 2. Help residents clean up after pets by providing trash cans and bag dispensers. 3. Get your soil tested and only fertilize to your soil’s needs. 4. Cover and elevate storage of chemicals used on your property. Clean up spills promptly. 5. Consider converting some of the mowed turf on your property to native vegetation. 6. Add a rain garden to the low spots on your property. 7. Have your parking lot swept at least twice a year. 8. Keep your stormwater ponds and other facilities in good working order to maximize their effectiveness. 3 Ice and snow removal Most BMPs use vegetation to filter sediment and other pollutants from stormwater. Turf grass is the most common ground cover, although rain gardens and wetland plants also play an important role. Learn more about using plants to manage stormwater by downloading the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Plants for Stormwater Design at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/manuals/stormwaterplants.html. Mowing: Grass should never be cut shorter than 3 inches. Longer turf in swales and dry ponds is desirable, but it should be no more than 6 to 8 inches high. No mow zones: Leave a minimum 5-foot unmowed area around wet ponds to help filter runoff. Buffer areas next to wetlands and streams are intended to be unmowed. Plant your no-mow zone with native species to improve its appearance and effectiveness. This will also discourage geese. Unwanted vegetation: Some vegetation is destructive to BMPs. Keep inlet, outlet and bottom areas free of deep-rooted vegetation such as trees and bushes as these can destabilize the structures and impede flow. Fertilization, pest and weed control: Avoid excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Do not use any chemicals within 10 feet of a wet pond. Test your soil, and fertilize according to recommendations. Ponds require regular inspection and periodic maintenance to keep them functioning well. Inspections can be as simple as periodically walking around the pond to look at the banks, structures and water. Erosion management: Lack of vegetation is the primary cause of erosion. Stabilize eroded areas with new plantings or, for larger ravines or gullies, consult your city engineer or erosion control specialist. Water quality: Algae can cause green water, or slimy or spongy growth in the pond. Small plants with round leaves that float on the surface are beneficial duckweed. Some algae growth in ponds is normal, but green water from excessive algae growth or water with a bad odor are usually caused by excess nutrients or sediment. Check your maintenance practices to be sure you or anyone whose property drains to the pond are not excessively fertilizing turf. Also check for erosion or other sources of excess sediment. Sediment removal: Because the main purpose of a pond is to remove sediment and pollutants from runoff, sediment will eventually have to be removed. Once a pond has filled up half its volume, which can take from a few years to 10 to 15 years, it loses treatment capacity and must be dredged. Monitor the amount of sediment accumulating in your pond so you know when you are approaching the time to have it dredged. If sediment can be seen above the water surface, maintenance is way overdue. Dredging a quarter-acre pond can cost $15,000 to $30,000 or more depending on the factors outlined below. A one-acre pond might cost $75,000 to $100,000 to dredge. The two most important factors that impact the cost for pond dredging are: 1. If there is good access to the pond or if access is obstructed by buildings and fences. 2. If there is a place onsite to dispose of the dredged material or if it has to be hauled offsite. Maintain your pond to avoid excess algae growth. Photo credit: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 4 Managing vegetation Managing ponds 1. Get copies of all documents related to your site. Visit city hall and meet with the city engineer or zoning official for help in getting documents and understanding your obligations. Get copies of: • Any maintenance agreements. • Any site plan or project review documents or permits, such as planning commission or watershed permit reviews. • Documents showing protected wetland edges. • Construction plans (especially the grading and drainage, planting, and utility plan sheets). • “As-builts,” which show how construction might have changed from the plan to what actually went in the ground. 2. Create a written plan. Your plan should include: • Names, addresses, phone numbers and emails of current owners and managers as well as previous owners and managers. • Names, addresses, phone numbers and emails of city, watershed organization and other pertinent staff members. • Names, addresses, phone numbers and emails of contact persons for any company providing service or maintenance. • Copies of any current service or maintenance contracts. • An inventory of your features and facilities. Besides your BMPs, don’t forget to list turf, gardens, wetlands, parking lots, driveways, storm sewers and catch basins. Take pictures of each feature. • A list of all your legal maintenance requirements identified in documents or your discussions. 3. Develop a maintenance and inspection checklist. Having a checklist is helpful when training new or replacement staff and for tracking your activities. 4. Share the work of implementing the plan. Write a short job description for each task so that anyone can take over the task with minimal training. Create a simple checklist form that the inspector can use to ensure they don’t forget anything and you get consistent information. 5. Educate your neighbors or employees. Use newsletters, meetings or bulletin board postings to provide updated information about your efforts. 6. Be realistic about your maintenance costs. Active maintenance may seem like more effort at a higher cost, but the payoff is avoiding future repairs or replacement of your BMPs that could cost a lot more. Create a pond maintenance fund to spread the cost over multiple years. A curb cut rain garden. 5 Developing a maintenance plan Routine maintenance Remove accumulated debris and litter, especially around the inlet and outlet areas. Leave at least a 5-foot unmowed buffer around a wet pond. Mow dry ponds routinely unless there is native vegetation. Burn native vegetation if possible; if not, cut to no shorter than 12 inches high. Remove woody vegetation from all embankment and bottom areas. Stabilize and replant any patchy or bare areas to reduce erosion. When is other maintenance required? Dry ponds • Standing water is visible after 48 hours. • Insects and/or odor become problems. • Wetland vegetation emerges (unless the facility is specifically designed with marsh or wetland area). • Visible damage to embankment (such as sink-holes) or mechanical components. Wet ponds • Visible signs of sediment accumulation. • Insects and/or odor become problematic. • Algae blooms occur in the summer or ponded areas become dominated by a single aquatic plant species. • Visible damage to the embankment or mechanical components. Non-routine maintenance De-thatch dry pond grass to remove accumulated sediment or debris. Aerate dry pond compacted areas to promote infiltration. Monitor sediment accumulations. Remove sediment before the pool volume has become reduced by half or when the pond becomes stagnant. Replace BMP components. Reconstruct embankments and spillways (greater than 20 years if properly maintained). Routine maintenance Remove accumulated debris, litter and sediment. Do not mow buffer strips. Remove invasive species by hand. Mow swales routinely unless there is native vegetation. Burn native vegetation if possible; if not, cut to no shorter than 12 inches high. Inspect and spot treat or remove invasive and non-native vegetation, such as buckthorn or purple loosestrife. Remove woody vegetation and stabilize and replant swale side and bottom areas with native vegetation. Replant any areas that are not sufficiently established with native vegetation. Hire a professional for prescribed burns to remove non- natives and encourage native plant growth. When is other maintenance required? • Standing water is visible after 48 hours. • Insects and/or odor become problematic. • Wetland vegetation emerges where not intended. • Erosion or undercutting of swale banks is apparent. Non-routine maintenance Remove accumulated sediment and pollutants. Replace buffer-edge marker signs as necessary. Routine maintenance Remove accumulated debris, litter and sediment. Supplement plants if a significant portion have not become established (cover at least 50 percent of the surface area). Inspect for and spot treat or remove invasive species and replant with natives. Non-routine maintenance Remove accumulated sediment and pollutants. Routine maintenance Remove vegetation growing between pavers. Keep the joints between pavers filled with sand and apply joint sealant if necessary. Non-routine maintenance Remove and reset pavers that are no longer flush. Reapply sealant Routine maintenance Hire a professional to inspect sediment and debris accumulation and remove as necessary. Non-routine maintenance Hire a professional to inspect the structural integrity of the device and maintain and repair as necessary.Wet and dry detention pondsSwales and buffersRain gardensPaversDevices6 Quick guide to BMP maintenance Wet and dry ponds Routine maintenance Frequency Remove accumulated debris and litter.Monthly Mow routinely, leaving a buffer around wet ponds. As needed Do not mow native vegetation. Burn or cut to no shorter than 12 inches high. Burn: every 3 years. Cut: twice/year Remove woody vegetation from all embankment areas. As needed Stabilize and replant patchy or bare areas.As needed Non-routine maintenance De-thatch grass to remove accumulated sediment and debris. Every 2 years Aerate compacted areas to promote infiltration. Every 2 to 3 years Monitor sediment accumulations. Remove sediment when it has filled 50 percent of the pond volume. Inspection: semi- annually Remove sediment: 2 to 10 years for dry ponds, 5 to 15 years for wet ponds Replace BMP components and reconstruct embankments and spillways. >20 years if maintained Swales and buffers Routine maintenance Frequency Remove accumulated debris, litter and sediment. Monthly Mow routinely unless there is native vegetation. As needed Do not mow native vegetation. Burn or cut to no shorter than 12 inches high. Burn: every 3 years. Cut: twice/year Remove woody vegetation and stabilize and replant side and bottom areas. Annually Inspect for invasive species and spot treat or remove. Monthly Replant any areas not sufficiently established with vegetation. Annually Non-routine maintenance Remove accumulated sediment and pollutants.As needed Replace buffer-edge marker signs.As needed Rain gardens Routine maintenance Frequency Remove accumulated debris and litter.Monthly Supplement plants if less than 50 percent of the surface area has established. Annually Inspect for invasive species and spot treat or remove. Monthly Non-routine maintenance Remove accumulated sediment and pollutants.As needed Pavers Routine maintenance Frequency Remove vegetation growing between pavers.Monthly Keep the joints between pavers filled with sand and apply joint sealant if necessary. As needed Non-routine maintenance Remove and reset pavers that are no longer flush. As needed Reapply sealant.Every 2 to 3 years Underground devices Routine maintenance Frequency Hire a professional to inspect sediment and debris accumulation and remove as necessary. As recommended by manufacturer Non-routine maintenance Hire a professional to inspect the structural integrity of the device and maintain and repair as necessary. As recommended by manufacturer 34-403-03-157 BMP inspection schedule checklist The “Please Salt Smart” card found on the next two pages is for businesses that are applying too much salt and/or not sweeping it up. Please... The future’s water is at stake. SAFETY IS THE #1 CONCERN SHOVEL EARLY AND OFTEN SALT SPARINGLY Space salt granules 2-3 inches apart. USE THE CORRECT PRODUCT Salt only works when pavement temperature (use a temperature gun) is above 15º F. In colder temperatures, use different products. SWEEP UP & REUSE EXCESS SALT HIRE CERTIFIED APPLICATORS SALT SMART But over salting doesn’t provide extra safety. It just damages property and pollutes water. SALT .INFOSMART LEARN MORE AT Chloride concentrations (from de-icing products) are above the water quality standards in 30% of the shallow groundwater monitoring wells in the Twin Cities metro area. Since groundwater is widely used as drinking water, this could translate into health concerns too. SALT SMART HIDDEN COSTS OF OVER SALTING SALT IS TOXIC TO MINNESOTA AQUATIC LIFE and 50 Minnesota lakes and streams already have dangerous levels of salt. Just one little teaspoon of salt makes five gallons of water uninhabitable for most freshwater species. SALT MAY AFFECT DRINKING WATER M elting snow and ice carries salt into stor M drains that flow into lakes , strea M s , and wetlands . o nce the salt is dissolved in water , there is no practical way to get the salt out of the water . w hile it is possible to desalinate water with M assive desalinization plants , how would this work for entire river syste M s , lakes , and groundwater ? a nd at what cost ? Salt is pretty cheap—except for when the hidden costs are included. Salt erodes buildings and railings, pits sidewalks, ruins indoor flooring, and damages vegetation. The answer is to THE SALT SMART COLLABORATIVE WAS CREATED BY BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION The “We are proud to Salt Smart” card found on the next two pages is for businesses that are doing a good job with salt application. We are proud to... We care about our water and our pets’ paws! SAFETY IS OUR #1 CONCERN SHOVEL EARLY AND OFTEN SALT SPARINGLY Space salt granules 2-3 inches apart. USE THE CORRECT PRODUCT Salt only works when pavement temperature (use a temperature gun) is above 15º F. In colder temperatures, use different products. SWEEP UP & REUSE EXCESS SALT HIRE CERTIFIED APPLICATORS SALT SMART But we realize over salting doesn’t provide extra safety. It just pollutes water and damages property and paws. SALT .INFOSMART LEARN MORE AT We follow these Minnesota snow and ice clearing best practices: Chloride concentrations (from de-icing products) are above the water quality standards in 30% of the shallow groundwater monitoring wells in the Twin Cities metro area. Since groundwater is widely used as drinking water, this could translate into health concerns too. SALT SMART HIDDEN COSTS OF OVER SALTING SALT IS TOXIC TO MINNESOTA AQUATIC LIFE and 50 Minnesota lakes and streams already have dangerous levels of salt. Just one little teaspoon of salt makes five gallons of water uninhabitable for most freshwater species. SALT MAY AFFECT DRINKING WATER M elting snow and ice carries salt into stor M drains that flow into lakes , strea M s , and wetlands . o nce the salt is dissolved in water , there is no practical way to get the salt out of the water . w hile it is possible to desalinate water with M assive desalinization plants , how would this work for entire river syste M s , lakes , and groundwater ? a nd at what cost ? Salt is pretty cheap—except for when the hidden costs are included. Salt erodes buildings and railings, pits sidewalks, ruins indoor flooring, and damages vegetation. The answer is to THE SALT SMART COLLABORATIVE WAS CREATED BY BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Please... The future’s water is at stake. SAFETY IS THE #1 CONCERN SHOVEL EARLY AND OFTEN SALT SPARINGLY Space salt granules 2-3 inches apart. USE THE CORRECT PRODUCT Salt only works when pavement temperature (use a temperature gun) is above 15º F. In colder temperatures, use different products. SWEEP UP & REUSE EXCESS SALT HIRE CERTIFIED APPLICATORS SALT SMART But over salting doesn’t provide extra safety. It just damages property and pollutes water. SALT .INFOSMART LEARN MORE AT Chloride concentrations (from de-icing products) are above the water quality standards in 30% of the shallow groundwater monitoring wells in the Twin Cities metro area. Since groundwater is widely used as drinking water, this could translate into health concerns too. SALT SMART HIDDEN COSTS OF OVER SALTING SALT IS TOXIC TO MINNESOTA AQUATIC LIFE and 50 Minnesota lakes and streams already have dangerous levels of salt. Just one little teaspoon of salt makes five gallons of water uninhabitable for most freshwater species. SALT MAY AFFECT DRINKING WATER M elting snow and ice carries salt into stor M drains that flow into lakes , strea M s , and wetlands . o nce the salt is dissolved in water , there is no practical way to get the salt out of the water . w hile it is possible to desalinate water with M assive desalinization plants , how would this work for entire river syste M s , lakes , and groundwater ? a nd at what cost ? Salt is pretty cheap—except for when the hidden costs are included. Salt erodes buildings and railings, pits sidewalks, ruins indoor flooring, and damages vegetation. The answer is to THE SALT SMART COLLABORATIVE WAS CREATED BY BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION We are proud to... We care about our water and our pets’ paws! SAFETY IS OUR #1 CONCERN SHOVEL EARLY AND OFTEN SALT SPARINGLY Space salt granules 2-3 inches apart. USE THE CORRECT PRODUCT Salt only works when pavement temperature (use a temperature gun) is above 15º F. In colder temperatures, use different products. SWEEP UP & REUSE EXCESS SALT HIRE CERTIFIED APPLICATORS SALT SMART But we realize over salting doesn’t provide extra safety. It just pollutes water and damages property and paws. SALT .INFOSMART LEARN MORE AT We follow these Minnesota snow and ice clearing best practices: Chloride concentrations (from de-icing products) are above the water quality standards in 30% of the shallow groundwater monitoring wells in the Twin Cities metro area. Since groundwater is widely used as drinking water, this could translate into health concerns too. SALT SMART HIDDEN COSTS OF OVER SALTING SALT IS TOXIC TO MINNESOTA AQUATIC LIFE and 50 Minnesota lakes and streams already have dangerous levels of salt. Just one little teaspoon of salt makes five gallons of water uninhabitable for most freshwater species. SALT MAY AFFECT DRINKING WATER M elting snow and ice carries salt into stor M drains that flow into lakes , strea M s , and wetlands . o nce the salt is dissolved in water , there is no practical way to get the salt out of the water . w hile it is possible to desalinate water with M assive desalinization plants , how would this work for entire river syste M s , lakes , and groundwater ? a nd at what cost ? Salt is pretty cheap—except for when the hidden costs are included. Salt erodes buildings and railings, pits sidewalks, ruins indoor flooring, and damages vegetation. The answer is to THE SALT SMART COLLABORATIVE WAS CREATED BY BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION 1. Shovel Clear walkways before snow turns to ice, and before you apply salt. The more snow you clear manually, the less salt you’ll need. 3. Scatter Use salt only where it’s critical. When you apply salt to pavement, leave plenty of space between granules. A 12-ounce coffee cup of salt is enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway. 2. Select Salt doesn’t melt ice if the pavement is below 15 degrees, so use sand for traction when it’s too cold, or choose a different de-icer. 4. Sweep Clean up leftover salt, sand, and de-icer to save and reuse as needed. SEE EXAMPLE ON BACK Using salt wisely Protect our water! How much salt do you need? Actual size representation of sufficient salt scatter. 1 to 2 inches between particles is usually enough! A 12 oz. mug is enough salt for 10 sidewalk squares or a 20’ driveway Salt can make sidewalks and roadways safer, but it also pollutes lakes and rivers, not to mention harming pets and wildlife, corroding buildings, cars and bridges. Salt pollutes. When snow and ice melts, the salt goes with it, washing into our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Once in the water, there is no way to remove the chloride, and it takes only one teaspoon of road salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. Less is more when it comes to applying salt because at high concentrations, chloride can harm the fish and plant life in our waters. Salt pollutes. When snow and ice melts, the salt goes with it, washing into our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Once in the water, there is no way to remove the chloride, and it takes only one teaspoon of road salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. Less is more when it comes to applying salt because at high concentrations, chloride can harm the fish and plant life in our waters. Follow these simple rules to protect our clean water There are many ways to reduce salt use while maintaining high safety standards. Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it can be. Whether you use a shovel, snow blower, snow plow, or ice scraper, get out there as early as you can and keep up with the storm. You may even decide that salt isn’t needed. 15 degrees is too cold for salt. Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction (but note that sand does not melt ice). Slow down. Drive for the conditions and make sure to give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work. Be patient. Just because you don’t see salt on the road doesn’t mean it hasn’t been applied. These products take time to work. More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet (an average parking space is about 150 square feet). One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. You may consider purchasing a hand-held spreader to help you apply a consistent amount. Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else. Visit the MPCA chloride web pages for more information: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/salt-and- water-quality Follow these simple rules to protect our clean water There are many ways to reduce salt use while maintaining high safety standards. Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it can be. Whether you use a shovel, snow blower, snow plow, or ice scraper, get out there as early as you can and keep up with the storm. You may even decide that salt isn’t needed. 15 degrees is too cold for salt. Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction (but note that sand does not melt ice). Slow down. Drive for the conditions and make sure to give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work. Be patient. Just because you don’t see salt on the road doesn’t mean it hasn’t been applied. These products take time to work. More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet (an average parking space is about 150 square feet). One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. You may consider purchasing a hand-held spreader to help you apply a consistent amount. Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else. Visit the MPCA chloride webs pages for more information: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/salt-and- water-quality p-tr1-45 p-tr1-45 Fight Snow and Ice, Pollution-Free THE RIGHT WAY Remove snow and ice without salt or deicing chemicals to protect our waters. DID YOU KNOW that many Minnesota waterbodies are contaminated with chloride? This toxic chemical comes from the salt and deicers we use to keep ice off roads and other surfaces in winter. We can reduce this dangerous pollution and save money by using less salt and other chemical deicers. A guide for keeping sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways ice-free without harming water quality Melting Agent Lowest Melting Temp.* Things to Know Urea 20°F Promotes algae growth in waterways; over-application can harm plants; slow-acting; relatively pet-safe Sodium Chloride (NaCl) 15°F Harmful to plants; harmful to concrete; very corrosive to metal; cheap and abundant Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) -10°F Harmful to plants; corrosive to metal; relatively high-cost Potassium Acetate (KAc) -15°F Can cause surface slickness; lowers oxygen levels in waterways; biodegradable; relatively high-cost Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) -20°F Corrosive to metal; leaves slimy residue; less harmful to concrete Sand No melting Provides traction only; potential pollutant; can be swept up and re-used *Refers to pavement temperature, which may differ from air temperature. SALT AND DEICER COMPARISON Salt and deicing chemicals only work in certain temperature ranges. For example, salt (sodium chloride) will not melt ice below 15°F. Below is a chart comparing some common deicers. Remember: All of these are harmful to the environment. CONNECT WITH US Mississippi Watershed Management Organization 2522 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418-3329 612-746-4970 / mwmo.org THE TRUTH ABOUT SALT There is no such thing as an environmentally friendly salt or deicer. All such chemicals cause damage to our waterbodies, plants, wildlife and infrastructure. You should avoid using them as much as possible. WHEN TO USE SALT If you must apply salt or deicer, do it after the storm is finished. Clear off any loose and/or compacted snow first. Apply the product on ice only; do not apply it on dry pavement. Temperatures often drop after a snowstorm, so double-check the label on your salt or deicer product to make sure it will work before you apply it. Rock salt doesn’t work below 15°F. A SALTY MESS Just one teaspoon of salt is enough to pollute five gallons of water — forever. Salt and deicers contain chloride, which is toxic to fish and plants. When the snow and ice melt, the chloride travels through stormdrains into our rivers and lakes. Once there, it’s nearly impossible to remove. DON’T LET SNOW GET COMPACTED Don’t wait until the storm is over: Try to get out and shovel once or twice before the snow piles up and becomes compacted. Compacted snow is heavy, slippery and hard to separate from the pavement.WHAT ABOUT SAND? Use sand when it’s too cold for salt to work. Sprinkle just enough to provide traction on walkways. Sweep up any excess after the ice melts so that it doesn’t get carried into stormdrains. (Sand pollutes too.) Don’t bother mixing sand and salt together. They serve two completely different purposes. Sand is useless in wet, melting snow and slush. Photo: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency SHOVEL, SCRAPE, REPEAT The best way to remove snow and ice is the old-fashioned way: clear the snow and scrape or chisel away the ice. Avoid ice buildup by shoveling early and often and redirecting downspouts away from hard surfaces. HOW MUCH SALT TO USE More salt does not equal faster melting — just more pollution and wasted money. Shoot for a 3-inch spread between salt granules. For $10–$20, a hand spreader can make the job easier and more accurate. To be more exact, try to apply no more than 1 pound per 250 square feet of pavement. (Tip: A regular-size coffee mug typically holds about 1 pound of salt.) Photo: MPCA CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOL There are many kinds of snow and ice, so don’t limit yourself to just one tool for removing them. Your local hardware store likely carries a variety of push shovels, scoop shovels, ice chisels and ice scrapers. LEARN MORE | Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to hear about news, events, trainings, and projects: contacts@mwmo.org CHLORIDE IN COMMUNITIES & WATERSHEDS Chloride levels in many surface waters are increasing and pose an emerging environmental concern, since elevated chloride levels are harmful to aquatic life. Minnesota has 50 lakes, rivers, and streams with chloride water quality impairments, and chloride levels in groundwater are also increasing, particularly in urban areas. Many communities in Minnesota are facing chloride issues, including impaired waters and elevated chloride in their wastewater treatment. It is very costly to remove chloride from water and wastewater, and there are no feasible means to remove it from the environment. Communities and watersheds can take steps to manage their salt use and reduce their chloride inputs to the environment. • Communities with elevated chloride in their wastewater treatment plant discharge will look to municipal sources, such as households, industries, and commercial organizations. Infiltration of road salt may also be a chloride source. • Communities with water impairments can also examine nonpoint sources, particularly road salt, but also dust suppressant, potash fertilizer, and livestock operations. IDENTIFYING SOURCES Most commonly used salts contain chloride. Contact city or county public works officials for estimates on road salt and dust suppressant use. Find out if there are wastewater treatment plants or industries that are discharging to the water body. Identify any major industries that discharge chloride and estimate their loading using monitoring data. Find out the water hardness from the water utility. If the water is very hard (>10 grains per gallon), water softeners may be an important chloride source. Estimate how many households soften by conducting a survey or contacting water quality professionals. Photo by Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0 CHLORIDE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Effective strategies for reducing chloride in water resources will depend on community and watershed characteristics, but decreasing salt use is always beneficial to the environment. Winter maintenance • Winter maintenance organizations can participate in trainings to reduce salt use and utilize the Winter Maintenance Assessment tool • Community members can reduce salt use by: o Shoveling before salt application o Using salt at the appropriate temperatures and the correct application rate – a maximum of 4 lb for 1,000 square feet o Sweeping and reusing salt and sand on dry pavement Water softening • Households and organizations with timer-based softeners can consider upgrading to demand- based units • Households can reduce salt use by: o Softening hot and indoor lines only o Having their softener settings checked by a professional to maximize efficient salt use o Not using a softener if the drinking water hardness is below 7 grains per gallon Community solutions Additional solutions for communities can include centralized water softening or wastewater treatment plant upgrades, although these are capital-intensive and costly options. Communities can work with contractors and regulators to find out if these are appropriate measures for reducing chloride and reaching compliance with water quality standards. For more information on chloride and reduction strategies, visit: www.pca.state.mn.us/water/chloride-salts www.wrc.umn.edu/watersoftening Photo (top) by nullrend, CC by SA 2.0 1 teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes 5 gallons of water – all salt savings make a difference! ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE October 14, 2020 Agenda Number: 5.2 To: Environmental Quality Committee Prepared by: Ben Scharenbroich, Water Resources Supervisor Reviewed by: Chris LaBounty, City Engineer Item: 2021 Environmental Quality Committee Work plan 1. ACTION REQUESTED: Review and provide feedback on the 2021 Environmental Quality Committee Work plan 2. BACKGROUND: The City Council established the Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) in 1994 and refined its objectives in 2002 and 2007 through a mission/organization statement. Currently the EQC’s concentration is on familiarity and compliance with federal, state, regional, and local regulations, the review of city policies and ordinances, and recommendations of environmentally related actions to the City Council. For discussion, staff has provided information about an optional Environmental Citizens Academy which could be a 2021 work plan item. This program could be similar modeled after the City of Plymouth Public Safety Department’s Citizens Academy (https://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/public-safety/police-/programs- services/citizens-academy) and a Citizens’ Environmental Academy in the City of Lexington, Kentucky. 3. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A 4. ATTACHMENTS: City of Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee 2019 Annual Report & 2020 Work Plan City of Plymouth Citizens Academy Course Outline City of Lexington, Kentucky – Citizens Environmental Academy CITY OF PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT & 2020 WORK PLAN Approved by EQC: November 11, 2019 Accepted by City Council: ____, 2020 Page 1 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020\10-14-2020\2021 Workplan Item\EQC DRAFT 2019 Report and 2020 plan.docx 2019 ANNUAL REPORT I. INTRODUCTION The City Council established an Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) in 1994 and in 2002 adopted a Mission and Organization Statement to provide guidance for the review, consideration, initiation and recommendation to the City Council such policies, plans or projects which will enhance and preserve the natural environment of the City. The EQC’s scope includes but is not limited to matters of water quality, wetland preservation, ground water protection, solid waste collection and disposal, recycling and reuse programs, ecological preservation, erosion control, and air, noise, and light pollution. The EQC serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council. The Council Coordinating Representative (CCR) is Councilmember Nick Roehl. EQC regular meetings were scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Additionally, some members also attended and/or volunteered at special events such as Music in Plymouth and Drop-Off Day. II. POLICY The City Council on January 9, 2007, adopted the following resolution outlining the EQCs objectives, composition, and areas of concentration: POLICY ESTABLISHING PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MISSION/ORGANIZATION STATEMENT Resolution 2007-028 January 9, 2007 (Supersedes Resolution 2003-317, July 22, 2003; Resolution 2003- 260, May 27, 2003; Resolution 2002-216, January 8, 2002; Resolution 94-4, January 24, 1994; Resolution 95-140, February 21, 1995) Objective The Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee shall review, consider, initiate and recommend to the City Council such policies, plans or projects which will enhance and preserve the natural environment of the City. The Committee's scope shall include, but not necessarily be limited to matters of water quality, wetland preservation, ground water protection, solid waste collection and disposal, recycling and reuse programs, ecological preservation, control of soil erosion and air, noise and light pollution. The Committee shall also review upon request environmental assessment worksheets and environmental impact statements referred to from time by the Planning Commission or City Council. Composition The Committee shall consist of seven members, with one member from each of the city's four wards, and three members at-large. Members shall serve three-year terms, commencing on February 1, subject to a six-year maximum as set forth in Council policy. The Chair shall be selected by the membership. The City Engineer or designee shall provide staff assistance to the Committee. Page 2 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020\10-14-2020\2021 Workplan Item\EQC DRAFT 2019 Report and 2020 plan.docx Areas of Concentration: To accomplish their objective, the Committee will: 1. Become familiar with state statutes, federal regulations, agency rules, and city ordinances on the subject of issues. Receive information regarding role of Watershed Management Organizations, municipalities, Department of Natural Resources, Army Corps of Engineers and other regulatory agencies on environmental issues. Review related data. 2. Review environmentally related city policies and ordinances and recommend appropriate revisions to the City Council. 3. Recommend actions to the Council for consideration in the city budget to preserve and enhance environmental quality throughout Plymouth. III. 2019 MEMBERSHIP In 2019, the EQC was made up of seven voting representatives. One member represents each city ward (4) and three members served as at-large. Each member is appointed for a three-year term by the City Council. The committee chair and vice-chair are elected annually by the committee members. Committee members for 2019 were: Members Area Member Since Term Expires 1 Marita Prokop¹ Ward 1 12/08/15 1/31/22 2 Andy Polzin Ward 2 12/14/10 1/31/21 3 Joel Spoonheim Ward 3 01/08/19 1/31/20 4 Paul Senne Ward 4 11/09/14 1/31/21 5 Marky Williamson At-Large 12/08/15 1/31/20 6 Clark Gregor² At-Large 12/12/17 1/31/21 7 Laura Babcock At-Large 01/08/19 1/31/21 1. Chair 2. Vice-Chair IV. ACCOMPLISHMENTS In 2019, the EQC continued to concentrate on meeting the objectives set forth in the EQC Mission/Organization statement. The EQC provided oversight and recommendations on the Water Efficiency Rebate Program with funding from the City of Plymouth Water Resource Fund and reviewed a grant application for 2020 and 2021 funding through the Metropolitan Council. One hundred forty two devices served 414 residents and provided assistance in 115 irrigation system upgrades. The estimated amount of water conserved by this program is 2.1 million gallons annually. The EQC is committed to leadership in the community. Members pick up trash along Dunkirk Lane from County Road 6 to County Road 24 twice a year through the City’s Adopt-a-Street Program. This year the EQC also adopted and cleaned the storm drains along this stretch of roadway. Additionally, the EQC continued to participate in Plymouth’s annual Music in Plymouth and City Sampler. The EQC also held the City’s annual public hearing around the City’s storm sewer system (MS4) and reviewed staffs progress on activities like drop-off day and the completion of the City’s new surface water management plan (SWMP) and respective ordinance updates. Page 3 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020\10-14-2020\2021 Workplan Item\EQC DRAFT 2019 Report and 2020 plan.docx Listed below are the areas of concentration for the EQC and activities undertaken in 2019 to accomplish the EQC objectives: AREA OF CONCENTRATION ACTIVITY Familiarity with federal, state, regional, and local regulations 1. The EQC reviewed the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program. 2. The EQC review updates to the City of Plymouth Surface Water Management Plan. Review of environmentally related city policies and ordinances 1. The EQC participated in educational programs including Adopt-a- Street, Drop-Off Day and Music in Plymouth. 2. The EQC reviewed and approved the application for the 2019 Water Efficiency Grant Program through the Metropolitan Council. 3. The EQC reviewed changes to the Wetland and Shoreland Ordinances related to the approved SWMP. Recommended actions to the City Council 1. The EQC approved the 2018 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). 2. The EQC reviewed and made recommendations on changes to the City’s Wetland and Shoreland Ordinances related to the SWMP. Page 4 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020\10-14-2020\2021 Workplan Item\EQC DRAFT 2019 Report and 2020 plan.docx 2020 ANNUAL PLAN I. 2020 MEMBERSHIP Members Area Member Since Term Expires 1 Marita Prokop¹ Ward 1 12/08/2015 1/31/2022 2 Andy Polzin Ward 2 12/14/2010 1/31/2021 3 Joel Spoonheim Ward 3 01/08/2019 1/31/2020 4 Paul Senne Ward 4 11/09/2014 1/31/2021 5 Danielle Niedermaier At-Large 12/10/2019 1/31/2020 6 Clark Gregor² At-Large 12/12/2017 1/31/2021 7 Laura Babcock At-Large 01/08/2019 1/31/2021 8 Marky Williamson At-Large 12/08/2015 1/31/2020 The EQC encourages students to participate as non-voting guests. The committee will be supported by Councilmember Nick Roehl, and the City Engineer or designee. The Engineering Division will also provide support staff as committee’s recording secretary when necessary. II. 2020 ACTIVITIES In 2020 the EQC will continue to participate in community events and organizational activities that meet the objectives of the EQC Mission/Organization statement. These include: continued participation in Adopt a Street, staffing a booth at Music in Plymouth & City Sampler, advising on the water conservation program, holding a public hearing on the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit Reissuance and review of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved TMDL’s as they become available. Additionally, for the year 2020 the EQC has proposed to review and provide feedback on three primary topics. First, make recommendations on organics and textile collection and support the development of the City’s 2021 education and outreach program around the topic. Second, learn about the City’s current efforts around chloride reduction in street maintenance activities, review and provide recommendations on the City and W atershed education program around reduce salt usage, and support outreach to lake associations on the topic. Third, begin review of drop-off day and recycling program effectiveness and provide recommendations on future efficiency of these programs. A schedule of activities is provided on the following page. Page 5 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020\10-14-2020\2021 Workplan Item\EQC DRAFT 2019 Report and 2020 plan.docx 2020 EQC Schedule of Activities. Meetings will be held in the Medicine Lake Room and will start at 7:00 P.M., unless noted otherwise. Unless specifically noted, all meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. The following is an anticipated schedule of activities: Month Date Key Topics / Issues January 8 Review Chloride Management Practices Public Works Maintenance Facility Tour February 12 EQC Refresher, Orientation and Organization1 Open Meeting Law Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair Water Efficiency Rebate Program March 11 Review Existing Education Material on Chlorides Choose Adopt a Street Collection Days April 8 Continue Chloride Discussion* Review 2020 Drop-off Day Schedule SWPPP Public Information Meeting² May 13 Evaluate Drop-off Day 2020 Review Standard, Organic, & Textile Recycling June 10 Continue Review of Recycling Review Existing Education Material on Recycling July 8 August 12 September 9 Continue Chloride Discussion October 14 Begin Outreach to Lake Associations on Chlorides DRAFT 2020 Annual Report & 2021 Work Plan November 11 2020 Annual Report & 2021 Work Plan December 9 TBD OTHER ACTIVITIES: TMDL & MS4 Permit Review as Applicable Music in Plymouth, TBD, at the Hilde Amphitheater Special Collection Day 1. EQC Orientation – Orientation will familiarize the members of the EQC with City policies, practices, member responsibility, and the Annual Plan. 2. SWPPP Update – The EQC will review and comment on the City’s SWPPP including the required incorporation of TMDL goals if approved by EPA. * Discussion items will be on an as-needed basis Citizens Academy – Course Outline Week 1 Orientation September 17, 2020 Police Department Structure History of Policing On the first night of class Community Relations Officer and coordinator of the academy, Jim Long will welcome the participants. The orientation will include a review of the course syllabus and class schedule. Public Safety Director Mike Goldstein will explain the structure of the Public Safety Department. He will also provide a brief history of policing – a chronological explanation beginning with a review of the “pre-Peel era” which will lead into a detailed examination of today’s community policing initiatives. Class Presenters / Instructors: Community Relations Officer Jim Long and Public Safety Director, Chief Mike Goldstein Week 2 Patrol Operations September 24, 2020 The second night of instruction will focus on the Patrol Division. Students will be exposed to the Patrol Division’s structure, purpose, technological advances, operational tools, and the variety of circumstances that patrol officers face. The students will receive a detailed squad car tour. Class Instructors: Sgt. Heath Bird and Officer Krystal Beauchane Week 3 Tour of Department October 1, 2020 Narcotics This week’s class will have two options which will result in dividing the class in half for a more personalized tour: 5:30 – 6:30 Tour of Department OR 6:30 – 8:30 Narcotics Presentation 6:30 – 8:30 Narcotics Presentation 8:30 – 9:30 Tour of Department Two hours of this evening will be dedicated to the illegal use of narcotics. The supervisor of the North West Drug Task Force will address both the enforcement activities of the organization and the illegal drug trends in and around our community. During the hour-long tour you will see areas of the Public Safety Center such as the roll call room, booking area, jail, and the evidence room processing area. Class Instructor: Sgt. Drew Gilmore Tour Guide: Community Relations Officer Jim Long Week 4 Fire Service Division October 8, 2020 On the forth night of class, students will focus on the Plymouth Fire Department. This class will be held at Fire Station III (a map is enclosed). During this instruction, the fire department’s structure, purpose, recruitment efforts, call out procedures, apparatus, equipment, HazMat capabilities, and water rescue availability will be explained. A tour of the fire station will be included. Class Instructor: Deputy Fire Chief Dave Dreelan Week 5 Police Tactics October 15, 2020 Chief Mike Goldstein returns this evening to discuss the tactical aspects of law enforcement. In order to completely understand the workings of today’s police officer, students will explore the many considerations that police officers must make within the course of their duties. With the use of videos, students will be exposed to the “how” and “why” of modern day law enforcement. Class Instructor: Public Safety Director, Chief Mike Goldstein Week 6 Investigations October 22, 2020 Special Investigations The sixth night of class will focus on the Investigative Division. Class instructors will offer insight into the Investigative Division’s structure, purpose, and activities. Students will be exposed to how investigations are conducted – including adult and juvenile investigations, property crimes, and crimes against people. Prosecution considerations and procedures will also be discussed. Then, a presentation will be given by members of the Special Investigations Unit – a specialized unit which was developed to address specific crime issues. Class Instructors: Detectives Molly Lynch and Nick Benesch Sgt. Jon Hunt and Officer Hailey Ohl Week 7 Chaplain Corps November 5, 2020 K9 On this evening, a Police Chaplin will describe the difficult, yet vital role they play for both the department and the community. The evening continues with a presentation from K9 Romeo and his police officer partner. You’ll learn about the K9 Unit and how the K9s are trained. Then you’ll see Romeo in action, demonstrating his abilities and how he assists the department. Class Instructors: Police Chaplain Roy Beacham, Officer Quincy Grabau and K9 Romeo Week 8 Reserves November 12, 2020 Community Outreach Public Relations On the eighth night of the course, a member of the Plymouth Police Department’s Reserve Unit will present the helpful volunteer services they offer the department. The evening will continue with a discussion on our department’s community outreach efforts, public safety education and community interaction. The variety of programs and community affiliations that stem from our efforts in public safety education will also be introduced such as Crime Free Multi-Housing, Crime Prevention, our cable show, “Along for the Ride” and the alcohol and tobacco compliance programs. Class Instructors: Reserve Officer Emy Peasha, Sara Cwayna, Community Relations Officer Jim Long Week 9 Community Service Officer November 19, 2020 Mental Health Unit Traffic/DWI Process On this evening, our Community Service Officer Supervisor will talk about their role within the department and the types of calls they are dispatched to. You’ll hear about our Mental Health Unit, which serves as a very important resource to officers. Then you’ll hear from one of our traffic officers who will describe his duties along with an emphasis on DWIs from being pulled over for suspicion of drink driving to sobriety testing. Class Instructors: Community Service Officer Supervisor Lee Raskin, Detective Mike Passig, and Officer Anthony Elia Week 10 SWAT December 3, 2020 On the tenth class a sergeant in charge of the SWAT Unit will discuss and demonstrate how they assist the department. This includes seeing their vehicles, gear, weapons and they tools they use in critical situations. Class Instructor: Sgt. Chris Kuklok / Coronavirus - COVID -19 - response For the latest information on Coronavirus – COVID-19 in Lexington, visit the response page. Public notices Tra c updates LEXserv Lex TV LexCall 311 Home / Infrastructure and streets / Live Green Lexington / Citizens’ Environmental Academy Citizens’ Environmental Academy Program Description The Citizens’ Environmental Academy (CEA) is designed to inform and engage Fayette County residents in environmental issues related to the work of Lexington’s Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works. The hope is that participants will help EQPW connect with the community by sharing information they learn with their co-workers, family, friends and neighbors and providing feedback from their networks to EQPW. Topics covered include: waste management, urban forestry, stormwater, energy, transpor tation and wastewater. The program will culminate with par ticipants putting their knowledge to work by implementing projects related to the content of the academy and developed in partnership with city staff. Participants will pitch projects to their classmates during the November session. A limited number of projects will be selected by class vote. Each participant who remains in good standing will be given an allowance of up to $2,000 to contribute toward the project of their choice. Projects and budgets must be approved by the city. Participant Expectations Par ticipants in the Citizens’ Environmental Academy are expected to attend all sessions. The rst session is required. Participants missing more than one of the other sessions will lose their $2,000 funding and eligibility to graduate with the current class. In special circumstances, participants missing multiple sessions may be allowed to complete the program during a future academy. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live or work in Fayette County. The application period for the Citizens' Environmental Academy Class of 2021 has ended. 2020-2021 Class Schedule Session 1 for 2021 class, Sept. 19 (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Session 2, Oct. 10 (8:30 a.m. – noon) Session 3, Oct. 24 (8:30 a.m. – noon) Session 4, Nov. 7 (8:30 a.m. – noon) Session 5, Nov. 21 (8:30 a.m. – noon) Session 6, Dec. 12 (8:30 a.m. – noon) (via Zoom) Graduation for 2021 class/Session 1 for 2022 class, June 12, 2021 (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Contact Live Green 200 E. Main St. Lexington, KY Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Email us (859) 425-2807 Facebook Twitter Instagram Menu Feedback / Past CEA projects Class of 2020 (projects in progress): Stitch It, Don't Pitch It! Storm Drain Design Contest Wellington Park Community Streamside Improvements Class of 2019: Cane Run Greenway Installation Go See Trees Preston's Cave Springs Restoration Tree Care Videos Upcycle Bluegrass Class of 2018: Homeowner Outreach Packet Lexington Green Guide McConnell Springs Stormwater Remediation McConnell Springs Tree Crutch Pop-Up Streetscape Suggestions or problems with this page? Services Find a park Trash & recycling Open data Maps Employees Staff login Jobs Title VI Get in touch 200 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 425-2255 © 2020 Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Lexington KY, Horse Capital of the World Terms of use / Privacy / Accessibility ® Feedback