HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 07-07 City Council Meeting
AGENDA
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
MANAGER WORKSHOP
5:00 P.M. Monday, July 7, 2008
Council Chambers, City Hall
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update ? Review of Chapters on Introduction,
Community Profile, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Surface Water.
E. NEW BUSINESS
F. ADJOURNMENT
2030 Comprehensive Plan City of Maplewood
MEMORANDUM
To: Acting City Manager
From: Rose Lorsung and Michael Martin, MFRA
Subject: Comprehensive Plan
Date: July 1, 2008
INTRODUCTION
The City of Maplewood initiated the process to update its Comprehensive Plan in January 2008. Updating the City?s
Comprehensive Plan is mandated by the State of Minnesota and is due to the Metropolitan Council by the end of 2008.
A Comprehensive Plan is required to ensure compatibility with regional systems, which are administered by the
Metropolitan Council. A Public Hearing with the Planning Commission has tentatively been scheduled for August 19.
After the City Council approves the Draft Comprehensive Plan, it will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council and
adjacent communities for a six-month review. After the review, the City will address any concerns raised by the
Metropolitan Council and/or adjacent communities before the City Council officially adopts the plan.
The City?s land use consultant, McCombs, Frank, Roos, and Associates (MFRA), with coordination from City Staff, has
led this process along with the City?s other consultants, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH), Applied Ecological Services
(AES), and Kimley-Horn. The process started with conducting Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
(SWOT) and Visioning exercises with City Staff and the City?s boards and commissions. The major issues and concerns
addressed by this Comprehensive Plan update were framed by the results of the exercises. The Planning Commission
has been the main body in charge of overseeing this update process. Each of the City?s boards and commissions were
asked to review and make recommendations for the chapters that fell into each of the bodies? topic areas.
DISCUSSION
Beginning on July 7, each of the draft chapters are being introduced to and reviewed by the City Council. The following
draft chapters are being reviewed: Introduction, Community Profile, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Surface Water.
The rest of the chapters will be reviewed at a City Council workshop on July 28. The Introduction and Community Profile
chapters set the stage for why this plan is being produced and what the demographics of Maplewood are. The Land Use
chapter is adopting a simplified system of future land use classifications. Areas along Highways 61 and 36 have been
guided Commercial, a change from the current guide of Light Manufacturing. In addition, a new Future Land Use
category has been introduced. The Rural/Low Density Residential classification was created to protect areas within the
City that contain valuable and sensitive natural resources while also maintaining a rural flavor. This land use
classification is mainly being used is the southern most portion of the City. A large part of the Land Use plan consisted
of working with the Planning Commission and identifying areas within the City that were incorrectly guided by the last
plan or inconsistent with Zoning. This plan works to clean up those inconsistencies.
The Natural Resources chapter is placing emphasis on protecting and nurturing the City?s large amount of natural
resources. Within the chapter, greenways and local habitats areas have been established. The Surface Water chapter
is an executive summary of the larger Surface Water Management Plan.
2030 Comprehensive Plan City of Maplewood
Below is a list of the chapters to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. Identified below are chapter numbers and the
consultant or City Staff responsible.
? Introduction ?
Chapter 1 MFRA
? Community Profile
Chapter 2? MFRA
? Sustainability
Chapter 3? City Staff
? Housing
Chapter 4? MFRA
? Land Use
Chapter 5? MFRA
? Parks, Trails, and Open Space
Chapter 6? MFRA
? Natural Resources
Chapter 7 ? AES
? Transportation
Chapter 8 ? Kimley Horn
? Historical Resources
Chapter 9? MFRA
? Surface Water
Chapter 10? SEH
? Sanitary Sewer
Chapter 11? Kimley Horn
? Implementation
Chapter 12? ALL
The Historical Resources, Housing, and Sustainability chapters are still in the process of being drafted and will be sent
out as soon as they are ready.
RECOMMENDATION
Please review the draft chapters before the July 7 City Council workshop. Be prepared to share your thoughts and
comments on the draft Introduction, Community Profile, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Surface Water chapters. The
Final Draft Comprehensive Plan will incorporate the feedback received on Monday. If you have any questions about the
comprehensive planning process, please contact Tom Ekstrand, Senior Planner, at 651-249-2302 or
.
Introduction
The City of Maplewood has initiated an update of its Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Minnesota Statues
473.864, Subd. 2. The update of the City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan is an opportunity to review the
community?s established development related goals and policies to ensure continued orderly, managed growth
through the year 2030. The Comprehensive Plan update must also respond to the regional system statements
affecting the City outlined as part of the Metropolitan Council?s 2030 Regional Framework. Although the emphasis is
on land use, the Comprehensive Plan is comprised of several interrelated elements addressing the natural
environment, land use, transportation and community facilities and infrastructure.
To ensure the integration of these various components, the 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan identifies current
issues to be considered as part of the planning process and establishes broadly defined goals and policies of the
community in response to continued growth. A summary of Maplewood?s current demographic profile is provided in
the next chapter. The documents of the Maplewood Comprehensive Plan are to be used collectively by City officials,
residents and developers as a guide for the continued growth that is to occur in Maplewood to the year 2030.
Purpose
The purpose of the 2030 Maplewood Comprehensive Plan is to help the public and private sector in planning for
physical, social and economic development.
The 2030 Comprehensive Plan will:
Guide future growth and development in an orderly manner.
Define the proper functional relationships between different types of land uses.
Help to coordinate public and private sector decisions.
Encourage orderliness and economy in city government.
Provide for a sense of community and neighborhood identity.
Metropolitan Council
In 1967, the Minnesota Legislature created the Metropolitan Council to plan and coordinate the orderly development
of the seven-county metropolitan area. Minnesota law requires every municipality and county within the metropolitan
area to prepare and submit a comprehensive plan to the Metropolitan Council that addresses all required
components of the 2030 Regional Development Framework. The City?s plan must be consistent with the Metropolitan
Council?s system plans. To assist local governments in this effort, the Metropolitan Council issues a ?Systems
Statement? to each community that describes the specific areas that must be addressed as part of the local
comprehensive plan. The City of Maplewood received its revised Systems Statement September 12, 2005, and is
required to submit its 2030 Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan Council by the end of 2008.
The City?s 2030 Comprehensive Plan will focus on conformance with metropolitan plans for transportation, water
resources, wastewater services, housing, land use, regional parks and open space. The City?s plan will be reviewed
for consistency with Metropolitan Council policies and plans and compatibility with adjacent and affected government
units such as Ramsey and Washington counties, cities of Saint Paul, Roseville, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights,
White Bear Lake, North Saint Paul, Oakdale, and Newport, school districts, and watershed management
organizations. The City also will need to coordinate planning efforts with other government agencies such as the
Introduction1-1
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency.
The City of Maplewood is classified by the Metropolitan Council as a ?Developed? community (Figure 1.1).
Developed communities are generally 85 percent or more developed by the end of 2000, and contiguous to one
another. New developments should be 3 ? 5+ units per acre, with higher densities near transportation corridors. As
part of this planning process, Maplewood needs to plan for 20 years of growth and identify post-2030 growth areas.
Maplewood also needs to plan for a community-wide transportation system. The City needs to make connections
between transportation, transit, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and land uses.
Introduction1-2
Figure 1.1
Introduction1-3
Communities must plan to accommodate lifecycle and affordable housing. Lifecycle housing refers to the mix of
housing types that meet the housing demands of individuals and families throughout their lives, such as single family
detached, townhomes, condominiums, manufactured housing, apartments, and senior housing. Affordable housing
refers to housing that a low- to moderate income household can afford without spending more than 30 percent of its
household income. The Metropolitan Council?s definition of low to moderate income household is a household that
makes 80 percent of the Twin Cities metropolitan area median income for owner occupied housing and 60 percent of
the Twin Cities metropolitan area median income for rental housing. In 2000, the Twin Cities metropolitan area
median income was $54,304; therefore, 80 percent of the median income is $43,443, which translates into a
$201,800 owner-occupied home.
The Metropolitan Council prepared a report in 2006 that determines the affordable housing need in the region
between 2011 and 2020 based on household growth potential, ratio of low-wage jobs to low-wage works, current
provision of affordable housing, and transit service. Based on this methodology, the Metropolitan Council?s affordable
housing goal for Maplewood is for the city to accommodate another 388 affordable housing units between 2011 and
2020.
The Metropolitan Council will then review the City?s plan to make sure it conforms to all metropolitan system plans, is
consistent with requirements of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act and is compatible with the plans of adjacent
jurisdictions, including school districts.
About Maplewood
The City of Maplewood is located in the eastern portion of Ramsey County (Figure 1.2). Maplewood is about 19
square miles and is approximately 6 miles north of the Saint Paul Central Business District (CBD) and 15 miles from
the Minneapolis CBD. Maplewood is bordered on the south by the cities of Saint Paul and Newport. Saint Paul,
Roseville and Little Canada form Maplewood?s western border. Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake border
Maplewood to the north. Oakdale, North Saint Paul, and Woodbury are to the east of Maplewood.
The City of Maplewood also has several major roads within its borders. Interstate 694, 94, and 494 all run east-west
through the City, as does Minnesota Highway 36. Interstate 35E and Highway 61 provides north-south routes in
Maplewood. Also, White Bear Avenue and McKnight Road are significant transportation corridors in Maplewood.
Introduction1-4
Introduction1-5
History of Maplewood
The land in what is now Maplewood was originally under the control of the Sioux Indian nation. This land became
available to settles after 1837 when the United States government purchases all the Sioux lands east of the
Mississippi River. However, development was slow in the area. The 1849 Census of Little Canada and St. Anthony
(Minneapolis) reported: males, 352; females, 219.
The first recorded settler in Maplewood was Benjamin Gervais, who farmed and built a gristmill on Gervais Creek in
1844. So many other French Canadians followed him that, in 1858, when Minnesota became a state and the
townships were organized, the one north of St. Paul was called New Canada Township. This included parts of
Maplewood.
The settlers? farms, for which they had paid the government $2 an acre, were scattered along Maple Street (now
called County Road C), and near the old Indian Trail (now called Hazelwood Street). They built a log schoolhouse in
1850 at County Road C and White Bear Avenue, and they hired a teacher, Eliza La Boure.
However, the Sioux warned off four families who tried to fell trees and build cabins in 1850. The Sioux insisted the
land was still theirs. The settlers were not able to return until after the Battle Creek fight in 1853, when the Chippewa
drove the Sioux south to Newport.
Between 1850 and 1870, New Canada Township became settled with pioneers of French and German decent. In
1870, the industrial revolution came to New Canada Township when the St. Paul and Duluth railroad was built from
St. Paul to Duluth.
In 1887 the first real estate developers arrived; firm called Gladstone Land Company. They platted the Gladstone
area for dwellings and for commercial and industrial uses. At that time, two railroads ran through Gladstone; the
Wisconsin Central and the St. Paul and Duluth, which built its train repair shops there. The other industry was the St.
Paul Agricultural Works (a plow factory).
The township that was to be Maplewood got its distinctive shape in 1887. The part of McLeod Township lying north
of St. Paul and south of New Canada was divided between the two communities, with the new boundary at
Larpenteur Avenue. This left a mile-wide strip of McLeod Township (McKnight to Century) that was incorporated into
New Canada. Also, the residents of the northeast corner withdrew from the township to organize into the village of
North St. Paul. The first school was built in Maplewood in 1889 ? a two story, four-room brick building costing
$15,000. The first North St. Paul High School was built in 1902, four years later graduating a class of four.
In 1948 the school district west of Arcade Street and south of State Highway 36 became a part of Consolidated
School District 623 (Roseville). The rest of New Canada Township, North St. Paul and parts of Washington County
formed Consolidated School District 622 in 1952.
Change was in the air in the 1950s. Little Canada incorporated in 1953, leaving New Canada Township with 11,400
acres with 14,200 people ? too many to attend annual town meetings. Rapid growth had already led to the
appointment of a planning commission, adoption of a building code and the enlargement of the two-constable police
force.
The urbanization was creating pressing problems with sanitary sewer service. The township was making efforts to
connect to the St. Paul sewer system to get relief from the sewer problems. In 1955, 3M Company built its Central
Research Laboratory on 150 acres along what was Highway 12. This is the nucleus of its world-wide headquarters
that now cover 420 acres north of Interstate 94 and employs about 12,000 people. Additionally, a plan was afoot for
St. Paul to annex this area.
Introduction1-6
As a result of this threat, the residents voted to incorporate all of the unincorporated land in the Township of New
Canada into the village of Maplewood. The city is spread out over about 19 square miles to the north and east of St.
Paul. The action kept 3M property as part of its tax base, the village was eligible for a share of the state gasoline tax,
and the residents finally got their sewer services.
Waldo Luebben, a resident since the early 1930s, and Chair of the Township Board, automatically became
Maplewood?s first mayor in 1958. Gerald Berger, who became a member of the first elected council, first proposed
the village name and insignia.
Maplewood was originally incorporated under Minnesota?s Plan A of government, with the council responsible for
administrative as well as legislative functions. In 1968, the residents adopted the present Plan B form of government,
the council-manager system, by a referendum.
Planning Process
Initial work sessions were held with the City Council and Planning Commission in January 2008 to develop a work
program and schedule for the Maplewood Comprehensive Plan update. The City Council designated the Planning
Commission as the steering committee with responsibility for guiding the process for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
update and making recommendations as to the related goals, policies and plans to be established. The effectiveness
of a comprehensive plan as a development and redevelopment tool is greatest when the community sets the agenda
for development of the document.
At the beginning of the planning process a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) exercise
was conducted with the City?s boards and commissions as well as City Staff. This information was compiled and
utilized in shaping the major issues for this comprehensive planning process and developing the goals and objectives
within this plan.
As the City Council and Planning Commission continued on with the Comprehensive Plan update, additional public
meetings were held to ?check? the course of the work done to date. An April 2008 community open house held at
Carver Elementary School was the first presentation of proposed new land use designations and the 2030 Future
Land Use Plan. These plans were refined based on feedback from the community open house and a second
community open house was held in May 2008.
The purpose of the second community open house was to again present information regarding the draft plan update
in advance of a formal public hearing held in July 2008 prior to distribution of the draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan
update for agency review and subsequent submission to Metropolitan Council. The City received notice of
Metropolitan Council approval on ____________ and on _____________ the City Council formally adopted the 2030
Comprehensive Plan update. The City Council and Planning Commission emphasized that the availability and
distribution of information throughout the planning process would be critical to encourage a high level of public
participation and input. To this end, the City Staff created and maintained a page on the City website that was
updated by City staff with information regarding the process, draft text and maps, and meeting/open house
schedules.
To increase awareness of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update project, the City direct mailed post cards with
information regarding the community open house meetings. Finally, the City used required legal postings for meeting
dates and times and the Messages page of the Official City Newspaper to release information regarding the
Comprehensive Plan update.
Introduction1-7
City-wide Goals
Maplewood has developed a set of city-wide goals. They are the basis for the city?s planning and development
efforts. The goals are:
The city will positively identify itself as a community that includes and respects
Human Rights Goal:
all individuals and groups within it. There should not be limitations or discrimination based on religion,
age, income, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background or political belief. The city will protect each
citizen?s rights and encourage them to exercise their responsibilities as citizens.
The decisions and actions of city government should consider the needs
Citizen Involvement Goal:
and desires of its citizens. The city will provide a wide range of opportunities for citizen participation
and community involvement in local decisions.
The city will encourage and promote communication with the public to
Communication Goals:
achieve a high level of citizen participation and community involvement.
The city will use a rational and democratic system to help the citizens,
City Implementation Goal:
council and management decide about the use of resources. These decisions should help the city
achieve its goals.
In order to accomplish the goals listed above, the city has developed the following additional goals:
The city will encourage or provide opportunities for cultural and
Cultural-Leisure Activity Goal:
leisure activities for all citizens.
The city will provide a supportive climate for business consistent with orderly
Economic Goal:
development and planning.
The City will provide and develop highly-motivated, professional, experienced,
Employee Goal:
productive and well-trained employees with high morale and with a stake in the city?s future.
The city will finance its activities so that they foster the city?s growth, improve the
Finance Goal:
citizen?s lives and assure the city?s financial stability.
TEXT NEEDED
Health and Welfare Goal:
The city will encourage a variety of housing which provides for a choice of type,
Housing Goal:
location, price and ownership versus renting. Housing should be safe, sanitary, secure, comfortable,
free from blight, with access to public streets, utilities, schools and parks.
The city will actively participate in finding solutions to metropolitan problems that
Metropolitan Goal:
affect the city or its citizens.
The city will provide and maintain comprehensive, high-
Public Services and Infrastructure Goal:
quality and cost-effective public services. The city will provide these services in a fair and democratic
way.
The city will provide an environment to enjoy life in peace and freedom
Safety and Social Order Goal:
from criminal acts and preventable disasters.
Introduction1-8
The city will preserve, protect, conserve and use wisely its
Significant Natural Features Goal:
significant natural features.
The city will have a transportation system that is safe, efficient, minimizes
Transportation Goal:
disruption, promotes better land development, improves the aesthetic appearance of the city and
reduces air pollution. This system should provide transportation opportunities for citizens without cars.
The city will strive to improve the appearance of the city, maintain compatible
Urban Design Goal:
land uses, and encourage a sensitive integration among activities, man-made facilities and the natural
environment.
These are the city?s overall goals. There also are specific goals and objectives in each of the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan?s chapters.
Introduction1-9
Community Profile
The purpose of the community profile chapter of the 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan is to document the current
demographic conditions and trends to aid in the identification of issues to be addressed as part of the planning
process.
Demographics
The demographic information was collected by using information from the 2002 Comprehensive Plan, Metropolitan
Council forecasts and 2000 Census data. Information is gathered and displayed in a number of tables.
Table 2.1 shows historical Census population of the City. The table also contains Metropolitan Council population
forecasts made in April 2006 for 2010, 2020 and 2030. Table 2.2 shows the age breakdown of the City?s and
County?s population.
Table 2.1
Population History and Forecasts
ActualEstimateForecasts
19701980199020002006201020202030
25,18626,99030,95435,25836,39737,50038,10039,300
Maplewood
x7.16% 14.69% 13.90% 3.23% 3.03% 1.60% 3.15%
Change
476,255459,784485,765511,035515,059547,700570,860598,900
Ramsey Co.
x-3.46% 5.65% 5.20% 0.79% 6.34% 4.23% 4.91%
Change
Source: U.S. Census, 2000; * Metropolitan Council forecast estimates, April 1, 2006
Maplewood?s population grew by 4,304 persons during the 1990s. Historically, the City has outpaced the County
percentage. It is forecasted that that an additional 2,903 people will move into Maplewood between 2006 and 2030.
Table 2.2
Age of Population, 2000
0-45-1213-1718-2425-34 35-4445-5455-5960-6465-7475 + Total
2,2624,1082,2932,6034,5155,9754,8841,8071,2152,6622,61834,942
Maplewood
6.5% 11.8% 6.6% 7.4% 12.9% 17.1% 14.0% 5.2% 3.5% 7.6% 7.5% 100%
35,02159,80435,80457,19276,97681,54767,26621,41216,46129,06330,489511,035
Ramsey Co.
6.9% 11.7% 7.0% 11.2% 15.1% 16.0% 13.2% 4.2% 3.2% 5.7% 6.0% 100%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
Community Profile 2-1
About 60 percent of Maplewood?s population is between the ages of 18 and 64. People ages 0 through 17 make up
about 25 percent of the population. Seniors, ages 65 and older make up 15 percent of Maplewood. The age
distribution in Maplewood is relatively similar to the distribution to the rest of Ramsey County.
Table 2.3 outlines the historical household growth of the City and the county and like Table 2.1, includes a 2006
estimate and forecasts for 2010, 2020, 2030 as determined by the Metropolitan Council.
Table 2.3
Household History and Forecasts
ActualEstimateForecasts
19701980199020002006201020202030
6,4598,80611,49613,75814,64315,60016,50017,500
Maplewood
x36.34% 30.55% 19.68% 6.43% 6.54% 5.77% 6.06%
Change
-170,505190,500201,236206,149219,170231,670246,290
Ramsey Co.
xx11.73% 5.64% 2.44% 6.32% 5.70% 6.31%
Change
Source: Metropolitan Council
Each new household added to a City requires an additional housing unit and results in increasing residential land
uses. Historically, Maplewood has had a faster household growth rate than Ramsey County. Maplewood is
forecasted to increase its amount of households at a similar rate as the County.
Table 2.4 displays the racial makeup of Maplewood and Ramsey County. The City is predominately white with 88
percent of the population identifying themselves as white.
Table 2.4
Race
MaplewoodRamsey County
RaceNumberPercentNumberPercent
White30,89988.4% 395,74077.4%
Asian1,3583.9% 44,0308.6%
Two or more races 1,0913.1% 16,5323.2%
Black or African American 9922.8% 37,4147.3%
Some other race 3851.1% 12,4682.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2170.6% 4,5810.9%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 00.0% 2700.1%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
Community Profile 2-2
In addition to the age of persons in the City, the educational attainment level also influences the community. Table
2.5 shows the educational attainment levels in Maplewood. This information contributes to the local economy,
influences economic development and also suggests potential demands of current residents. About 32 percent of the
population has only a high school diploma. Nearly 25 percent of the population went on after high school and
attended some college. Another 17 percent, after high school, completed a bachelor?s degree.
Table 2.5
Education Attainment
MaplewoodRamsey County
Population 25 years and over Population PercentPopulation Percent
Less than 9th grade 8243.5% 16,5315.1%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma 1,5296.5% 23,4837.3%
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 7,57632.0% 81,76325.3%
Some college, no degree 5,99625.3% 70,05421.7%
Associate degree 1,7017.2% 20,4116.3%
Bachelor's degree 4,08817.3% 70,53721.8%
Graduate or professional degree 1,9628.3% 40,43512.5%
Total23,676100%323,214100%
Percent high school graduate or higher x90.1% x87.6%
Percent bachelor's degree or higher x25.6% x34.3%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
Economic Overview
The economic health of a community plays a critical role to encourage and maintain a high standard of living and how
desirable it is to live for existing residents but even more importantly for attracting new residents. The City has
experienced continued employment growth which is forecasted to continue. The following information and tables
identifies current employment trends and other applicable factors.
Community Profile 2-3
Employee and Employers
Table 2.6 illustrates historical and forecasted employment figures for Maplewood. The City can expect its
employment numbers to grow incrementally through 2030.
Table 2.6
Employment Numbers
2000201020202030
29,25936,60041,00044,500
Maplewood
x25.1% 12.0% 8.5%
Change
333,305372,030404,380429,440
Ramsey
x11.6% 8.7% 6.2%
Change
Source: Metropolitan Council
Community Profile 2-4
There are several major employers with in the community as shown in Table 2.7.
Table 2.7
Major Employers, 2006
EmployerProducts/Services TotalEmployees
3M Company Diversified Production 11,960
Health East General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 950
Macy'sDepartmentStores450
Maplewood School District Education400
Sears Roebuck Department Stores 350
Cub Foods East Grocery Stores 250
Cub Foods West Grocery Stores 250
Volunteers of America Community Care Facilities 190
Home Depot Building Materials 185
Menard'sBuildingMaterials180
Kohl'sDepartment Stores 160
Health Partners Offices of Physicians 150
Rainbow Foods Grocery Stores 130
Hermanson Dental Service Medical Equipment and Supplies 125
Source: State of Minnesota, 2006
Community Profile 2-5
In 2000 the amount of population over age 16 in Maplewood was 27,298, and of that population 18,925 were in the
civilian labor force. Of the 18,925 people in the civilian labor force, over the age of 16, 18,354 were employed.
Approximately 97 percent of the civilian labor force population was employed and approximately 67 percent of the
population over 16 years of age was employed in 2000. Table 2.8 demonstrates the number of employees per
industry. The industries that most heavily employ Maplewood residents include education, health and social services
(17.9%), manufacturing (16.3%), and retail trade (12%).
Table 2.8
Number of Employees by Industry, 2000
Number of
IndustryEmployeesPercentage
Educational, health and social services: 3,28617.9%
Manufacturing2,99516.3%
Retail trade 2,19612.0%
Finance, insurance, real estate and rental and leasing: 1,5908.7%
Professional, scientific, management, administrative,
and waste management services: 1,5458.4%
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services: 1,1906.5%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities: 1,1376.2%
Public administration 1,1176.1%
Construction1,0775.9%
Other services (except public administration) 9865.4%
Information6003.3%
Wholesale trade 5973.3%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining: 380.2%
Total Employed Citizens over 16 18,354100%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
Community Profile 2-6
Many of Maplewood?s residents find their employment outside of the City, resulting in considerable commuting time.
Table 2.9 identifies the mode of transportation that employees use to access their jobs.
Table 2.9
Mode of Transportation
Number of
Means of Transportation WorkersPercent
Car, truck, or van - drove alone 14,77181.7%
Car, truck, or van - carpooled 2,04811.3%
Public transportation 5523.1%
Worked at home 4742.6%
Walked1450.8%
Other means 670.4%
Motorcycle 140.1%
Bicycle00.0%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
The majority of residents travel to work alone and access employment by car, truck or van. However, more than 11
percent of residents carpool to work, 3.1 percent took public transportation and 2.6 percent work from home.
Community Profile 2-7
Of the 18,354 employees in Maplewood, 17,597 did not work at home. Table 2.10 demonstrates the travel time to
work for each of those workers.
Table 2.10
Commute Time
Travel Time to Work Number of Workers Percent
Did not work at home: 17,597100.0%
Less than 5 minutes 3452.0%
5 to 9 minutes 1,4298.1%
10 to 14 minutes 2,99617.0%
15 to 19 minutes 3,23018.4%
20 to 24 minutes 3,79021.5%
25 to 29 minutes 1,4818.4%
30 to 34 minutes 2,05611.7%
35 to 39 minutes 4932.8%
40 to 44 minutes 4632.6%
45 to 59 minutes 6643.8%
60 to 89 minutes 3802.2%
90 or more minutes 2701.5%
Mean travel time to work (minutes) 22.6 minutes
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
On average, commuters spend nearly 23 minutes commuting to their place of employment. However 54 percent drive
more than 20 minutes and 24 percent drive more than 30 minutes.
Community Profile 2-8
Household Income
The following tables describe the income levels of households in Maplewood. As shown in Table 2.11, 19.6 percent
of households in Maplewood make less than $25,000 a year, 38.5 percent make between $25,000 and $60,000, and
41.8 percent make more than $60,000 a year.
Table 2.11
Median Income
Income Households Percentage
Less than $10,000 6214.5%
$10,000 to $14,999 6364.6%
$15,000 to $19,999 6824.9%
$20,000 to $24,999 7685.6%
$25,000 to $29,999 7245.2%
$30,000 to $34,999 7485.4%
$35,000 to $39,999 8656.3%
$40,000 to $44,999 7565.5%
$45,000 to $49,999 7585.5%
$50,000 to $59,999 1,45610.6%
$60,000 to $74,999 2,00614.5%
$75,000 to $99,999 1,87913.6%
$100,000 to $124,999 9156.6%
$125,000 to $149,999 4163.0%
$150,000 to $199,999 3632.6%
$200,000 or more 2011.5%
Total:13,794100%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
Community Profile 2-9
As demonstrated in Table 2.12, the median household income in Maplewood is $51,596 which is 112.8 percent of the
Ramsey County median, 95 percent of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area median, and 109.5 percent of the state
median.
Table 2.12
City, County, Metro, and State Median Income
IncomeMaplewoodRamseyCo.%of County Twin Cities % of TC State of MN % of MN
Median Income $51,596 $45,722112.8% $54,30495.0% $47,111109.5%
Source: U.S. Census, 2000
Land Use and Growth Management
The purpose of the land use inventory is to identify existing development in the City. From this inventory, and the
other background information that is compiled, the City can analyze areas of potential development or
redevelopment. The inventory also can help the City classify areas, revealing development patterns, densities, and
trends that can provide direction for future development and redevelopment.
Community Profile 2-10
Existing Land Use
The current acreage of the City is approximately 11,563 acres. The majority of the City has already been developed.
Table 2.13 and Figure 2.1 identify the current land uses within the City and the percentage of the overall land which
is dedicated to that specific use. This data is provided by the Metropolitan Council, which also defines the land use
categories.
Table 2.13
Existing Land Use, 2005
Land Use AcresPercentage
Single-Family Residential4,41638%
Parks and Recreation 2,10618%
Undeveloped1,0769%
Commercial7907%
Institutional7076%
Multi-Family Residential5425%
Industrial5295%
Open Water Bodies 4584%
Major 4-Lane Highway 4564%
Wetlands3043%
Agricultural1521%
Steep Slopes 270%
Total
11,563100%
Source: Metropolitan Council
Figure 2.1 shows existing land use. Single-Family Residential is the largest land use in Maplewood at 38 percent.
Parks and Recreation make up the second largest land use in the City, with 18 percent. Nine percent of the City is
undeveloped and 1 percent is dedicated to Agriculture uses.
Community Profile 2-11
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Zoning Districts
Maplewood?s current zoning ordinance establishes 14 zoning districts. The districts are discussed below under
general categories.
Rural
The City?s one rural district is the Farm Residence District (F). Permitted uses in this district include any uses
permitted in the R-1 District (discussed below), commercial farming or gardening, commercial greenhouses, and
stands for the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises.
Residential
The City has five different residential zoning districts. The Residence District (R-1) is intended for single-family
homes. The Residence Estate District (R-E) is intended to protect and enhance the character of single-family
neighborhoods, where lots are generally larger than required in R-1. The Small-Lot Single Dwelling District (R-1S) is
for single-family homes on smaller lots. The Residence (Double Dwelling) District (R-2) is intended to allow for
double dwellings and any permitted use in the R-1 District. The Residence District (Multiple Dwelling) (R-3) is
intended for apartments, double dwellings and any allowable use in the R-1 District, except for single-family homes.
Within the R-3 District there are three subdivisions. Two of the subdivisions deal with buildings that have three to 17
units, and one for 17 or more units.
Commercial
The Neighborhood Commercial District (NC) is intended to preserve land for the use of businesses that are
compatible with adjacent residential land uses. The Commercial Office District (CO) is intended to provide areas for
the development of professional and administrative offices, related uses together with supportive, low-intensity
commercial uses in locations in close proximity to residential areas where such uses can conveniently serve the
public. The Business Commercial District (BC) is intended for general commercial use. The Limited Business
Commercial District (LBC) is intended for professional offices and day cares. The Commercial District (Modified)
(BC(M)) is intended to provide for the orderly transition between more intensive commercial uses and low or medium
density residential areas. The Shopping Center District (SC) is intended to provide an area for larger retail uses.
Industrial
The Light Manufacturing District (M-1) is intended for any permitted use in the BC District, wholesale business
establishments and light industrial uses. The Heavy Manufacturing District (M-2) is intended for heavier industrial
uses.
Natural Resources
The City has an abundance of natural resources within its border. The City has several notable lakes partially or
wholly located within the City. The southern portion of the City has valuable natural resources and part of Applied
Ecological Services? work with the City will be to conduct a natural resources inventory for the City which will be used
in the formulation of the land use plan for this Comprehensive Plan.
Community Profile 2-13
Community Facilities
The City provides 35 parks that vary in function and size. The City has roughly 268 acres in neighborhood
preserves. The Maplewood Nature Center boasts one and a half miles of scenic trails winding through ideal habitats
for wildflowers and birding watching. The Center also has a 620-foot floating boardwalk and observation decks that
give visitors close views of waterfowl, muskrats, turtles, and aquatic vegetation. The Maplewood Community Center
provides the community with a place to swim indoors, and other fitness opportunities. The Community Center also
has space to rent for meetings and parties.
In addition to the City?s recreational and open space amenities the City has full-service police and fire departments.
The police department has 67 full-time dedicated employees who are available to provide professional community-
oriented police services 24 hours a day. Maplewood?s fire department is a combination of paid-per-call and full-time
department employees. There are 80 paid-per-call firefighters that respond from their homes to answer
approximately 3,200 medical, fire and rescue calls per year. There are five stations with an average of 16 firefighters
per station. There are also 12 full-time firefighters.
Ramsey County Library operates a branch in Maplewood at 3025 Southlawn Drive. There are three public
elementary schools in the City, in addition to two public middle schools. The Harmony Learning Center is located in
Maplewood which provides a variety of programs for people of all ages - from teen parents to adults learning English
as a second language. Gladstone Community Center and the Beaver Lake School in Maplewood provide early
childhood education opportunities. Maplewood also has six private schools that serve students from pre-
kindergarten through high school.
Water Supply
Most of the City of Maplewood is part of and customers of the Saint Paul Regional Water System (SPRWS). The
main treatment and processing plant for the SPRWS is in Maplewood near Rice Street and Sylvan, between
Larpenteur and Roselawn avenues.
There are small parts of the south end of the City that get water from Woodbury and the northeast corner of the city
(east of Ariel Street) gets water from the North Saint Paul system. There are a few homes on private well systems, as
well as dual systems.
Sanitary Sewer
The City of Maplewood adopted an updated Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan Update in the spring of 2003. The
updated plan was prepared to address some inconsistencies in the City?s previous 2000 update and to consider
anticipated future development and redevelopment in the City. The update was also required as a result of the
Alternative Urban Areawide Review that was completed for the Legacy Village at Maplewood development. This
plan will be used by reference throughout the entire Comprehensive Plan.
Community Profile 2-14
Figure 2-2
Community Profile2-15
Surface Water
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. will be completing the surface water section of the Comprehensive Plan, per
Metropolitan Council mandate. Major issues affecting the 2030 plan includes reducing the amount of phosphorous
running into the City?s water bodies.
Transportation
The transportation network in Maplewood is almost fully developed. Challenges the City will be facing is planning for
possible MnDOT expansions to freeways, supporting the development of additional trails and increasing the use and
opportunities for transit. Kimley-Horn will be updating the City?s transportation plan for the Comprehensive Plan.
Community Profile 2-16
Land Use Plan
The City of Maplewood?s land use plan plays a key role in guiding development and redevelopment in Maplewood.
The future land use plan identifies the location and intensity of future development and redevelopment within the City,
and establishes a framework in which future development will occur. This plan is intended to guide redevelopment of
the existing developed or urbanized area of the City as well as future development and growth to achieve the
community?s objectives for balanced and efficient growth and protection of natural resources.
The City is unique among it suburban counterparts in the Twin Cities in that it is almost fully developed. There are
still areas of undeveloped land throughout the City but the majority of growth opportunities will come through
redevelopment. It is this blend of old and new opportunities in both the mature and developing areas of the
community that will shape the Future Land Use (FLU) plan and guide areas for continued residential and
commercial/industrial growth, shaping the future of Maplewood.
The City also has an abundant amount of natural resources that it desires to protect and preserve to maintain and
enhance the rural character of the City. This Land Use chapter combined with the Natural Resources and Park, Trails
and Open Space chapters define ways to allow for development and growth to continue but intelligent ways to
preserve these important resources.
It is anticipated that there will be opportunities for development and redevelopment within the MN Highway 36 and
U.S. Highway 61 corridors. Within the 2030 planning time frame, the majority of this growth will be commercial
mainly within the two highway corridors. The southern portion of the City remains largely undeveloped and has been
designated for future residential growth. This area will either remain undeveloped or at low, rural densities. All future
projections discussed within the chapter are based on ?net? calculations allowing for wetlands to be protected from
development and not included in potential development scenarios.
During its planning process, the City focused its efforts on planning for future growth and development staging in a
contiguous and well timed sequence for 2030, while maintaining important natural resource areas. Preservation of
these valuable areas is further accomplished by increasing density and development potential within the existing
residential areas in the City. Several mixed use designation in the City will provide for a variety of uses at a higher
density. This land use designation provides for additional opportunity to accommodate forecasted growth, including
potential affordable housing, while managing the extension of new growth.
Purpose
The Land Use plan interrelated with all the elements, goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose
of the Land Use plan is to designate the type, location and density of land uses in the city. In doing this, the City
considered the following items:
Community goals and objectives.
Natural resources.
Supportive elements, such as transportation drainage systems and utilities.
Existing and future problems.
Coordination with surrounding communities and metropolitan facilities.
Land Use Plan 5-1
Goals and Objectives
The City of Maplewood developed land use goals and objectives. The goals and objectives are the foundation of the
plan, as they define what the community should look like in the future. The City?s future land use plan is based on
these goals and objectives. Further discussion in the chapter will address how certain future land use decisions,
types of land uses, and styles of development will achieve these goals and objectives.
The goals and objectives are organized according to topic area, and are listed below.
Community, Residential and Neighborhood Goals
Create a unified vision and future for the City, promote a well-planned community, prevent development and
Goal 1:
redevelopment from fragmenting neighborhoods, and address the impacts of development and redevelopment on
natural aesthetics and view corridors.
Objectives:
1.Ensure the comprehensive plan is kept current and provides a rationale for all land use decisions with city-
wide implications.
2.Work closely with neighboring communities to ensure the development of an integrated plan that is
consistent with the Metropolitan Council?s requirements and compatible with adjacent jurisdictions.
3.Transitions between distinctly differing types of land uses should not create a negative economic, social or
physical impact on adjoining developments.
4.Whenever possible, changes in types of land use should occur so that similar uses front on the same street
or at borders of areas separated by major man-made or natural barriers.
Ensure that City zoning and subdivision ordinances and official maps are consistent with the intent and
Goal 2:
specific direction provided within the land-use plan.
Objectives:
1.Provide a clear and concise guide so that developers and builders meet the standards specified within the
land-use plan and official controls, including zoning and subdivision ordinances and official maps.
2.Identify and streamline the current permitting and development processes needed to facilitate the type of
development and redevelopment desired.
3.Strive for compatibility of adjacent land uses.
4.Create a staging plan for future development, namely in south Maplewood.
5.Update the City?s zoning map to be consistent with the adopted City?s future land use map.
Improve availability of affordable and life-cycle housing.
Goal 3:
Objectives:
1.Identify innovative strategies for providing more and affordable life cycle housing.
Land Use Plan 5-2
2.Include a variety of housing types in the City, which includes meeting the Metropolitan Council?s goals for
affordable housing through the use of apartments, townhouses, manufactured housing, single family
housing, public-assisted housing, low- and moderate-income housing, and rental and owner-occupied
housing.
3.Use redevelopment tools to revitalize aging residential properties, made possible by various federal, state,
local government, and non-profit programs.
4.Provide expanded opportunities for housing ownership made available by various federal, state, local
government and non-profit agencies.
5.Streamline permitting and development processes to ease the rehabilitation or improvement of existing
homes and reduce unwarranted cost impacts on the price of entry-level homes.
6.Provide for and designate appropriate areas for high-density and mixed-use development.
Establish neighborhood identity through subdivision design, preservation of significant natural resources,
Goal 4:
public improvements and parks.
Objectives:
1.Create distinct, identifiable neighborhoods with neighborhood focal points where practical.
2.Support the quality of residential development and redevelopment throughout the City by using education,
design review and code enforcement.
3.Require and maintain buffering and visual separation between differing land uses, when possible.
4.Support neighborhood groups interested in neighborhood design.
5.Provide appropriate locations for neighborhood business nodes that provide goods/services for the
surrounding area.
6.Encourage developers to identify and protect existing natural resources.
Maintain Maplewood as a separate and distinct City from the larger metropolitan area.
Goal 5:
Objectives:
1.Create, strengthen and maintain the appearance of the City?s gateways and key transportation corridors
through streetscapes, design standards, trails, lighting, signage and other tools.
2.Create new, interesting, quality designed neighborhoods that relate to their natural settings and
surroundings, protect natural resources, provide central parks and open spaces and are interconnected by
trails to neighborhoods and community destinations.
3.Coordinate roads, water, sewer and storm drainage systems.
4.Require that new development and redevelopment pay for its share of parks, trails and infrastructure
improvements.
5.Maintain high-quality public facilities to meet existing City needs and for new development areas.
Land Use Plan 5-3
6.Phase the installation of public infrastructure improvements to minimize the City?s financial risk while
accommodating development and redevelopment.
Encourage innovative concepts in either new development or redevelopment areas that provide access to a
Goal 6:
variety of transportation systems, link life-cycle housing to employment and shopping opportunities, and protect
natural resources and open space.
Objectives:
1.Support the use of planned unit development for sites with development challenges including significant
natural features to allow for creative design and site preservation.
2.Support multifamily residential development in locations accessible to public transportation and community
services and facilities.
3.Encourage more intense development and redevelopment along existing transit corridors.
Coordinate land use planning with transportation.
Goal 7:
Objectives:
1.Analyze the traffic generation characteristics of proposed land uses to avoid exceeding the capacity of local,
county, and regional roadways.
2.Consider the impacts to neighborhoods, especially to residential land uses, when planning new or upgrading
existing roadways.
3.Plan for alternative modes of transportation.
Maintain and upgrade environmental quality and, where needed, reclassify land uses.
Goal 8:
Objectives:
1.Require all new development and redevelopment to meet state and federal laws, including Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regulations, unless a variance is obtained from the regulating agency.
2.Use best management practices to reduce non-point source pollution in stormwater
3.Carefully regulate development and redevelopment that is near to or alters natural drainage systems.
4.Use Ramsey County?s Soil Survey to identify possible areas with soils not suitable for building sites.
5.Coordinate with Watershed Districts in the review of development and redevelopment requests.
6.Encourage the use of rain gardens in residential areas.
7.Utilize best management practices to protect and enhance natural resources during development and
redevelopment.
Land Use Plan 5-4
Economic Development and Commercial Goals
Promote efficient, planned commercial and industrial expansion within the City.
Goal 9:
Objectives:
1.Identify key commercial and industrial development opportunities within the City?s planned growth areas in
locations with access to major transportation systems and to the public infrastructure systems.
2.Encourage compact commercial development that will make efficient use of infrastructure and resources.
3.Promote the rehabilitation and redevelopment of existing commercial facilities by continuing to pursue and
use financial programs and assistance.
4.Encourage the continued success of the City?s major regional commercial center that includes various types
of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues for both adults and children.
5.Review and clearly define design standards to promote the consistent application and timely approvals for
commercial and industrial development.
6.Encourage the use of ?Green? building techniques in new land development and construction.
Promote Maplewood?s location within the metropolitan region as an advantage in doing business.
Goal 10:
Objectives:
1.Work to actively market Maplewood as a great place to live and work.
2.Collaborate with business support organizations to serve the needs of current and future businesses.
3.Use available financial incentives (i.e TIF/tax abatements/grants, etc.) to attract businesses to relocate or
start up in Maplewood or to help existing businesses to expand their operations in the City.
Expand and diversify the City?s tax base by encouraging the development of high-quality and attractive
Goal 11:
commercial businesses.
Objectives:
1.Encourage developers and builders to take advantage of opportunities provided by mixed-use and nodal
development design standards especially within designated redevelopment areas.
2.Establish guidelines for the inclusion of green spaces, paths, sidewalks and other people-oriented amenities
in commercial areas and throughout the City.
3.Ensure commercial development is dispersed appropriately throughout the community and in designated
commercial development areas.
4.Integrate those retail and service commercial activities that serve the neighborhood.
5.Discourage the removal of land from the tax rolls unless it is in the public interest.
Land Use Plan 5-5
Encourage attractive commercial and industrial development while limiting its impacts on surrounding uses.
Goal 12:
Objectives:
1.Require adequate off-street parking and loading facilities, while also promoting the use of sharing such
facilities between neighboring parcels.
2.Require adequate screening or buffering of new or expanded commercial areas from any adjacent existing
or planned residential development.
3.Avoid disruption of adjacent or nearby residential uses by commercial or industrial land uses.
4.Develop walkable neighborhoods with commercial nodes and amenities for residents.
5.Encourage businesses to incorporate green spaces at their campuses.
Existing Land Use
Maplewood?s existing land use contains a variety of uses including mature single family and multifamily residential
areas, commercial and industrial uses in close proximity to Highways 36 and 61, new suburban style residential in
the southern portion of the City, lake lots, rural residential areas. Many lakes and wetland features are present in the
City.
The City?s existing land use is defined by the following categories and locations displayed on following Figure 5.1,
Existing Land Use. This figure displays the actual use of the land at the time of preparation of the map.
Land Use Plan 5-6
Generalized Land Use Definitions
Below are the generalized land use definitions as described by the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council
established existing generalized land use for the entire seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Rural Residential: Residential purposes, including mostly one-family homes. May include some two-family homes,
and land used for agricultural purposes. The Rural Residential designation comprises areas that are difficult to serve
with municipal wastewater treatment systems and that will be so in the foreseeable future. This area includes the
southern portion of the City. Rural residential areas lends itself well to conservation practices as they start to
redeveloped with intensified density.
Single Family Residential: Residential purposes, including mostly one-family homes. May include some two-family
homes, and open space within or adjacent to or related to a residential development. This designation is the most
prominent in the city.
Multi-Family/Townhome Residential: Residential purposes, including duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, apartment
buildings, mobile home parks and condominiums. May include open space within or adjacent to or related to a
residential development. This designation is applied to older apartment communities and to newer townhome
developments mainly located south of Interstate 694.
Commercial: This category provides for general retail, service and office uses that serve the whole community. It may
also include office (predominately administrative, professional, or clerical services).
Industrial: This category allows primarily manufacturing and/or processing of products; could include light or heavy
industrial land use, or large warehouse facilities.
Institutional: This category includes lands owned by the government for public use such as schools, library, city hall
or fire stations and semi-public institutions such as churches and cemeteries.
Park and Recreation: Primarily for public active recreation activities improved with playfields/ground or exercise
equipment, or other similar areas and passive open space park amenities. Typical uses include tot lots,
neighborhood parks, community parks, ball fields, public golf courses, public gardens, greenways and trail corridors,
beaches, and community centers.
Undeveloped: Undeveloped areas that do not serve a commercial, industrial, institutional, or residential purpose.
Agricultural: Vacant lands are used for agricultural purposes.
Land Use Plan 5-8
Steep SlopesSteep slopes that are greater than 18 percent.
:
Open Water: Permanently flooded open water, rivers and streams, not including wetlands or periodically flooded
areas.
Right-of-Way: Public or private vehicular, transit, and/or pedestrian rights-of-way.
The current acreage of the City is approximately 11,695 acres. The majority of the City has already been developed.
Table 5.1 identifies the current land uses within the City and the percentage of the overall land which is dedicated to
that specific use. The table gives the net acreage of each land use, which takes into account wetlands.
Table 5.1
Existing Land Use, 2005
Land Use AcresPercentage
Single-Family Residential4,41638%
Parks and Recreation 2,10618%
Undeveloped1,0769%
Commercial7907%
Institutional7076%
Multi-Family Residential5425%
Industrial5295%
Open Water Bodies 4584%
Major 4-Lane Highway 4564%
Wetlands3043%
Agricultural1521%
Right-of-way1321%
Steep Slopes 270%
Total
11,695100%
Source: Metropolitan Council
Single-Family Residential is the largest land use in Maplewood at 38 percent. Parks and Recreation make up the
second largest land use in the City, with 18 percent. Nine percent of the City is undeveloped and 1 percent is
dedicated to Agriculture uses.
Land Use Plan 5-9
Mississippi River Critical Area
Since 1976, Minnesota state law has required communities with land in the metropolitan Mississippi River corridor to
manage that land according to the Critical Areas Act of 1973 and Executive Order 79-19. This includes having a
Critical Area Plan to guide development for the land within the river corridor. Maplewood adopted a critical area plan
in 1979 (and updated it in 1981) to meet this requirement. The intention of this plan is to manage development to
protect resources and to protect the scenic qualities of the river corridor, including the bluffs within the Mississippi
River corridor.
The area south of Carver Avenue and west of Interstate 494 in south Maplewood is the part of the City that is in the
Mississippi River Critical Area. This area is about 166 acres, of which, about 59 acres (35 percent) are owned by
Ramsey County for open space. This open space includes Fish Creek and some of the land on either side of the
creek. The other land uses that Maplewood is planning for this area is Low Density Residential and Rural/Low
Density Residential. Single dwelling are on or will occupy about 107 acres of the critical area. Many of these
properties are already developed while others are vacant or underdeveloped. The properties near Carver Avenue
have City sewer and water services while the parcels farther south do not have city utility service.
Since 1981, the City has adopted several ordinances to help protect all sensitive areas and natural feature in
Maplewood. These included consolidating the Critical Area Ordinance with the Environmental Protection Ordinance
in 1984, updating the Environmental Protection Ordinance in 1989, 1995 and 1996, updating the Floodplain
Ordinance in 1991, updating the Shoreland Protection Ordinance in 1996 (consistent with the DNR?s request) and
adding a Wetland and Stream Protection Ordinance in 1996.
As part of the City?s last Comprehensive Plan, the Metropolitan Council requested that the City add the following
information about the Mississippi River Critical Area Plan.
Maplewood hereby incorporates the goals on the 1976 designation of the Mississippi River Critical Area.
On November 19,1988, Public Law 100-69 established the Mississippi National river and Recreation Area (MNRRA)
as a unit of the National Park System. The MNRRA was established by Congress to:
Protect, preserve and enhance the significant values of the Mississippi River corridor through the Twin
Cities.
Encourage coordination of federal, state and local programs.
Provide a management framework to assist the State of Minnesota and local governments in the
development and implementation of integrated resource management programs and to ensure the
orderly public and private development in the area.
The Secretary of the Interior approved a Comprehensive Management Plan for the MNRAA in 1995. This plan lays
out a policy level framework for the management of the Mississippi River corridor.
The responsibility for the administration of the Mississippi River Critical Area Program, as described in Minnesota
Statues and Executive Order 79-19, was transferred from the EQC/EQB (the Environmental Quality Board) to the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1995.
Maplewood acknowledges that the Mississippi River Critical Area in the City has been designated as ?Urban
Diversified District.? This district has the following goals:
Land Use Plan 5-10
The lands and waters shall be used as developed to maintain the present diversity of commercial,
industrial, residential and public uses of the lands, including the existing transportation uses of the river.
Protect historical sites and areas, and the natural scenic and environmental resources.
Expand public access to and enjoyment of the river.
The City may allow new residential development and other uses in this area if they are compatible with these goals.
In addition, Maplewood will require that building and development applications in the Critical Area have enough
information to ensure that the new construction is compatible with the character of the Urban Diversified District.
The following are the City?s additional policies for the Mississippi River Critical Area:
The City shall ensure that the location and siting of new structure will keep bluffs and scenic overlooks
in their natural state.
Maplewood will work with the Department of Natural Resources on possible ordinance changes that
would affect lands within the Critical Area.
The City will ensure that future development and construction in the Critical Area will meet or exceed
the development standards set by Maplewood ordinances and policies.
Maplewood requires all new development in the Critical Area to minimize the adverse effects on the
environment and to maximize all possible beneficial effects. The City will review these effects when
approving site plans or when approving building permits, except for permits for single-family homes.
Maplewood requires all development in the Critical Area to meet all state regulations for Individual
Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS).
Maplewood will notify the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources whenever the City receives a
development or subdivision application for land within the Critical Area.
The City shall ensure that new development and construction in the Critical Area minimizes direct runoff
onto adjoining streets and watercourses.
The City shall ensure that new development and construction in the Critical Area improves the quality of
runoff onto adjoining streets and watercourses.
The City encourages the clustering of structure and the use of designs that will reduce public facility
costs, which will provide more open space and will improve scenic designs.
Future Land Use
The City of Maplewood, while mostly developed, still has numerous opportunities for development and
redevelopment. The City has experienced a slower pattern in residential development recently due to the slowdown
in the housing market that has affected the entire region. With this plan, the City seeks to ensure continued
investment and reinvestment in the community, while maintaining the existing and unique neighborhood character
that exists throughout the City. The City has identified future land use designations to guide the location and intensity
of future development in the City.
The City has considered a number of factors in determining these designations, including the location of existing
development and infrastructure, forecasts of households and employment growth, environmental considerations and
Land Use Plan 5-11
constraints, regional growth strategies, the compatibility of land uses with one other, and other community goals. The
ultimate outcome of this process is plan identifying compatible future land uses that adequately serve the needs of
the existing community and anticipates the future needs of the community.
This plan also identified areas for future growth. Developable land is still available within the growth area identified in
this plan, although the amount of vacant developable land is decreasing. The land use designations in this growth
management plan preserve existing residential areas, allow additional urban residential development, expands
commercial areas, encourage contiguous development in order to minimize the cost of infrastructure expansion to
the City, and preserve most rural areas through the year 2030.
The Future Land Use Plan will provide a guide for managing future development pressure and growth by identifying
future land uses and intensity, in addition to the identification of environmental protection areas. The City supports
new development but desires to ensure that growth can be accommodated wisely and in an orderly fashion, while
protecting the many natural resources that make up Maplewood. The City?s future land use categories and
corresponding 2030 acreages are presented in Table 5.2. The City?s Future Land Use Plan (FLU) is presented in
Figure 5.2.
Table 5.2
Future Land Use, 2008
Land Use AcresPercentage
Rural/Low Density Residential 490.4%
Low Density Residential 9,104 77.8%
Medium Density Residential 1,103 9.4%
High Density Residential 411 3.5%
Mixed Use 120 1.0%
Commercial 408 3.5%
Industrial 190.2%
Government 650.6%
Parks139 1.2%
Open Space 237 2.0%
Institutional 400.3%
Total11,695 100.0%
Source: MFRA
Land Use Plan 5-12
From the table above 5.2 it is evident that the City is planning adequately for accommodation of new housing growth,
as a variety of densities are identified to support life-cycle housing options. The largest residential category, in terms
of acreage, is Low Density residential. This category makes up 78 percent of the city?s acres. The purpose of the
Rural/Low Density Residential classification of land use is to ensure that areas of the City are protected for their rural
and natural character. This classification is primarily, but not exclusively, in the south Maplewood area.
To further the goal of providing for new growth without premature expansion and without disrupting natural resource
planning and preservation, the bulk of new growth and accommodation of density is in the developed area of the City
where the Mixed Use classifications will support a density of 6 to 31 dwelling units per acre. The City will consider
densities at the high end of this range while monitoring growth forecasts and sewer capacity to ensure that adequate
infrastructure can be provided. The higher densities in these mixed use areas encourages the use of existing
infrastructure rather then the premature extension of growth to support density.
Future Land Use Classifications
Detailed descriptions of 2030 future land use classifications are presented in the discussion below. Linkages to how
these future land use classifications address and achieve the community?s land use goals and objectives is also
included.
Residential Land Use Classifications
Currently the majority of Maplewood?s residential land use consists of a variety of single family and multi-family
residential development in the developed portions of the city and new suburban style development in the southern
portion of the city. The City has seen an increase in the development of multi-family residential uses through the
construction of townhomes and condominiums. Maplewood?s wide variety of housing options appeals to many
existing and future residents, as the City can accommodate residents seeking a wide variety of housing products.
The City?s higher density housing allows for the provision of life-cycle housing in the community to accommodate
residents of all ages. This will also create opportunities for more affordable and workforce housing units that will allow
those who work in Maplewood to reside in the City as well.
Parks and trails within residential areas will also be required based on the locations indicated on the Parks, Trails,
and Open Space Plan found in Chapter 6. Through subdivision administration, the City will work with developers on
the required park and trail dedication to ensure the adopted plan is implemented. It will be important to evaluate plans
to strategically establish parks, trails and open spaces, and connections to these features to ensure full access by
residents of the development and the rest of the community.
The FLU Plan provides for the Metropolitan Council?s forecasted figure of 17,500households by the year 2030,
based on land use designations for 2030. Each residential land use is tied to a density range. Household growth is
calculated by multiplying residential land use categories by the appropriate housing density identified for that land
use category. It is important to understand that these numbers represent the potential for residential development,
and are not a guarantee that maximum potential development will be achieved in each residential area.
To ensure that infrastructure is provided in an efficient and cost effective manner, the Metropolitan Council has
established a minimum overall average density requirement of 3 units per net acre for new growth between 2020 and
2030 for developed communities. Maplewood?s plan provides for enough residential land at appropriate densities to
achieve this goal, as the City?s average minimum net density is more than 6 units per acre.
Land Use Plan 5-14
Rural/Low Density Residential (0.5 ? 1.0 units per net acre)
The City intends the Rural/Low Density Residential classification to offer a rural residential setting and to help protect
the City?s natural resources. Future land uses and development shall maintain and embrace the existing rural
character as an essential element of neighborhood planning and design. Rural, not urban, planning and servicing
principles will apply to these areas. Maplewood intends the rural-style and low density housing to be a long-term and
enduring land use in this area. The City may allow the use of density bonuses if the applicant or property owners
show how their proposal meets the City?s highest development standards. This classification is intended to have a
mix of sewered and non-sewered developments. The City?s sewer plan (contained within the Comprehensive Plan)
will be used to determine when and where urban services are appropriate. For developments that will have on-site
systems the Individual Sewage Treatment System (ISTS) standards must be met and will have to provide for
adequate acreage. Photo to be added
Low Density Residential (2.6 ? 6.0 units per net acre)
Low Density Residential is by far Maplewood?s largest residential classification. The City intends for residential
densities of 1.1 to 4.1 units per net acre in this land use category. Maplewood intends to continue this classification
for the City?s present practice of mixing attached and detached single-family housing types (including traditional
single-family detached homes, detached town houses and two-family homes). Photo to be added
Medium Density Residential (6.1 ? 10.0 units per net acre)
The City intends the Medium Density Residential land use for moderately higher densities ranging from 4.2 to 8 units
per acre. Housing types in this land use category would typically include lower density attached housing,
manufactured housing and higher density single family detached housing units. Some forms of stacked housing
(condominiums and apartments) could be integrated into Medium Density areas, but would need to be surrounded by
additional green space. Photo to be added
High Density Residential (10.1 ? 25 units per net acre)
Maplewood intends the High Density Residential land use for higher housing densities ranging from 8.1 to 22 units
per net acre. Housing types in this category would include higher density townhome, condominium and apartment
developments in stacked or attached configuration. These housing areas are often located along the freeway and
major road corridors and near major shopping and employment areas. Also of importance to the location of High
Density Residential is proximity to the parks and open space system, employment, goods and services and transit.
Photo to be added
Mixed Use (6 ? 31 units per net acre)
The city intends the Mixed Use classification for commercial retail or service businesses, offices and high-density
housing. Commercial and residential development may be combined vertically in the same building. Parking may be
in structures to maximize land development intensity. Park space should be small and intimate and may occur in the
Land Use Plan 5-15
form of plazas. The intensity of Mixed Use development will vary depending on its location within the City and
surrounding uses. Photo to be added
Commercial Land Use Classification
The City?s land use classification system has one commercial land use category, which works for any development
intended for the provision of goods and services. The City has planned for a total 408 acres of commercial land in
2030 to meet increased employment opportunities and to provide areas for commercial and retail services to meet
the needs of the City?s growing population.
Commercial
The Commercial classification includes a wide variety of commercial land uses. The City may allow high-intensity
uses such as shopping center, business parks, fast-food restaurants, motor fuel stations, vehicle maintenance shops
in this area, subject to performance guidelines. This classification could also provide areas for offices and related
uses together with supportive, low-intensity commercial uses, such as clinics, child care facilities, and smaller retail
uses that cater to convenience shopping. This land use classification will also work to provide for a transition
between high-intensity commercial uses and medium and high-density residential districts. Photo to be added
Industrial Land Use Classification
The City?s Future Land Use Plan designates one Industrial classification for the city. The largest area of Industrial is
the 3M complex located between McKnight Road and Century Avenue near Interstate 94.
Industrial
The Industrial classification includes warehouses, laboratories, wholesale businesses, offices, cartage, express
facilities, radio and television stations and other manufacturing and industrial uses. In addition, compatible and
supportive office and business uses may be allowed to provide an integrated and attractive employment center.
Supportive Land Use Classifications
The four land use classifications below are more supportive in nature to the above land use classifications. They
offer places for citizens to access public and semi-public services and also places for recreations and open space.
Government
The Government classification includes uses such as public schools, fire stations, libraries, water-system facilities
and other City-used and owned properties.
Land Use Plan 5-16
Park
Maplewood intends the Parks classification to represent active or passive play areas. Some uses are informal
recreation areas while others are more formal with groomed fields.
OpenSpace
The City intends the Open Space classification to reflect lands that are either undevelopable or that city intends to not
develop. Maplewood wants these areas to be used for passive recreational needs, habitat restoration, or as a
neighborhood preserve.
Institutional
The Institutional classification includes all religious institutions, cemeteries and private schools. There is currently no
zoning district designated for institutional uses. The city requires the approval of a conditional use permit for
Institutional land uses in all zoning districts in Maplewood.
Energy Conservation and Solar Access
Solar Access
State legislation requires that local comprehensive plans include a solar access protection element. Solar energy
can supply a significant portion of the space heating and cooling and water heating requirements of the individual
home or business, through the use of active or passive solar energy systems. Maplewood is well-suited for solar
energy utilization, since a large number of its streets run east-west, giving many houses a southern orientation.
However, the City's extensive mature tree cover partially shades the typical house. The city can protect solar access
on individual properties by:
Requiring that builders of buildings two or more stories in height demonstrate that their proposals will
not reduce winter solar access to the second story or roof of the adjacent building to the north. Solar
access should be explicitly reviewed in each development.
Exempting solar collectors from height restrictions if necessary, provided that they do not block solar
access to the adjacent building's roof.
LEED-Certified Buildings
In addition to protecting solar access, the City endorses the use of building design techniques that conform with the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System or the Minnesota
Sustainable Design Guide (MSDG), which provide tools for the design, construction, and operation of high
performance and environmentally sustainable buildings and sites. These systems give building owners and operators
the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings' performance. LEED and MSDG
promote a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and
Land Use Plan 5-17
environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor
environmental quality. These systems provide a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building
type and phase of a building's lifecycle.
Land Use Plan 5-18
Neighborhood Future Land Use Maps
In consideration of Maplewood?sunique shape Future Land Use maps have been provided at the neighborhood level.
A map of each of the city?s13neighborhoods follows this page.
Land UsePlan5-19
Chapter 7 - Natural Resources Plan ? 6/27/08 Draft
Protect, Connect, Restore, and Manage Ecosystems, Plant Communities and Species
Why a Natural Resources Plan is Needed
Maplewood?s quality of life depends on how it manages its natural resources. Natural resources are the air, minerals,
land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in Maplewood. For example, the oxygen we breathe comes
from plants. Without plants, the atmosphere would be poisonous to people and animals. That is a free ecosystem
service that benefits people in Maplewood. There are many others.
The benefits of treating natural resources in a sustainable way include:
High quality forests, savannas, prairies, wetlands, lakes, and streams will support a variety of life?trees,
shrubs, wildflowers, groundcover, fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Lakes, streams, and wetlands will be clean enough to support aquatic life and provide recreational
opportunities.
Undeveloped land will provide essential ecosystem services.
Vegetation will help prevent sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and contaminants from reaching lakes,
streams, and wetlands.
Rainwater infiltrates, which reduces flooding and feeds groundwater.
Groundwater is recharged and can be used for drinking, irrigation, and to feed cold, clean water to lakes,
streams, and wetlands.
Water levels are more stable, which prevents erosion of shorelines and stream channels.
Beautiful places exist for people to see and visit.
There is an economic value to treating natural resources in a sustainable way. Property values are higher near
natural areas and open space. New developments that protect natural resources using conservation design and
1
low-impact development techniques can save an average of 24-27% in construction costs per development.
2
Damage to storm sewer outfalls, shorelines, and buildings due to flooding are reduced in such developments. In
addition to the economic and recreational benefits of natural resources, for many people nature and natural
resources merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value, regardless of their value to humans.
This natural resources plan is a guide for how Maplewood can manage natural resources in a sustainable way. It will
help protect and enhance Maplewood?s quality of life for current and future generations. It suggests strategies to
protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species. This plan can guide zoning and
ordinances. It gives city staff and officials information to use when making annual and long-range budgets. This plan
will also provide citizens with an understanding of how they can play a role in achieving these goals through wise
land use and management of their property.
1
Embrace Open Space study is at: http://www.embraceopenspace.org/EOSReport/EconomicValueofOpenSpace.pdf.
2
EPA Low Impact Development study is at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/costs07/documents/reducingstormwatercosts.pdf;
AES study is at: http://www.appliedeco.com/Projects/ConDevArticleLayout.pdf.
Natural Resources 7-1
Wise use and management of natural resources is not all that Maplewood needs to be a great place to live in the 21
st
century: the city also needs good schools, a vital economy, and efficient public services. But healthy natural
resources will help ensure that Maplewood has a high quality of life that can be sustained far into the future.
Vision and Goals for Natural Resources in Maplewood
The City of Maplewood has led the way in urban natural resource conservation in Minnesota. From a bonding
referendum in 1993 to protect forests and wetlands, to a rain garden program for recharging groundwater and
purifying runoff to its lakes and streams, Maplewood?s citizens and elected leaders quickly adopt new ideas from
scientists, businesses, and regulatory agencies. Maplewood has learned that supporting environmental laws and
best practices has benefits for city residents. The city also believes that property values and the city?s overall
marketability will increase over time by improving natural resources and the environment.
Maplewood?s desire to become sustainable depends on stewardship of its ecosystems, plant communities, and
species. Good stewardship protects the functions of ecosystems and the free ecosystems services necessary for a
high quality of life.
Following its tradition, the City of Maplewood holds the following vision for natural resources:
The City of Maplewood, in order to preserve a beautiful, functional, and varied environment for current and
future residents, will protect, connect, restore and manage its ecosystems, plant communities, and species.
The city will do this by using the best science and striving for the highest ecological standard.
To realize this vision, the City of Maplewood has these goals for natural resources:
Natural Resources Goal 1. Protect and buffer ecosystems?forests, savannas, prairies, lakes, streams,
wetlands?and other natural resources.
Natural Resources Goal 2. Connect and enlarge natural areas and wildlife habitat.
Natural Resources Goal 3. Restore and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources
for high ecological quality and for diversity of plant and animal species.
Natural Resources Goal 4. Restore the natural ecological functions involving water by better managing
stormwater runoff. This means vegetation filtering, infiltration, groundwater recharge, and maintaining
stable water levels.
Natural Resources Goal 5. Fund natural resource programs to achieve the vision and goals.
Natural Resources Goal 6. Integrate the city?s natural areas, open space, and active parks and trails.
Natural Resources Goal 7. Incorporate the vision and goals for natural resources in the city?s
comprehensive plan, ordinances, policies, development standards, and zoning.
Natural resources Goal 8. Enhance public understanding of nature, natural systems, and environmental
issues by providing programs, information, and interpretive facilities.
Natural Resources 7-2
Natural Resources Goal 9. Promote a culture of stewardship on public and private land through access to
natural areas and education and volunteer opportunities in natural areas restoration and management.
Natural Resources Goal 10. Seek cost savings by using natural systems to provide services such as
heating, cooling, stormwater management and water conservation.
The Natural Environment of Maplewood
Prior to settlement in 1851, most of Maplewood was covered by oak savanna, a plant community with scattered oak
trees or oak groves and a groundcover of grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Hazelnut, chokecherry, juneberry,
nannyberry, and wild plum grew in the savanna and at wetland edges. Low, wet areas contained wet prairies, sedge
meadows, and marshes. Forests grew on the Mississippi River bluffs in south Maplewood and in valleys where fires
were not severe. Some forests were mainly oak and in others sugar maple and basswood mingled with oaks. Lakes
were smaller at the time, and were later enlarged by excavating wetland vegetation from the shorelines.
Nearly every year the Mdewakanton Dakota Indians ignited fires in the region; the fires had burned the savannas and
wetlands for thousands of years. As a result, most of the plants and animals living in the natural areas of Maplewood
were residents of savannas, marshes, wet prairies, and sedge meadows. Plants and animals of forest settings lived
in the small forest areas of the Mississippi bluffs and in ravines with flowing streams.
After settlement, many changes took place in Maplewood:
Natural lands were developed with farms, houses, and businesses.
Large savannas and forests were broken into small separated parcels.
Remaining savannas became overgrown with trees and shrubs.
Many wetlands were drained, excavated, and filled.
Plant life was altered by grazing and the introduction of non-native plants.
Trees from river floodplains seeded into uplands and wetlands.
Erosion occurred in streams, at shorelines, and on steep slopes.
More sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reached lakes, streams, and wetlands than historically.
Some wildlife was eliminated by hunting.
Some wildlife left or died out because there was not enough habitat to successfully breed.
More water flowed directly into lakes, streams, and wetlands after rainstorms.
Water levels in groundwater fell, and water levels in lakes, streams, and wetlands rose and fell more often
and more quickly than historically.
One example of what these changes mean is wildlife that has disappeared or is declining. Generalist species, such
as raccoon and deer, are species that can adapt to different types of habitat, including urban habitats. Many
generalist species thrive in Maplewood. But specialist species, such as the ovenbird and Blanding?s turtle, are more
particular about habitat and often need large, connected habitat to persist. These species have declined, or are in
danger of declining locally. Many of the species in Table 7.1 are specialists.
Natural Resources 7-3
Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood. These species are on the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources? list of species in greatest conservation need and are found in the
east Twin Cities region. The list is for illustration only and was not checked by field surveys.
American Woodcock Common Mudpuppy Bald Eagle
Black-crowned Night-heron Brown Thrasher Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Meadowlark Common Nighthawk
Red-headed Woodpecker Eastern Wood-pewee
Red-shouldered Hawk Field Sparrow
Sedge Wren Least Flycatcher
Trumpeter Swan Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Upland Sandpiper Ovenbird
Wood Thrush Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Persius Duskywing Swamp Sparrow
Regal Fritillary Virginia Rail
American Badger Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Franklin's Ground Squirrel American Brook Lamprey
Prairie Vole Least Weasel
Blanding's Turtle Common Snapping Turtle
Gopher Snake Smooth Green Snake
Western Hognose Snake Eastern Fox Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake
Today, Maplewood is a patchwork of developed land and undeveloped natural areas (Figure 7.1). Maplewood has
several lakes and ponds in the north, fringed by small amounts of wetland vegetation. The urban watershed that
feeds the lakes provides poor water quality. There are many wetlands, but aggressive cattails and reed canary-grass
cover most.
South Maplewood has large forests. The once large expanses of savanna and prairie no longer exist?remaining
grasslands are small and support only a few species. Three streams?Battle Creek, Fish Creek, and Snake Creek?
flow from Woodbury through Maplewood and then to the Mississippi. In places their banks are eroding and water
quality is poor because the headwaters are in developed areas. Despite the problems they support a variety of
aquatic insect and fish life.
There are few natural areas of high quality in Maplewood. Most have lost plant and animal species because they are
small and suffer serious edge effects?invasion by non-native species, for example. However, in several places in
the city there are large, continuous habitats well-suited to preserving a wide variety of wildlife and plants if restored
and managed. In many local habitats native plants and animals persist despite the small size of the habitat.
Maplewood faces the following challenges in managing its natural resources:
1.How to integrate a developed city and dense population with natural resource conservation.
2.How to protect and restore ecosystems in the city so that ecosystem services will continue.
3.How to retain and attract animal species that need high quality or large habitats (e.g., specialist species).
4.How to protect and restore the quality of upland and lowland plant communities, wildlife habitats, lakes, and
streams.
5.How to generate funding for natural resources and associated infrastructure.
6.How to prioritize projects.
Natural Resources 7-4
7.How to involve city residents and businesses with city staff and officials in carrying out the vision and goals
for natural resources.
Natural Resources in Maplewood
The City of Maplewood intends to achieve its vision and goals for natural resources using a comprehensive
approach. Maplewood?s framework for protecting and managing natural resources focuses on four levels.
Natural Area Greenways are large contiguous areas of habitat that cross
Natural Area Greenways.
ownership boundaries. They protect and expand ecosystem services and habitat. Because they are large
they have the potential to provide habitat for both generalist and specialist species. Maplewood has
identified four greenways.
. Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat connections. They serve
Local Habitats
the needs of people wanting to enjoy and learn about wild habitat near their homes and also provide
ecosystem services and wildlife habitat locally. Because they are relatively small, they are typically not able
to provide habitat for specialist species. Local habitats may be public or private lands.
. Active Parks and Trails connect Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats and
Active Parks and Trails
give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike.
. Some natural resource issues are addressed city-wide through individual
Natural Resource Issues
programs, such as stormwater management.
Natural Area Greenways
Maplewood defines Natural Area Greenways as large contiguous areas of habitat that cross ownership boundaries.
The purpose of Natural Area Greenways is to protect, connect, and restore large scale ecosystems and ecosystem
services and provide habitat for species that need large natural areas. Greenways contain large natural areas, high
quality plant communities and wildlife habitat, and provide a wide, continuous corridor for animal movement. In
general, a corridor in a greenway should not be narrower than the habitat size for a species that needs the corridor.
Scientific studies vary tremendously in their recommendations for corridor width. For Maplewood a reasonable
minimum corridor width in a greenway is 660 feet (200 meters). This width tries to balance the limitations on natural
resources in cities with the needs of animals that use corridors to survive. It is unlikely Maplewood will be able to
achieve this minimum width throughout a whole greenway due to existing roads and development, however it is a
goal to reach for where feasible.
Four Natural Area Greenways exist in Maplewood (Figure 7.2). They were selected by mapping and connecting
large, better quality natural areas and avoiding major roads and watershed divides that are barriers to many species
(Appendix 7.1). The two northern greenways are mostly lowland ecosystems (lakes and wetlands) north of I-94. The
two southern greenways consist mostly of upland ecosystems (forests, grasslands) with small wetlands and streams
south of I-94.
Greenways provide stopovers for the hundreds of bird species that migrate through Maplewood each spring and fall.
But birds also use Local Habitats and backyards if food and shelter are present. Bird and insect migrants (e.g.,
monarch butterfly) move through Maplewood along a broad front. They may concentrate in some places due to local
Natural Resources 7-5
geography and vegetation. The Mississippi Flyway, for example, is wider than the Mississippi River. Waterfowl,
waterbirds, and shorebirds generally orient to it and use its open water in the spring while waiting for ice to melt on
lakes and wetlands in the surrounding area. Once in Maplewood, these birds choose migratory stopover habitat
based on size, quality, and isolation, not geographic location. Migrating songbirds from the tropics and subtropics
also move on a broad front, but descend from flight elevations and move through vegetation eating insects as they
journey north. As they move through Maplewood, these birds concentrate in woodlots, dense tree patches in
developments, grasslands and brushland, and in the vegetated edges of wetlands and lakes. The more patches of
permanent vegetation there are, the more opportunities these birds have to feed as they migrate.
1. Phalen-Casey Chain-of-Lakes
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, lowland greenway consists of a chain of lakes in formerly extensive wetlands. Stretching from Phalen
Lake to Casey Lake, it includes Round, Keller, Gervais, Kohlman Lakes and Kohlman Creek. Most of the greenway
is open water with a narrow wetland fringe. More wetlands are east of Kohlman Lake. This greenway extends into
North St. Paul, Little Canada, and St. Paul.
Regional barriers to the movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic life are the urban
development south and west of the greenway, and the major watershed divides to the north and east. Water leaves
this greenway from Phalen Lake and travels in a large storm sewer until it discharges to the Mississippi River at
Mounds Park, St. Paul.
Eleven constrictions (pinch points) with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the
greenway. Pinch points are mainly at road crossings (Frost Avenue at Round Lake, Highway 61 at Keller Lake,
Highway 36 at Keller Lake, Highway 61 east of Kohlman Lake, west side of Hazelwood Park, and White Bear
Avenue). Other pinch points are the outlet of Lake Gervais, the outlet of Kohlman Lake, a narrow wetland west of
Hazelwood Park, and a drop structure at the outlet of Casey Lake.
Greenway challenges
Reduced infiltration due to high percentage of impervious surface in the watershed causes a lower water
table and reduces groundwater inflow to lakes and wetlands.
Poor water quality in lakes and wetlands due to large amount of surface runoff from impervious surfaces
and turf grass brings sediment, nutrients, and pollutants to waters.
Narrow lake and wetland buffers reduce the filtering and cleansing effect of vegetation at the water-upland
edge.
The small size of upland habitats next to lakes and wetlands prevents some wetland animals from
completing a life cycle that includes using uplands (e.g., Blanding?s Turtle).
Over-abundance of reed-canary grass and cattail degrades wetland habitat.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated several lakes in this greenway as impaired: Kohlman,
Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, and Phalen.
2. Holloway-Beaver Lake Wetlands
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, lowland greenway is more or less continuous wetland habitat from the marsh lands north of Holloway
Avenue, southwest to wetlands and uplands at Priory Neighborhood Preserve, and continuing southwest along
wetlands and Beaver Creek to Beaver Lake. This greenway extends into North St. Paul, Oakdale, and St. Paul.
Natural Resources 7-6
Beaver Lake has a narrow wetland fringe. This is a historical wetland area, containing wet prairie, wet meadow, and
marsh. The lowland forests with ash, elm, cottonwood, and silver maple that exist in this greenway were not here
historically.
Regional barriers include a major watershed at the east edge, dense urban development in St. Paul, and minor
watershed divides to the north and south. The greenway drains out of Beaver Lake and the water flows in a large
storm sewer west to Phalen Creek. The movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic
species are restricted by these barriers.
Seven pinch points with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the greenway. Pinch
points are where roads (Century Avenue, Maryland Avenue, and Lakewood Drive) and a railroad cross the
greenway. The narrow wetland between Maryland Avenue and Lakewood Drive is also a pinch point.
Greenway challenges
The challenges are the same as for Phalen-Casey Chain of Lakes above.
3. Battle Creek Forests
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, mostly forested greenway includes Battle Creek Regional Park and connects to the Mississippi River
bluffs in St. Paul. This greenway includes the Ponds at Battle Creek Golf Course, the forested portion of Highwood
neighborhood, and Applewood Neighborhood Preserve. The largest, best quality forests are in Battle Creek
Regional Park. Battle Creek is part of this corridor and begins in Tanner?s Lake in Landfall, then flows to Battle Creek
Lake in Woodbury, and then through a narrow stream valley to Battle Creek Park. This is a historical forest area of
oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest, and aspen-oak woodland.
Regional barriers around this upland greenway are the major divided highways: US61, I-494, and I-94. These
highways prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling insects that are an
important part of the forest?s food chain. They also pose a significant risk to other mammals, birds, and flying insects
(e.g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross them.
Two pinch points in the continuous forest are on Battle Creek and Lower Afton Road west of McKnight Road. A
pinch point in the greenway exists at Lower Afton Road between Battle Creek Regional Park and the golf course.
Battle Creek is pinched where it crosses under I-94 between Tanner?s and Battle Creek Lake, at the outlet of Battle
Creek Lake, and at Century Avenue. Only two pinch points are within the City.
Greenway challenges
The large forests are far from each other and connected by poor quality corridors.
Development at the edges of the large forests affects habitat quality inside the forests. Edge effects shrink
the actual size of interior forest habitat, reducing breeding area for forest songbirds (e.g., warblers, vireos)
and other forest animals.
Low quality forest habitat is due to over-abundance of European buckthorn and invasion by other non-native
plants (e.g., garlic mustard).
Groundcover plants, trees, and shrubs were affected by cattle grazing in the past, and are today affected by
abundant white-tailed deer. Grazing and browsing affects some plant species but not others, reducing
forest plant diversity.
The forests were protected from severe fires historically, but not from all fire.
Feral and free-roaming cats affect small mammal populations and shrub nesting birds.
Natural Resources 7-7
Two- and four-lane roads inside the greenway prevent movement of some species.
The challenges described for the lowland greenways affect Battle Creek, a mostly developed 11.4 square
mile watershed. Battle Creek is a typical urban stream, with very low flows at times and with very high flows
after rainstorms, but water quality and aquatic life are fair to good.
3
4. Fish Creek Forests
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, mostly forested greenway includes four units of Ramsey County?s Fish Creek Open Space. It is at the
north end of a large, mostly forested greenway that includes forests in Newport, St. Paul, and Cottage Grove. Fish
Creek is part of this corridor and begins at Carver Lake in Woodbury, then flows through the Fish Creek Open Space
and beneath I-494 and US61 to the Mississippi River. A smaller creek, Snake Creek, begins in the Bailey Nursery
grounds and also flows to the Mississippi. This is a historical forest area of oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest,
and aspen-oak woodland.
A portion of this greenway is in the Mississippi River Critical Area and the Mississippi National River and Recreation
Area. The Critical Area was designated and established by two governors and the Metropolitan Council between
1976 and 1979. Executive Order 79-19 requires that municipalities and agencies coordinate planning and
management in the Critical Area using common guidelines. In 1991 the legislature made the National River and
4
Recreation Area (part of the National Park Service) a critical area under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116G. The
legislation also made the boundaries of the Critical Area and the National River and Recreation Area the same.
Regional barriers to this upland greenway are the major divided highway I-494 and development to the east in
Woodbury. These barriers prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling
insects that are an important part of the forest?s food chain. The highway poses a significant risk to other mammals,
birds, and flying insects (e.g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross it.
The main pinch points in the continuous forest are near Sterling Street at I-494 and on the Bailey property.
Greenway challenges
The challenges are the same as the challenges for Battle Creek Forests above.
Loss of private land to development will decrease the amount of natural land in this greenway.
Unplanned or unwise development may degrade habitat.
Developers and landowners are often not knowledgeable about or are not receptive to conservation design
strategies.
Fish Creek and Snake Creek are reported to have eroding banks and beds.
Local Habitats
Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat connections (Figure 7-3). The purpose of Local
Habitats is to protect, buffer, and manage small, isolated wild habitats and protect local ecosystem services outside
the Greenways. Local Habitats will be difficult to enlarge and connect and will usually benefit generalist species but
3
See Met Council monitoring reports for 2001 and 2003 at:
http://www.metrocouncil.org/environment/Riverslakes/Streams/Reports/Battle.pdf,
http://www.metrocouncil.org/environment/RiversLakes/Streams/Reports/2003_Report/03Battle.pdf
4
For guidelines see: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/critical_area/execord.pdf.
Natural Resources 7-8
not specialist species. These lands may be private or public. Private lands are included to show the natural
resources that exist in the city. These private lands are not open for public use and these sites may be developed
someday. Many of the public sites provide access and opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about wild
habitats.
Local Habitats include:
Some Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves;
Natural areas within active parks;
Neighborhoods that have contiguous backyard habitat;
Natural areas that are used for stormwater management;
County and city open space sites that have natural vegetation;
Private sites that have natural vegetation.
Two Local Habitats are significant because of their size and arrangement.
3M Lake Wetlands
This is the largest concentration of Local Habitat in Maplewood. It contains 3M Lake and wetlands identified by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as regionally significant. It is at the top of a watershed and runoff
comes from nearby. This improves chances to manage runoff and protect or restore water quality in the lake and
wetlands.
Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands
The Highwood and Vista Hills neighborhoods are unique in Maplewood due to the dozens of small, kettlehole
wetlands formed by the glaciers melting in place here (i.e., an ice-stagnation moraine). It is at the top of a watershed
and runoff comes from nearby lawns, driveways, and streets. This improves the chances to manage runoff and
protect or restore water quality in the wetlands. The Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands overlap with the Battle Creek
Forest Greenway. Small forested wetlands provide excellent habitat for frogs and other aquatic life.
Local Habitat Challenges
Small habitats are affected more than large habitats by edge effects. Edge effects include invasion by non-
native plants (e.g., European buckthorn, garlic mustard) and animals (e.g., European Starling, House
Sparrow) and predation on wildlife by feral and free-roaming cats.
Many native species do not survive in small habitats for very long because they have small populations, and
small populations can easily go extinct.
Small habitats can be over-used by people because the impacts are concentrated in a small area. In small
habitats vegetation is easily trampled and lost, erosion is quick to start, and dumping of trash, lawn
clippings, leaves, and debris often happens.
Small lakes and wetlands are easily polluted because the runoff from impervious surfaces and turf grass is
large and overwhelms the ecosystem?s ability to absorb and treat it. When they are at the top of a
watershed, small lakes and wetlands tend to have better water quality because less runoff reaches them.
Active Parks and Trails
The purpose of active parks and trails is to provide easy access for people?s recreational enjoyment. These places
provide fewer ecosystem services than greenways and Local Habitats because they usually have turf grass,
compacted soils, and impervious surfaces, and are poor wildlife habitat. However, some parts of active parks, trails,
and golf courses could be used to expand habitat and reduce edge effects in greenways and Local Habitats. In
Natural Resources 7-9
addition, areas within active parks that are not needed for active recreation may be restored to native plant
communities. The Parks Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan covers parks in detail.
Challenges in Active Parks and Trails
It is necessary to understand which parts of active parks and trails have an effect on greenways and Local
Habitats, positive and negative.
Some specialist wildlife is disturbed by human activity. This is more important in greenways than in Local
Habitats.
Wheels, shoes, and dogs spread seeds of non-native plants to natural areas (e.g., garlic mustard).
Maintenance activities in parks and along trails can affect greenways and Local Habitats. Herbicide drift is
one example.
Special Natural Resource Issues
Some natural resources issues are widespread in the city and are addressed by topic through city-wide programs.
Existing programs include:
Stormwater Management Program;
Maplewood Tree Program;
Buckthorn Management Program.
Additional programs should be established to address natural resources issues such as:
Invasive plants and animals (other than buckthorn);
Wetland buffer improvements;
Sustainable landscaping and yard care;
Toxic waste sites;
Impaired waters. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated the following Maplewood Lakes as
impaired: Kohlman, Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, Phalen, Wakefield, and Beaver;
Stream restoration.
This natural resources plan provides a new framework for protecting natural resources in Maplewood. It addresses
regional, city-wide, neighborhood, and site levels. It encompasses both public and private lands. This
comprehensive approach will enable Maplewood to protect and manage natural resources. Implementation
strategies are discussed in the following section.
Natural Resources 7-10
Implementation Strategies for Natural Resources
The city?s present and future residents will benefit by using Maplewood?s natural resources in a sustainable
way. The city?s reputation and its quality of life will be enhanced, residents and visitors will see beauty and
variety in the environment, and healthy ecosystems will provide services and benefits that keep the city?s
lakes and streams clean and its wildlife populations diverse.
This is a large vision with many ambitious goals for protecting, restoring and managing natural resources in
the city. It will take many years of discussion, planning, budgeting, and other work to make it a reality.
The five-year plan for natural resources has the following strategies. The city will need to review and update
the plan as priorities and resources change, as new strategies and opportunities arise, and as staff and
officials learn about new approaches to sustainability.
Education
Educate residents about nature, natural resources, and protection and management of resources.
Adopt both city-wide and neighborhood-based educational programming.
Give annual progress report to city council.
Organize public tours of the greenways and Local Habitats.
Develop educational materials and create a natural resources page on the city?s website. Post
natural resources plan, maps of greenways and Local Habitats, brochures, technical information for
stewardship work by residents, etc.
Present workshops to explain the natural resources plan. Answer questions: What are greenways
and Local Habitats, why are they needed, where are they, and how do they affect residents?
Organize city-wide species counts for wildlife and plants through event such as ?BioBlitz Day.?
Provide training on natural resources management for staff.
City Planning and Zoning
Integrate natural resources (e.g., greenways and Local Habitats) into the city?s comprehensive
plan, zoning, ordinances, development review, daily operations, capital budgeting, and bonding
initiatives.
Investigate options to encourage preservation and management of Natural Area Greenways such
as educational programs, zoning overlays, or incentive programs for private landowners to adopt
certain approaches to construction and land treatment that improve natural resources in the
greenway.
Modify city?s operating procedures and annual budgets to implement feasible strategies identified
above.
Hold brain-storming session with city leadership to identify strategies for implementing the natural
resources plan. Discussion should focus on three things: 1) integrating all public lands, across all
uses and owners; 2) integrating the public and private use of land and waters, where feasible; and
3) integrating the existing stormwater infrastructure and management approach with the vision for
natural resources. Ideas for stormwater may include:
Set water quality buffer width using best available science
Wetland and Floodplain Buffers.
and incorporate in city ordinances and standards.
Incorporate in the city?s stormwater utility the locations for stormwater
Stormwater Utility.
management that benefit greenways and Local Habitats. Implementation is ongoing, but focus
should include regional view and the integration of greenways and Local Habitats.
Natural Resources 7-11
Update the city?s zoning and ordinances to implement win-win strategies such as:
Create an ordinance or zoning overlays that encourage low
Conservation Design Ordinance.
impact development and conservation design practices. Examples include City of Lino Lakes,
rural residential cluster development ordinance of Chisago City and Marine on St. Croix, and
St. Croix County, WI. Examples of conservation development designs and approaches are
widely available. This type of ordinance preserves large natural areas, manages stormwater
5
ecologically, minimizes land clearing and grading, reduces infrastructure costs (sewers, curb
and gutter, irrigated turf grass, pavement extent, utility run lengths), and promotes stewardship
of natural resources. Incentives to landowners might include accelerated permitting,
variances, and increased density.
This tool is part of a conservation design ordinance or can
Alternative Stormwater Standards.
stand alone. Its focus is to promote low impact development practices for stormwater
management, and integrate these practices with existing stormwater management
infrastructure operations and maintenance. Many examples exist.
6
Protection and Restoration
Inventory and Evaluate Natural Resources
Conduct land cover inventory for city using Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
(MLCCS). At a minimum, MLCCS should be done for the greenways and for all city-owned
Local Habitats.
Identify parcels with high ecological quality that need protection.
Identify areas in active parks that could be restored to natural habitat.
Identify locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails that are part of
greenways and Local Habitats and their buffers.
Identify locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails useable for alternative,
ecological stormwater management. These areas can manage runoff from the parks, golf
courses, and trails, or can intercept and manage runoff from other land.
Identify other locations on public land (e.g., school property, county land, City Hall) that benefit
greenways and Local Habitats.
Assess natural resources city-wide, identify opportunities, and prioritize conservation and
management initiatives.
Protect Natural Areas
Develop and adopt a land protection plan for Fish Creek Forests Greenway using strategies
outlined in this section and the section below on Protect Natural Areas on Private Land.
Pursue protection options initiated in 2007-2008 for city-owned parks and natural areas,
including: ordinances, no-net loss policy, zoning, conservation easements, and
Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan should define special land use conditions for
the Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves, active parks, and other city open spaces. The
Comprehensive Plan should also define conditions and policies such as no-net loss in
Neighborhood Preserve acreage.
5
Applied Ecological Services: http://www.appliedeco.com/ConservationDev.cfm; Urban Land Institute:
http://minnesota.uli.org/Content/NavigationMenu18/ConservationDesign/ConservationDevelopmentFramework.pdf
6
Low Impact Development Center, Inc.: http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org; National Stormwater Center:
http://www.stormwatercenter.org; USEPA NPDES Stormwater Program:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm; Minnesota Erosion Control Association: http://www.mnerosion.org;
Applied Ecological Services: http://www.appliedeco.com/StormWaterMgt.cfm.
Natural Resources 7-12
Convene a budgeting session with city leadership to identify the strategies to fund protection and
restoration of greenways, Local Habitats, and their buffers. Budget for the 5-year and longer term
planning horizons. Strategies include:
Transfer dedications from other parts of city to greenways and Local
Park Dedication.
Habitats. Increase amount of park dedication required.
Seek grants for greenways. (E.g., Minnesota Department of Natural Resource?s
Grants.
(MNDNR) Regional Park or Natural and Scenic Areas grant with 40% match for Regional Park
or 50% for Natural and Scenic Areas. MNDNR Environmental & Conservation Partnerships
7
Grant program for up to $20,000, with 50% municipal in-kind/cash match.)
Encourage private landowners to enter into conservation easements with
Private Easements.
a group such as Minnesota Land Trust.
Seek donation of land or donation of conservation easement.
Donation of Land or Easement.
Trust for Public Land can be intermediary. Donations can reduce federal and state taxes.
Identify key messages and incentives to landowners on tax benefits of donation.
Consider a bonding initiative for greenway and Local Habitat acquisition.
8
Acquisition.
Collaborate with adjacent communities, county, and agencies in development
Collaboration.
and implementation of plans for Natural Area Greenways.
Protect Natural Areas on Private Land
Protecting natural areas on private land is complicated and requires a willing landowner. Each property
needs a different approach. Implementing the natural resources plan will lay the groundwork for
approaching landowners with ideas for protecting natural areas in greenways and Local Habitats. There are
several tools for approaching landowners:
Educate landowners about the resources on their particular site and in their neighborhood.
Provide stewardship training to residents.
Encourage landowners to enter into conservation easements with a group such as Minnesota Land
Trust.
Develop incentives for landowners to donate conservation land to city.
Adopt zoning and development ordinances with incentives to protect open space.
Natural Resources Management Plans
Develop and implement management plans for Natural Area Greenways and city-owned Local
Habitats.
Develop and implement site-specific management plans for each Maplewood Neighborhood
Preserve.
Develop and implement management plans addressing city-wide management issues such as
invasive species.
Develop and implement a Maplewood Tree Plan to cover boulevard trees, park trees, woodlots and
forests.
Modify park and trail operations to adopt environmentally friendly maintenance practices and to
minimize edge effects to nearby greenways and Local Habitats.
7
See http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/land/natural_scenic.html
8
See http://conservationcampaign.org
Natural Resources 7-13
City-wide Natural Resources Issues
Stormwater Management
Discussed above.
Alternative Stormwater Standards.
Complete a study to identify and prioritize areas with existing conditions
Identify Target Locations.
that create problems for downstream lakes, streams, and wetlands in the city.
Create a program to deliver technical advice
Blue Stormwater Program for Existing Developments.
and assistance about low impact retrofit practices to improve ecosystem services involving
stormwater (vegetation filtration, infiltration, recharge, and water level stability). These include rain
gardens, bioswales, infiltration plantings (e.g., butterfly and botanical gardens, prairies), tree boxes,
created wetlands, cisterns, and many more practices.
Street and Boulevard Design and Maintenance
Investigate alternative road de-icing options. Options range from new formulations of calcium
chloride to a solution containing sugar beet juice.
Sweep streets on annual schedule. This is being implemented.
Identify erosion-prone street shoulders at lakeshores, streams, and wetland edges and take
corrective action. This is being implemented, and will include a focus on Natural Area Greenways
and Local Habitats.
Develop guidelines for environmentally friendly street design such as plantings in cul-de-sac center
islands, tree boxes in boulevards, and innovations such as Portland?s Green Street program.
9
Urban Tree Management
Develop and implement an Urban Tree Management Plan for the city that addresses boulevard
trees, park trees, and woodlands.
Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks and implement control program (Dutch elm, oak wilt,
emerald ash borer, etc.). Expand to include other diseases and pests as they occur.
Consider adapting the Minnesota Forest Stewardship whole-site planning model for the city.
10
Non-native Invasive Species Management
Educate city staff and residents on threat of invasive species and management options.
Develop a volunteer program to help monitor city-owned land for new invasions.
Partner with adjacent cities and agencies in controlling invasive species regionally.
Monitor developments in control methods for buckthorn, garlic mustard, reed canary-grass,
Siberian elm, and other target species and revise outreach materials as needed.
Urban Wildlife Management
Educate residents about the value and stewardship of urban wildlife.
Participate in Ramsey County?s deer management program.
Explore options to reduce populations of bird and mammal species that compete with or prey on
native songbird populations (feral and free-roaming cats, raccoons, starlings, house sparrows,
crows and grackles, etc.).
9
See http://www.portlandonline.com/BES/index.cfm?c=44407&
10
http://na.fs.fed.us/stewardship/index.shtm
Natural Resources 7-14
Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Update city?s planning, development review, zoning and ordinances to be consistent with
guidelines for these areas.
Identify parcels of land in these areas that have high ecological quality and need protection.
Educate landowners in these areas about the designations and what they mean.
Natural Resources 7-15
Implementation Schedule for Natural Resources Plan
The Natural Resources Plan proposes a new approach to managing Maplewood?s natural resources. One
of the first steps in achieving the goals is to gain a better understanding of Maplewood?s resources. To do
this, the implementation plan recommends that Maplewood conducts a land cover classification survey of
the whole city. This work will lay the foundation for planning and management. It should be completed
before the city attempts to prioritize protection and restoration projects. Therefore, the implementation
schedule focuses on planning, not on specific restoration and management projects.
Category Date Key Activities Cost Estimate
Planning 2008 1. Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances to Staff
implement natural resources plan
2. Develop land protection strategies for south Staff
Maplewood
3. Determine staffing needs for implementation of Staff
natural resources plan
4. Determine role of Environmental and Natural Staff, ENR
Resources Commission (ENR) in implementation of
Natural Resources Plan.
2009 1.Conduct MLCCS inventory for entire city ($10,000 $25,000
grant received)
2.Assess and prioritize protection and management Staff
projects
3.Develop funding strategies Staff
4.Develop Maplewood Tree Plan Staff
2010 1.Develop management plan for each greenway $40,000
2.Develop general management plan for Local $10,000
Habitats
2010+ 1.Develop individual management plans for individual $30,000 total
Neighborhood Preserves when funding is available
to begin restoration at site
2.Develop programs that address natural resources staff
city-wide (ex: wetland buffers, sustainable
landscaping)
Education, 2008 1. Develop natural resources workshop focusing on $5,000 grant
Outreach,protection and stewardship of neighborhood
Community resources. Present in one neighborhood and to
Engagement businesses. Staff
2. Enhance natural resources section of website Staff
3. Present community-wide programs on sustainable
landscaping topics
2009 1.Present natural resources workshop for four Staff
neighborhoods
2.Present community-wide natural resources
programs
3.Conduct ?BioBlitz? for one site
2010 1.Present natural resources workshop for four Staff
neighborhoods
Natural Resources 7-16
2.Present community-wide natural resources
programs
3.Conduct ?BioBlitz? for one site
2011 1.Present natural resources workshop for four staff
continued
Education, neighborhoods
Outreach,2.Present community-wide natural resources
Community programs
Engagement 3.Conduct ?BioBlitz? for one site
2012 1.Present community-wide natural resources staff
programs
2013 1. Present community-wide natural resources staff
programs
Restoration 2008-See Parks Chapter for restoration and management
and 2013 projects at Neighborhood Preserves.
Management
Natural resources management activities are contingent
upon assessment and prioritization which is scheduled
for 2009 (after MLCCS data compiled).
Land 2008-1. Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances that help
Protection 2009 protect natural lands
and 2009-1. Acquire non-buildable land for preservation $25,000-
Acquisition 2013 $100,000/acre
2. Acquire buildable land for preservation $100,000-
(Cost-share grants available for land in Mississippi $300,000/acre
Critical Area)
3. Acquire land through donation $10,000/transaction
General costs for restoration and management: Per acre
Buckthorn removal $1000-$10,000
Prairie restoration (including three years management) $4000-$8000
Woodland restoration $2000-$20,000
Wetland restoration $2000-$8000
Yearly maintenance of restored areas $100-$250
Natural Resources 7-17
6. Figures
Figure 7.1. Natural and Semi-Natural Land in Maplewood
Figure 7.2. Natural Area Greenways
Figure 7.3. Local Habitats
Figure 7.4. Maplewood?s Natural Resources, Parks, Trails, and Open Space
7. Tables
Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood
Table 7.2. Acres in Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats ?
NOT YET AVAILABLE
8. Glossary- NOT YET AVAILABLE.
Natural Resources 7-18
City Review DRAFT
June 2008
SEH No. A-MAPLE0807.00
CITY No. ___________
Preliminary Draft
June 25, 2008
Highlighted areas are still under refinement
Has not been reviewed in full by City staff
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Maplewood (City) has completed this Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP or
Plan) to establish a more functional and up-to-date guide for future surface water management
activities throughout the City. This Plan builds on the City?s previous plan, its National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) program and related Non-Degradation Plan and
addresses several key issues related to storm water management that the City is likely to
encounter in the coming years. This executive summary provides a brief description of the
purpose and basis for this updated Plan, followed by a presentation of the overriding goals that
were used to guide development of the Plan. This executive summary closes by highlighting the
key issues the City intends to address as part of this Plan.
Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of this Plan is to establish the framework of a comprehensive program that does
more than simply protect and improve the quality of existing water resources within the City.
The Plan also recognizes that development and redevelopment must and will continue well into
the future, and will serve as a guide for City staff to follow as they evaluate the potential impacts
of a given project on these quality resources. The Plan will serve as a toolbox for the City that
includes the best available water resource data at the time it was completed, up-to-date policies
and design standards, and a process to adjust goals and policies as new data is collected and
evaluated or as complimentary programs change. With this guidance specific to surface water
as well as the broader guidance provide in the City?s Comprehensive Plan, this Surface Water
Management Plan will serve to:
Provide for the use, management, improvement and protection of the City?s surface
water resources
Contribute to the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the high environmental
quality of the community
Protect public investments and private property related to or affected by surface water
Help to understand the larger context of surface water management issues in relation to
land use and land use policy
Balance environmental protection and enhancement needs with economic needs and
capabilities
Meet regulatory requirements
City of Maplewood ES-2
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Basis for the Plan
There are two primary programs that establish the regulatory need to update the City's Surface
Water Management Plan. First, Minnesota Statutes, Sections 103B.201 to 103B.255 and
Minnesota Rule, Chapter 8410 comprise the State?s Metropolitan Surface Water Management
Program (MSWMP). These Statutes and Rules require the preparation of watershed plans by
watershed management organizations (WMOs) and the preparation of local (i.e., city) water
management plans that are consistent with the respective WMO plans. Second, upon adoption
by Council, the policies and standards presented in this Plan become a part of the City's overall
Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the MSWMP is that through policies and thoughtful
program implementation, goals for proper water and wetland resource management can be
realized and water quality can be protected. Through proper planning and implementation,
informed decisions can be made which allow for the protection and/or enhancement of water
quality, prevention of ground water degradation, and reduction of local flooding.
A third regulatory program, very much related to the goals, policies and standards of this Plan,
is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Storm Water Permit
Program (Phase II Program). While this program is not directly a driving force for updating the
City?s Plan, similarities between the MSWMP and NPDES Phase II programs are such that the
City intends to realize efficiencies in managing the two separate programs as a single
comprehensive surface water management program.
The NPDES Phase II Storm Water Permit Program is a federal regulatory program that requires
owners of Municipally Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) to prepare and implement a
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) and apply for the permit with the
administrative agency. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) administers the MS4
program in the state. The City submitted their original permit application and SWPPP on
March 10, 2003, and submitted an updated SWPP in 2006 to comply with the MPCA program
requirements. The City has completed their NPDES program in conformance to the SWPPP
since submittal in 2003, including conducting annual public meetings and completing a Loading
Assessment and Nondegradation Report (November 2007) as required by the MS4 Permit. This
SWMP incorporates the best management practices (BMPs) that were identified in the City?s
2006 SWPPP as and Appendix to the Plan and also identifies several specific projects that are
not specified in the City?s NPDES Program SWPPP.
Surface water management programs throughout the country, state and locally have seen
significant changes in recent years and are expected to continue evolving as the regulatory
programs expand and/or change. For example, the impaired waters and Total Maximum Daily
Load (TMDL) studies reaching as far downstream as Lake Pepin, changes to the wetland
conservation act and a shift towards lower impact development approaches will likely have
some ongoing impact on how Maplewood manages surface waters in the future. One local
example is in the recent adoption of volume reduction and infiltration requirements by the City
as part of the Maplewood Mall Area Transportation Improvements (MMATI) project. The City
established a 1-inch infiltration standard for developments and city projects proposed in the area
as a first step towards achieving enhance storm water treatment. The local watershed
organizations soon followed suit in adopting similar 1-inch infiltration and volume control
standards.
City of Maplewood ES-3
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Plan Overview
The Plan contains an Introduction (Section I), a brief Background and History and description of
the existing physical environment (Section II); specific Goals and Policies (Section III)
developed by the City; specific information regarding key Surface Water Resources within the
City (Section IV) and an Implementation Plan (Section V) that summarizes some of the ongoing
management activities and future projects for the protection and enhancement of the City?s
water and wetland resources. Using the goals summarized in Table ES-1, the Plan is intended
to guide surface water and water resource management activities through about the year 2030.
Table ES-1. Maplewood Storm Water Management Plan Goals
Goal
GoalGoal Statement
Number
Maintain or enhance the water quality of Maplewood?s surface
Water Quality waters relative to current conditions and strive to achieve water
1
quality improvements.
Preserve, maintain, utilize and where practical, enhance the storm
Runoff
water storage and detention systems to control excessive volumes
Management and
2
and rates of runoff, control flooding, protect public health and safety,
Flood Control
and to minimize necessary public capital expenditures.
Achieve no net loss of wetlands, including acreage, functions and
Wetlands values. Where practicable, improve the functions, values,
3
biodiversity and acreage of wetlands and their buffer areas.
Protect capacity of storm water system, prevent flooding and
Erosion and
maintain water quality by preventing erosion and sedimentation from
4
Sediment Control
occurring, and correct existing erosion and sedimentation problems.
Protect the quality and quantity of groundwater resources and
Groundwater develop a cooperative program with the watershed district to identify
5
infiltration-sensitive areas.
Individual Sewage Protect the public health, safety and welfare through a
Treatment Systems comprehensive ISTS ordinance that requires properly designed and
6
(ISTS)maintained ISTS systems.
Education and Increase public and city official awareness, understanding and
7
Public Involvement involvement in water and natural resource management issues.
Establish and maintain funding sources to finance surface water
Financing
8
management activities.
Preserve function and performance of public infrastructure through
continued implementation of a maintenance and inspection program.
Develop a city-maintenance plan for the inspection of all ponds,
Maintenance and
outlet structures and inlet facilities and consider initiating a pond
9
Inspection
delta removal program. Such a program should consider
improvements to reduce sediment loads to ponds, wetlands and
lakes to help prioritize critical improvement areas.
Maintain primary responsibility for managing water resources at the
Regulatory
local level but continue coordination and cooperation with other
10
Responsibility
agencies and organizations.
City of Maplewood ES-4
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Though long term in focus, the Plan has numerous future decision points related to
recommended capital improvements and ongoing inspection, maintenance and monitoring
activities. The Plan was developed recognizing the need for proper land utilization and growth
and, at the same time, emphasizing the need to prioritize management actions and decisions
based on the assigned category of a receiving water body (i.e., lake or wetland).
This updated SWMP addresses each of the required elements in Minnesota Statutes and Rules
and is consistent with the Metropolitan Council?s guidelines for Water Management Plans. The
Plan is also consistent with the watershed districts having jurisdiction in portions of Maplewood:
the Ramsey-Washington-Metro Watershed District (RWMWD); the Capitol Region Watershed
District (CRWD); and the Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD).
The criteria set forth in this Plan, as a minimum, establish the degree of performance necessary
to achieve the City?s water quality and water quantity management goals and meet the
applicable regulatory requirements. These criteria are not intended to dictate or preempt the
design process, but rather provide guidelines to proper development and redevelopment.
Key Water Resources Issues
This Plan identifies several key issues related to storm water management that the City is likely
to encounter in the coming years. These issues include: meeting the requirements of
nondegradation standards and impaired waters programs; addressing localized flooding
problems and meeting the challenges of an increased need for maintenance of the public and
private stormwater system and coordinating efforts with natural resource improvement areas to
find more cost-effective approaches. The issues equate to a need for continued long-term
financial commitments and likely increased funding for the surface water management program
into the future.
Water Quality and Impaired Waters
This Plan is being completed in conjunction with the City?s 2008 update to its Comprehensive
Plan. As part of this Comprehensive Plan, the City is conducting a preliminary evaluation of the
entire storm water system and building on recent efforts under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES), Municipally Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit
program, including the Loading Assessment and Non-Degradation Report (Non-Deg Report)
completed by the City in November 2007. The Non-Deg Report concluded that
The City will experience a reduction in total phosphorus (TP) and total suspended solids
(TSS) load by the year 2020, but will experience an increase in the runoff volume.
The reduction in loading of TP and TSS through 2020 relates directly to continuing to
implement the 1-inch volume control standard on new and redevelopment projects.
Runoff Volume reduction is a relatively new area to the storm water management arena
while the potential adverse effects still being studied and debated. The most common
impacts cited in connection with the runoff volume increase are a pronounced
degradation of the natural stream banks and more frequent inundation of the wetlands.
No significant issues were known at the time of finalizing the Non-Deg report. Since
completion of the Non-Deg Report, input has been obtained from staff and watershed
representatives that there may be some volume-related issues to address in south
Maplewood and other localized areas.
City of Maplewood ES-5
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Relative to impaired waters, Maplewood has twelve waters on the 2008 draft list prepared by
the MPCA and that was submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency for approval.
Table ES-2 provides a summary of the affected use and impairments for each of these waters.
Table ES-2. Draft 2008 TMDL Listed Impaired Waters in Maplewood
Final
ReceivingAffected Pollutant or 2006
Water UseStressor TMDL
List
Kohlman
Aquatic Consumption Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOs)
in Fish Tissue
Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication Yes
Biological Indicators
Gervais
Aquatic Consumption Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOs)
in Fish Tissue
Aquatic Consumption Mercury in Fish Tissue
Spoon
Aquatic Consumption Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOs)
in Fish Tissue
Keller
Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication Yes
Biological Indicators
Aquatic Consumption Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOs)
in Fish Tissue
Wakefield Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication Yes
Biological Indicators
Round
Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication Yes
Biological Indicators
Aquatic Consumption Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOs)
in Fish Tissue
Phalen
Aquatic Consumption Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOs)
in Fish Tissue
Beaver Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication Yes
Biological Indicators
Aquatic Consumption Mercury in Fish Tissue
Tanners
Aquatic Consumption Mercury in Fish Tissue
Battle Creek
Aquatic Life Chloride
Battle Creek
Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication
Lake
Biological Indicators
Carver Lake
Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication
Biological Indicators
Aquatic Consumption Mercury in Fish Tissue
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Of the listed pollutants in Table ES-2, the City is really only in a position to address the nutrient
(i.e., phosphorus) impairments and the chloride impairments. PFO impairments are still very
new to the impaired waters program and the City will need to maintain contact with MPCA and
the local watershed organizations as more information is available on the plan for these
impairments. According to the MPCA?s Statewide Mercury TMDL Study, most of the mercury in
Minnesota?s fish comes from atmospheric deposition, with approximately 90 percent originating
from outside the state. Because mercury has regional TMDL implications, little effort will be
placed on TMDL recommendations related to mercury for these waters as part of this planning
effort. The City will continue to review recommendations for mercury that may be offered by
EPA and/or MPCA to see if the regional approach to mercury has any future implications on the
City. More detail on the progress of the statewide mercury TMDL process can be found on the
MPCA?s website.
Statewide, approximately 8 percent of Minnesota?s river miles and 14 percent of Minnesota?s
lakes have been tested for pollution problems. Approximately 40 percent of those tested are
polluted with human and animal waste, phosphorus, suspended solids, mercury and other
pollutants. As more of the states? surface waters are tested for pollution problems, it is
reasonable to assume that more waters will be listed as impaired in subsequent biennial cycles.
When Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies are completed, the TMDLs will likely be used
by the MPCA and local entities to further prioritize management actions and establish additional
regulatory controls.
The City will consider the listing of the lakes in Table ES-2 in future management decisions and
actively manage the activities in the contributing watersheds to limit the delivery of these
pollutants (primarily nutrients, sediment and chlorides) to these waters. Infiltration best
management practices have a higher level of total phosphorus removal than the traditional wet
stormwater ponds and the City?s infiltration requirement will help with the reduction of
phosphorus entering the receiving waters.
Flooding and Maintenance of the System
The City will need to continue to address localize flooding areas to protect life and property and
reduce the burden of maintaining the system. As weather trends are showing higher intensity
storm events, the potential for localized flooding will continue, if not increase. Along with this
realization is that it places a higher level of urgency on the need to maintain the storm water
conveyance system so that it functions well during these events. While some debris blockages
of pipes and structures will almost certainly continue to occur, the efforts placed on identifying
problem areas and conducting maintenance and/or installing physical improvements, will reduce
the potential for problems.
Coordinating Efforts with Natural Resources
Coordinating surface water management with natural resources management an improvement
to maximize the benefits and return on investments. The City of Maplewood intends to achieve
its vision and goals for natural resources using a comprehensive approach. There are four main
parts to the Natural Resource Plan.
Natural Area Greenways. Natural Area Greenways are large contiguous areas of
habitat that cross ownership boundaries. They protect and expand ecosystem services
and habitat for species that are gone or are disappearing from the City.
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Local Habitats. Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat
connections. They serve the needs of people wanting to enjoy and learn about wild
habitat near their homes and also provide ecosystem services and wildlife habitat locally.
Active Parks and Trails. Active Parks and Trails connect greenways and preserves but
also give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike.
Natural Resource Issues. Other natural resources issues are addressed city-side
through individual programs.
Partnerships and Funding
The final critical area of focus will be the continued close coordination with the local watershed
organizations, Ramsey County, and other project-specific partners to take full advantage of
opportunities to gain water quality improvements and enhance other natural resources at the
same time. These efforts will be needed and a priority for the City on public capital improvement
projects, storm water system and utility maintenance activities, public outreach and education
activities and on private development projects. This cooperative approach will allow the City to
leverage the limited funding that is currently available.
Maintain a financing strategy for surface water improvements relates very closely to the
cooperative approach to projects and activities. The City will need to continue using a
combination of environmental utility fees, special assessments, connection charges, and storm
water program grant funds to realize the goals of this Plan. The City will need to evaluate the
need for increases in storm water utility charges that serves as the primary dedicated source for
funding the wide range of storm water program activities and capital projects.
Implementation Plan
Development of the implementation program follows the guidelines in Minnesota Rules Chapter
8410, the WMOs and Metropolitan Council. City staff identified a wide range of issues or
problems related to the various goal sections, developed solutions or approaches to addressing
each of the issues, and development specific action steps, including identification of possible
resources, measurements, approximate schedules and planning level costs.
The overall implementation program includes a mixture of capital improvement projects, studies,
ongoing maintenance, inspection, monitoring and other management activities recommended
over the next 10 or more years. Estimated planning-level costs of recommended actions are
provided with a cautionary note that they are not intended to set unrealistic expectations of the
actual costs of projects and/or activities. The costs provided are intended to serve as an order-
of-magnitude look at what the activity may require. Notations are also provided where the
activity can be completed by City staff.
The City's water bodies and wetlands are truly exceptional resources for City residents and thus
water quality is one of the priority areas for future program efforts. City lakes and water
resources offer a range of recreational opportunities and some are truly exceptional resources
from a water quality perspective. Others are impaired for various pollutants and have a reduced
value due to those impairments. One of the most recognized and valued resources is Lake
Phalen, which is one of the four lakes in the City not impaired for excess nutrients (i.e.,
phosphorus). One of the City's challenges in the years ahead will be to successfully implement
this Plan to maintain the quality of lakes like Phalen, and at the same time work towards
improvements in the seven lakes that are impaired for excess nutrients (phosphorus).
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Water Quantity, or flooding, issues are another key area for the City to focus efforts on in the
coming years. While no major flooding-related issues exist, there are several areas throughout
the City where localized flooding can be addressed by infrastructure improvements associated
with street reconstruction and/or development projects. These localized flooding improvements
are in areas like Valley View in south Maplewood that was hit with localized flooding from
extreme rainfall events in the fall of 2005.
Except for the activities that are taken from the City NPDES SWPPP, the Implementation Plan
is not a hard and fast commitment to complete each and every activity in the time frame
suggested. Rather, it is a suggested course of action that will accomplish the major goal of this
plan; to accommodate new development, in-fill development and redevelopment in the
community while protecting and improving Maplewood?s surface water resources. Infrastructure
replacements and/or additions will be reviewed, approved and administered in accordance with
Maplewood?s Capital Improvement Program.
Table ES-3. Implementation Program Priority Projects and Activities
Project Name DescriptionYear
ID
Explore opportunities for water quality Annual
1improvement projects and install BMPs in
key watersheds
RWMWD, VBWD and CRWD
2Update storm water ordinance Standards, Codify 1-inch
2008
infiltration requirements
Complete update to wetland
Update wetland ordinance
3ordinance, classifications and
2008
buffer standards
Review Shingle creek study
Review Chloride use and management
results and work with watershed
2009-2012
4
alternatives for the Battle Creek
district to implement best
watershed area
practices in drainage areas
Work with WDs to develop Annual
5Participate in TMDL Studies feasible implementation
programs
Intent to get ahead of volume
Complete infiltration feasibility study for control with a more cost effective
2009-2010
6
future street recon areas implementation effort and
possibility of banking credits
Explore opportunities for discharge rate Evaluate flows coming from the
7reductions or hydrograph modifications in east
2010-2011
the Fish and Snake Creek Systems
8Create City-wide hydrologic model in key 2009-2010
areas not covered by watershed models
9Implement Annual wetland mitigation site Annual
monitoring and maintenance program
10
Develop and implement a refined system Inspection form and data in GIS 2009
to track and record NPDES pond and format for more efficient Annual
BMP maintenance activities
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Amendments to the Plan
The NPDES SWPPP activities will be reviewed and evaluated annually in a public meeting and
the permit program itself is scheduled to be updated in 2011 and every five years after that. For
this Plan to remain dynamic, an avenue must be available to implement new information, ideas,
methods, standards, management practices, and any other changes which may affect the intent
and/or results of the Plan. Amendment proposals can be requested any time by any person or
persons either residing or having business within the City.
Proposed amendments are reviewed by staff, and if determined to be reasonable and
necessary amendment the need for a public hearing shall be considered at a regular or special
Council meeting. Council and the watershed organizations have an opportunity to determine
whether or not to approve of the proposed amendments.
Annual Report to Council
An annual report will be completed by City staff summarizing water resource management
activities that have been completed over each calendar year. To the extent practicable, and to
avoid duplication of efforts, the annual report will be coordinated with preparation of the NPDES
th
MS4 program annual report that must be submitted to MPCA by June 30 of each year. The
NPDES annual report includes a public notice, meeting and comment process prior to finalizing
the annual report. The City will use this annual reporting process to evaluate the overall storm
water management program.
Staff?s intent is to revisit the goals, policies, tools and progress of the Plan on a three to five year
basis. Water quality trends will be reviewed with input from the Watershed Districts, the
effectiveness of regulatory programs will be evaluated, and the success of public improvement
projects will be assessed. Based on these subsequent reviews, the SWMP will be updated to
produce a truly dynamic plan.
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Executive Summary
Table of Contents
I.INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................1
A. Purpose of the Plan.............................................................................................................1
B. Basis for the Plan................................................................................................................2
1. Regulatory Basis..............................................................................................................2
2. Related Surface Water Programs.....................................................................................4
C. Water Resources Related Agreements................................................................................5
D. Plan Overview.....................................................................................................................5
E. Plan Development Process..................................................................................................7
II.BACKGROUND, HISTORY AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT...........................................8
A. Location..............................................................................................................................8
B. Land Use.............................................................................................................................8
C. Climate................................................................................................................................8
D. Soils and Geology.............................................................................................................10
E. Topography.......................................................................................................................11
F. Groundwater.....................................................................................................................11
1. Groundwater Recharge..................................................................................................11
2. Groundwater Quality.....................................................................................................12
G. Water Based Recreation Areas.........................................................................................12
H. Fish and Wildlife Habitat..................................................................................................13
I. Pollutant Sources..............................................................................................................14
III.GOALS AND POLICIES..................................................................................................15
A. Goal 1: Water Quality.......................................................................................................16
1. Non-Degradation............................................................................................................17
2. Impaired Waters.............................................................................................................18
B. Goal 2: Runoff Management and Flood Control..............................................................19
C. Goal 3: Wetlands...............................................................................................................20
E. Goal 5: Groundwater.........................................................................................................22
F. Goal 7: Education and Public Involvement......................................................................22
1. Watershed District and County Programs......................................................................23
2. City Programs................................................................................................................23
G. Goal 8: Financing..............................................................................................................24
H. Goal 9: Maintenance and Inspection.................................................................................25
I. Goal 10: Regulatory Responsibility..................................................................................26
1. NPDES MS4 Program SWPPP......................................................................................27
IV.Surface Water Resources...............................................................................................28
A. Overview...........................................................................................................................28
B. Impaired Waters................................................................................................................29
C. Lakes.................................................................................................................................31
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1. Beaver Lake...................................................................................................................32
2. Carver Lake....................................................................................................................33
3. Gervais Lake..................................................................................................................34
4. Keller Lake.....................................................................................................................35
5. Kohlman Lake................................................................................................................37
6. Lake Phalen....................................................................................................................38
7. Round Lake....................................................................................................................40
8. Silver Lake.....................................................................................................................40
9. Tanners Lake..................................................................................................................41
10. Wakefield Lake..............................................................................................................43
D. Creeks...............................................................................................................................43
1. Battle Creek...................................................................................................................44
2. Fish Creek......................................................................................................................44
3. Kohlman Creek..............................................................................................................45
4. Willow Creek.................................................................................................................46
5. Snake Creek...................................................................................................................46
V.Implementation Plan...........................................................................................................47
A. Overview...........................................................................................................................47
B. Implementation Priorities and Cost..................................................................................47
C. Funding Alternatives.........................................................................................................48
D. Amendments to the Plan...................................................................................................50
1. Amendments Procedures...............................................................................................50
2. Request for Amendments...............................................................................................50
3. Staff Review...................................................................................................................50
4. WMO Approval.............................................................................................................51
5. Council Consideration...................................................................................................51
6. Public Hearing and Council Action...............................................................................51
7. Council Adoption...........................................................................................................51
List of Tables
Insert list with pages numbers
List of Figures
Insert list with pages numbers
Appendices
Insert list
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I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Maplewood (City) has prepared this Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP or
Plan) to establish a more functional and up-to-date resource for guiding surface water
management activities throughout the City. This Plan addresses several key issues related to
storm water management that the City is likely to encounter in the coming years. These issues
include addressing impaired waters, an increased need for more effective stormwater treatment
methods and an increased need for maintenance of the public and private stormwater system.
The issues equate to a need for continued and increased funding for the surface water
management program. There is also an opportunity for better coordination of the overall surface
water management program with other City functions. This Plan is being completed in
conjunction with the City?s 2008 update to its Comprehensive Plan. As part of this
Comprehensive Plan, the City is conducting a preliminary evaluation of the entire storm water
system and building on recent efforts under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES), Municipally Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit program. The city has a
great history of coordinating efforts between departments prior to, and as part of, the NPDES
permit program. More than ever, continued coordination between the different functions of the
City will be critical towards realizing the goals of this Plan.
This introductory section begins with a brief description of the purpose and basis for this
updated Plan, followed by an outline of the major sections of the ten overriding goals that were
used to guide development of the Plan.
A. Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of this Plan is to establish the framework of a comprehensive program that does
more than simply protect and improve the quality of existing water resources within the City.
The Plan also recognizes that development and redevelopment must and will continue well into
the future, and will serve as a guide for City staff to follow as they evaluate the potential impacts
of a given project on these quality resources. The Plan will serve as a toolbox for the City that
includes the best available water resource data at the time it was completed, up-to-date policies
and design standards, and a process to adjust goals and policies as new data is collected and
evaluated or as complimentary programs change. . With this guidance specific to surface water
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as well as the broader guidance provide in the City?s Comprehensive Plan, this Surface Water
Management Plan will serve to:
Provide for the use, management, improvement and protection of the City?s surface
water resources
Contribute to the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the high environmental
quality of the community
Protect public investments and private property related to or affected by surface water
Help to understand the larger context of surface water management issues in relation to
land use and land use policy
Balance environmental protection and enhancement needs with economic needs and
capabilities
Meet regulatory requirements
B. Basis for the Plan
1. Regulatory Basis
There are a number of programs that deal with surface water management issues in Minnesota.
State laws and rules, specifically Minnesota Statutes, Sections 103B.201 to 103B.255 and
Minnesota Rule, Chapter 8410 (), establish the regulatory
need to update the City?s Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. These statutes and
rules comprise the State?s Metropolitan Surface Water Management Program (MSWMP), which
requires the preparation of watershed plans by watershed management organizations (WMOs),
and the preparation of local water management plans that are consistent with the respective
WMO plans. This program also requires municipalities to develop a Second Generation Local
Surface Water Management Plan. This program includes the requirement that the City Plan
needs to be approved by the WMOs that operate within the City.
A second regulatory program, very much related to the goals, policies and standards of this
Plan, is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Storm Water
Permit Program that is administered in the State by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) (). This program has many similarities to the MSWMP, and
both programs were considered with the Plan update. Additional information on the purposes
and background for each of the two programs, including information on the three WMOs that
exist within Maplewood, follows.
a. Metropolitan Surface Water Management Program
The purposes of the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Program (MSWMP) is that
through policies and thoughtful program implementation, goals for proper water and wetland
resource management can be realized and water quality can be protected. Such a program
requires cooperation with neighboring communities, counties, state agencies, and WMOs.
Through proper planning and implementation, informed decisions can be made which allow for
the protection and/or enhancement of water quality, prevention of ground water degradation,
and reduction of local flooding.
The purpose of the water management programs required by Minnesota Statutes §103B.205 to
103B.255 are to:
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Protect, preserve, and use natural surface and groundwater storage and retention
systems;
Minimize public expenditures needed to correct flooding and water quality problems;
Identify and plan for means to effectively protect and improve surface and groundwater
management;
Establish more uniform local controls for surface and groundwater management;
Prevent erosion of soil into surface water systems;
Promote groundwater recharge;
Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and water recreation facilities; and
Secure benefits associated with the proper management of surface and ground water.
b. Metropolitan Council
The Metropolitan Land Planning Act requires local governments in the seven-county Twin Cities
area to develop local comprehensive plans. The Metropolitan Council is responsible for creating
a comprehensive planning guide for the area, the Metropolitan Development Guide.
Comprehensive plans include several sections related to existing and future land use, planning
for future development, a housing plan, transportation plan, public utilities information, and a
surface water management plan. Each community is required to update their comprehensive
plans every ten years.
The main component of the Development Guide is the 2030 Regional Development Framework,
which was most recently updated in 2005. The Metropolitan Council issued individualized
system statements to each community to inform them of what they need to update in their
comprehensive plans. Each community is required to submit their updated plan to Metropolitan
Council by the end of 2008.
As mentioned previously, the surface water management plan is a component of the
comprehensive plan. Communities must have a complete and approved surface water
management plan in order to get their comprehensive plans approved. The Metropolitan Council
sets certain goals, policies, and requires specific information to be included in the surface water
management plan. They have set initiatives to use low impact design (LID) techniques and to
promote infiltration and volume control. The City of Maplewood?s surface water management
plan will include these requirements, and will be submitted for approval by the Metropolitan
Council in 2008.
c. Watershed Management Organizations
Under the MSWMP (), the City is required to submit its updated
SWMP to WMOs having jurisdiction within the City. Maplewood is located within three major
watershed units, including the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD)
(), the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) (www.capitolregionwd.org),
and the Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD) () The watersheds are shown
on Figure 2, which illustrates the jurisdictional boundaries of the watershed units.
All three of the Watershed Districts have jurisdictional authority within the City, and therefore
each must review the City?s Plan to evaluate consistency with the respective Watershed District
Plan. Capitol Region Watershed District completed its plan in 2000, Valley Branch Watershed
District updated its plan in 2005, and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District updated its
plan in 2007.
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This updated SWMP addresses each of the required elements in Minnesota Statutes and Rules
and is consistent with the Metropolitan Council?s guidelines for Water Management Plans. The
Plan has been prepared to be consistent with the CRWD, RWMWD, and VBWD plans. The
criteria set forth in this Plan, as a minimum, establish the degree of performance necessary to
achieve improvement in water quality and water quantity management. These criteria are not
intended to dictate or preempt the design process, but rather provide guidelines to proper
development and redevelopment.
This Plan represents a unique combination of resource management, regulatory controls and
public works management. As discussed above, State Statutes and Rules require that a plan be
prepared for each watershed in the seven county metropolitan area. Local (i.e., City) plans must
also be prepared and approved by the applicable watersheds and reviewed by the Metropolitan
Council. Once approved by the WMOs and adopted by council, the Plan becomes part of the
City?s overall Comprehensive Plan. The Plan is geared towards meeting the mutual goals of all
of the WMO?s within the City.
d. Ramsey County
Ramsey County is responsible managing several aspects of water resources throughout the
county. For the purposes of this Plan, the county?s main role is to review the Plan for
consistency with the locally adopted groundwater management. In addition to this role, the City
also seeks to continue cooperation with the County on related work including transportation
improvements, parks and opens space management. In all of these cases, there are
opportunities to coordinate efforts between the City and County to find more efficient and more
cost-effective storm water management practices and related improvements in natural areas
and open space. These coordinated efforts, will keep in mind opportunities for enhancements to
the open space, natural corridors and water resources.
2. Related Surface Water Programs
a. NPDES MS4 Storm Water Permit Program
The NPDES Storm Water Permit Program is a federal regulatory program that requires owners
of Municipally Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) to prepare and implement a Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) and apply for the permit with the administrative agency.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) administers the Phase II MS4 program in the
state (). The City submitted its first permit application and SWPPP
prior to the March 10, 2003 initial submittal deadline. A revised permit was issued by the MPCA
in 2006 and the City completed a revised SWPPP. This SWMP does not specifically incorporate
all of the best management practices (BMPs) identified in the City?s SWPPP. Instead, the Plan
builds on these existing activities by specifying projects and management approaches to
achieve the City?s water resources goals. The six minimum control measures required of the
program are:
Public education and outreach (which includes teaching citizens about better stormwater
management)
Public Participation (including citizens in solving stormwater pollution problems. This
includes a required public annual meeting and an annual report)
Illicit Discharges Detection and Elimination (reducing discharges to the stormwater
system of things like chemical dumping and wastewater connections)
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Construction-site runoff controls (standards for erosion and sediment measures)
Post-construction runoff controls (standards for things like treatment ponds, rainwater
gardens and reducing the volume of runoff form development sites)
Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations (measures like
covering salt piles and street-sweeping, cleaning storm water ponds)
One step in meeting the initial Phase II requirements in 2003 was a self assessment process
that the City completed to prepare their Notice of Intent (NOI or permit application) for coverage
under the NPDES MS4 Phase II. In this process, the City considered receiving waters, the City?s
existing storm water management plan, and a range of BMPs that could be followed to achieve
the MS4 permit requirements. The self assessment resulted in an understanding of the City?s
current storm water programs and future priorities.
In addition to administering the MS4 process, the MPCA also lists water bodies in Minnesota as
impaired, which means that a Total Maximum Daily Load Study needs to be completed. Please
refer to the ?Water Bodies? section for more information regarding the impaired waters and
TMDLs in Maplewood.
b. Wetland Management
The City of Maplewood has recently revised their Wetland Ordinance, in which the City
reclassifies the wetlands. The ordinance also sets minimum buffer requirements that are based
on the classification of the wetland.
The Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District also uses a classification system for
wetlands in the District. The District?s classification is very similar to the City?s, except the City
has an A+ class. The City?s minimum buffer widths are generally greater than the District?s
minimum requirements. The RWMWD is the Local Government Unit (LGU) for wetland
permitting.
C. Water Resources Related Agreements
The City has several agreements with adjacent communities, MnDOT, Ramsey County and the
watershed districts for activities relating to management of water resources and operation and
maintenance of storm water system components. These agreements are included in Appendix
__.
D. Plan Overview
One of the first steps taken to develop this Plan was to gather and compile the best available
information and data from a number of resources. Sources of these data include the City?s 1990
Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, the City?s 2002 Comprehensive Plan, the
Watershed Districts? plans, MPCA NPDES Program and other relevant sources. This data and
information was then reviewed and evaluated as part of the update process.
Following this Introduction section, subsequent sections address the background, history and
description of the existing physical environment (Section II); goals and policies (Section III); key
water bodies within the City (Section IV), and establish an implementation plan to guide future
projects and management activities for the protection and future enhancement of the City?s
water and wetland resources (Section V).
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Using the ten goals presented in Table 1 as the guiding principles of the City?s surface water
program, the Plan is intended to guide surface water resource management activities through
about the year 2030. Though long term in focus, the Plan has numerous future decision points
relating to recommended capital improvements and ongoing inspection, maintenance and
monitoring activities. Where applicable, staff and financial resources of the City, WMOs, and
adjacent communities are called on to maximize the effectiveness of the results. The Plan was
developed recognizing the need to prioritize management actions and decisions based on the
protection level of a given receiving water (i.e., lake or wetland), as established by the City and
the respective watershed organization.
Table 1. Plan Goals and Goal Statements
Goal
GoalGoal Statement
Number
Maintain or enhance the water quality of Maplewood?s surface
Water Quality waters relative to current conditions and strive to achieve water
1
quality improvements.
Preserve, maintain, utilize and where practical, enhance the storm
Runoff
water storage and detention systems to control excessive volumes
Management and
2
and rates of runoff, control flooding, protect public health and safety,
Flood Control
and to minimize necessary public capital expenditures.
Achieve no net loss of wetlands, including acreage, functions and
Wetlands values. Where practicable, improve the functions, values,
3
biodiversity and acreage of wetlands and their buffer areas.
Protect capacity of storm water system, prevent flooding and
Erosion and
maintain water quality by preventing erosion and sedimentation from
4
Sediment Control
occurring, and correct existing erosion and sedimentation problems.
Protect the quality and quantity of groundwater resources and
Groundwater develop a cooperative program with the watershed district to identify
5
infiltration-sensitive areas.
Individual Sewage Protect the public health, safety and welfare through a
Treatment Systems comprehensive ISTS ordinance that requires properly designed and
6
(ISTS)maintained ISTS systems.
Education and Increase public and city official awareness, understanding and
7
Public Involvement involvement in water and natural resource management issues.
Establish and maintain funding sources to finance surface water
Financing
8
management activities.
Preserve function and performance of public infrastructure through
continued implementation of a maintenance and inspection program.
Develop a city-maintenance plan for the inspection of all ponds,
Maintenance and
outlet structures and inlet facilities and consider initiating a pond
9
Inspection
delta removal program. Such a program should consider
improvements to reduce sediment loads to ponds, wetlands and
lakes to help prioritize critical improvement areas.
Maintain primary responsibility for managing water resources at the
Regulatory
local level but continue coordination and cooperation with other
10
Responsibility
agencies and organizations.
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E. Plan Development Process
This Plan itself has developed over about an eight-month period starting in about January 2008.
In effect, the Planning process has really been underway since the City first started hearing
about the NPDES MS4 Permit program requirements in about 2001-2002. Many of the program
activities that the City was already following are covered in the six minimum control measures of
the City?s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). The City has made refinements
to its NPDES SWPPP and improvement in its overall storm water management program over
the first five years of the program and has considered these improvements during development
of this Plan. One of the more extensive efforts related to the NPDES program was the Loading
Assessment and Nondegradation Report that was completed and submitted to the MPCA in late
2007. Opportunities for public input were provided during development of the plan and input was
also collected from each of the local watershed districts.
The more recent process included many steps and coordination, including significant efforts by
members of City staff, informal and formal meetings with the Comprehensive Plan Technical
Team, the Parks Trails and Open Space Task Force, Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission, City Council and Planning Commission. Two public meetings relating to the overall
Comprehensive Plan were also held in April and May of 2008 to allow residents an opportunity
to provide input in the planning process. The key meetings are summarized directly below.
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II. BACKGROUND, HISTORY AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
A. Location
The City of Maplewood is located in the eastern suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area in
the eastern portion of Ramsey County as shown on Figure 1. White Bear Lake and Vadnais
Heights border the city to the north, Little Canada, Roseville, and St. Paul to the west, St. Paul
and Newport to the south, and North St. Paul, Oakdale and Woodbury to the east. The total
surface area of Maplewood is approximately 11,560 acres or about 18 square miles.
B. Land Use
Land use within the City of Maplewood ranges from single and multi-family residential uses to
shopping centers, light and heavy manufacturing, commercial, as well as an extensive network
of surface water features, natural areas, open space and parks. The City?s 2008
Comprehensive Plan includes more detailed information on the land use patterns and specific
issues in key areas of the City. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the existing and proposed land use in
Maplewood, respectively.
C. Climate
The RWMWD Plan contains more extensive information on the climate in this area of the Twin
Cities. The following paragraphs are based largely on this information.
Because of its location near the center of the North American continent, the Twin Cities
metropolitan area (and Minnesota) experiences a wide variation in climate conditions (e.g.,
droughts and floods, heat and cold). However, even with these wide variations, climatologists
have found four significant climate trends in the Upper Midwest (Minnesota Weather Almanac,
Seeley, 2006):
Warmer winters
Higher minimum temperatures
Higher dew points
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Changes in precipitation trends ? more rainfall is coming from heavy thunderstorm
events and increased snowfall
According to the Soil and Water Conservation Society?s (SWCS) 2003 report on climate change,
total precipitation amounts in the United States (and in the Great Lakes region) are trending
upward, as are storm intensities. Precipitation records in the Twin Cities area show the annual
average precipitation has increased, as shown in the following examples:
Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport station ? the average annual precipitation has increased
from 28.32 inches (1961-1990 average) to 29.41 inches (1971-2000 average), a 3.8%
increase(data from the Climatology Working Group website: http://climate.umn.edu/).
St. Paul station ? the average annual precipitation has increased from 30.30 inches
(1961-1990 average, from the MN DNR State Climatology Office) to 32.59 inches (1971-
2000 average, from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center website
http://mcc.sws.uiuc.edu/climate_midwest/mwclimate_data_summaries.htm#), a 7.6%
increase.
As noted by the SWCS, increased storm intensities result in increased soil erosion and
increased runoff. The MPCA?s global warming website states that increased flooding could also
result from more intense precipitation events. The City of Maplewood has experienced extreme
rainfall events and has observed the localized flooding that can occur with these more intense
storms. One of the things the City has been doing in recent years, and is formalizing as part of
the follow-up efforts of this plan, is to require analyses of extreme events (on the order of 10 to
12 inches of rainfall for example) to determine what the potential for damage might be at a
specific development site.
The amount, rate, and type of precipitation are important in determining flood levels and
stormwater rates, all of which impact water resources. In urbanized watersheds, shorter
duration events tend to play a larger role in predicting high water levels on basins. Shorter
duration events are generally used by hydrologists to study local issues (sizing catch basins,
storm sewer pipes, etc.). Longer duration events are generally used by hydrologists to study
regional issues, such as predicting high water levels for regional basins and basins that have no
outlets (landlocked), or have small outlets relative to their watershed size.
Snowmelt and rainstorms that occur with snowmelt in early spring are significant in this region.
The volumes of runoff generated, although they occur over a long period, can have significant
impacts where the contributing drainage area to a lake or pond is large and the outlet is small.
Climate information can be obtained from a number of sources, such as the following websites:
For climate information about the Twin Cities metropolitan area:
http://climate.umn.edu/doc/twin_cities/twin_cities.htm
For a wide range of Minnesota climate information:
http://climate.umn.edu/
For other Minnesota climate information:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/index.html
An analysis of annual precipitation and runoff data was completed as part of the City?s Loading
Assessment and Non-Degradation Report. The following paragraphs are a summary of the
analysis included in the Non-Degradation Report.
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Weather estimate statistics are typically based on a 30-year interval of records. The rainfall
distribution for Maplewood has been assessed based on complete daily precipitation records
from 1976 to 2006 for the Ramsey-Gladstone weather station (Station No. 217377; 29N-22W-
S22). This is the closest station to the City of Maplewood. From this data set, the average total
annual rainfall was determined to be 33.8 inches. It is generally assumed that only 90 percent of
the total precipitation generates runoff. In the data record used for this study, all the precipitation
events greater than 0.15 inches are assumed to generate runoff. A summary of the annual
rainfall averages is provided Table 2. These values were used to help determine the average
annual runoff volume, and concentrations of total phosphorus and total suspended solids. For
more information regarding Non-Degradation please see the City?s Non-Degradation Report.
Table 2. Maplewood Area Annual Precipitation Summery
Runoff Generating
(1)
All Precipitation Events
Precipitation Events
Average Annual Number of 152.0 52.7
Precipitation Days
Total Annual Average 33.8 30.6
Precipitation (inches)
Average Precipitation Event 0.22 0.58
Depth (inches
Median Precipitation Event 0.13 0.40
Depth (inches)
(1)
Includes data listed as ?T? for trace precipitation. T days are included in the total and averages listed.
D. Soils and Geology
Widely varying surficial geology, soils, and topography are present within the City of
Maplewood. This is the result of the area being subject to repeated glacial advances and
retreats and the erosional processes that have occurred since that time. Three major
geomorphic classifications are identified within the City based on the geologic origin of the soil
apparent material. These three classifications include; loamy Grantburg glacial till soils, loamy
Superior till soils, and sandy soils. The Ramsey County Soil Survey provides additional detailed
information on surficial soils within the City of Maplewood.
Infiltration capacities of soils can affect the amount of direct runoff resulting from a rainfall event.
Generally, the higher the infiltration rate is for a given soil, the lower the runoff potential.
Conversely, soils with low infiltration rates produce relatively high runoff volumes and high peak
discharge rates.
Four general hydrologic groups for soils based on texture and slope have been established by
the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The groups as shown in Figure 5 are:
Group A ? Low runoff potential, high infiltration rate
Group B ? Moderate infiltration rate
Group C ? Slow infiltration rate
Group D ? High runoff potential, very slow infiltration rate
Soil characteristics are essential for completing hydrologic analyses and are also important
when developing erosion control plans. Special attention to erosion control measures and
establishment of interim cover during construction must be considered in areas of steep slopes,
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in areas with highly erodible soils and in areas with prolonged land disturbance. The erosion
control handbook published by the Board of Water and Soils Resources (BWSR) includes
recommended practices and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency?s Stormwater Manual also
includes recommendations and design guidelines for erosion and sediment control.
E. Topography
The topography within Maplewood is typically characterized as gently rolling. However, the
natural drainage plan for the City is relatively well defined. Almost all stormwater runoff that is
generated within the City of Maplewood is discharged through the City of St. Paul into the
Mississippi River. Two relatively limited areas direct stormwater runoff in a different fashion.
One consists of an approximately 200-acre area on the south end of Maplewood, which
discharges into Newport, and the other is an approximately 100-acre area on the northeast
corner of the City. Joy Park lies within this northeast area, which drains directly into Silver Lake
or east into Oakdale. Along some of the remaining boundaries, stormwater runoff will be
directed into some adjacent communities, but eventually circles back through Maplewood and is
discharged through the City of St. Paul and ultimately into the Mississippi River.
With the City?s roughly 18 square miles, approximately 10 square miles of the City are within the
watershed of and eventually drain into Lake Phalen. Approximately 7 square miles drain into
outlets going through the City of St. Paul, mostly through a number of smaller drainage systems
and approximately a one square mile area located on the west side of Maplewood discharges to
Trout Brook.
F. Groundwater
The following paragraphs describing the groundwater have been summarized from information
provided in the RWMWD 2007 Plan.
Maplewood is serviced by St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS). Although the vast
majority of the SPRWS water supply comes from surface water, the SPRWS uses/will use
groundwater as an alternate water supply when there are taste and odor problems, during
drought conditions, or in other special situations (e.g., security reasons). Currently, 10% to 20%
of the SPRWS water supply consists of groundwater (annually). The SPRWS has four
groundwater wells and is planning to install approximately 10 new groundwater wells to increase
their groundwater pumping capacity from 20 to 50 million gallons per day (SPRWS, personal
communication, 2006).
1. Groundwater Recharge
In general, recharge to the groundwater system occurs throughout the City. However, the
hydrologic characteristics of geologic deposits at the land surface significantly affect the rate,
volume, and distribution of recharge. Water infiltrates most rapidly into sandy deposits and flows
easily through sandy materials; clay deposits tend to slow and impede infiltration and
subsurface flows. Urban development and the widespread construction of impervious surfaces
(buildings, streets, parking lots) has reduced the amount of open space and wetlands and has
decreased the amount of land available to recharge groundwater.
Groundwater recharge reaches the water table at a fast rate through sandy geologic deposits.
Water level data from wells indicate that surficial aquifers usually have higher static water levels
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than deeper aquifers, indicating that water flows downward into the aquifer system and that
surficial aquifers help recharge deeper aquifer systems. Deeper bedrock aquifers are recharged
through bedrock valleys, leakage through confining layers, fractures in tills and confining layers,
improperly constructed wells and other areas where good hydraulic connections and unforeseen
flowpaths exist with upper aquifer units.
2. Groundwater Quality
The overall groundwater quality in the City is good. The continued use of groundwater by
municipalities, homeowners, and businesses indicates that most groundwater supplies are of
sufficient quality for potable use. Unfortunately, long-term data for analyzing groundwater quality
trends in the RWMWD are lacking. There is no comprehensive report summarizing groundwater
quality conditions. Only small-scale water quality studies and analyses have been performed in
select areas for particular needs. A brief summary of some of these studies is presented in the
Ramsey County Ground WaterQuality Protection Plan (Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation
District, 1994).
Recharge to the groundwater system due to infiltration of precipitation occurs throughout the
City. The rate of recharge is dependent upon the hydraulic conductivity of the geologic materials
above the water table. Areas that experience rapid recharge due to infiltration are particularly
sensitive to pollution. For additional information regarding water table (and bedrock aquifer)
sensitivity within the City, see the Ramsey County Geologic Atlas.
Cities that pump groundwater to supply their residents with drinking water are required to
prepare wellhead protection plans. Through these wellhead protection plans, cities delineate
drinking water supply management areas (DWSMA) for their municipal groundwater wells. The
DWSMA represents the boundaries of the recharge area to the well and is the area to be
protected and managed by the wellhead protection plan. The DWSMA (or portions) for North St.
Paul, Oakdale, St. Paul Regional Water Services, and Woodbury are located within RWMWD.
As Maplewood, RWMWD and other units of government rely more heavily on infiltration
practices to improve water quality and reduce stormwater volumes, the City and RWMWD will
need to consider the possible impacts of infiltrated stormwater on groundwater quality. The risk
of contamination from infiltrated stormwater is especially high in wellhead protection areas
(WHPA). The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) developed guidelines for evaluating
proposed stormwater infiltration projects in vulnerable wellhead protection areas (December
2006). These guidelines consist of six steps/questions (also shown on a flowchart) that focus on
the location of the proposed infiltration site. For example, the first questions ask if the proposed
infiltration site is in a vulnerable WHPA or DWSMA, and if so, if it is located inside a 1- year time
of travel zone. Other questions focus on land use and spill containment. The RWMWD will apply
this guidance (including future revisions/updates) to help evaluate the location of proposed
infiltration projects. Figure 6 illustrates the locations of wells and wellhead protection areas in
Maplewood.
G. Water Based Recreation Areas
As mentioned previously, the City has a variety of lakes, wetlands and waterways that provide
aesthetic, environmental and recreational value to the community. Based on the Department of
Natural Resources Public Waters and Wetlands Inventory, there are 19 public waters located
fully or partially with the City of Maplewood as shown in Figure 7. Public waters are indicated as
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such to indicate which lakes, wetlands, and watercourses over which DNR Waters has
jurisdiction.
Several parks located on or near public waters provide boat ramps, fishing access and/or
swimming beaches, along with trails and picnic areas and open space. Table 3 summarizes the
water-based recreational facilities at these parks. Figure 9 shows significant surface water
features located in or adjacent to Maplewood.
Table 3. Water Based Recreation Areas
Boat FishingSwimm-Trails or
LakePark or Area Ramp Access ingPicnic
Beach Areas
Beaver
Ramsey County Park
Carver
Carver Park
Gervais
Ramsey County Park Beach
Keller/Spoon
Keller Lake Regional Park
Kohlman
Kohlman Park
Phalen
Ramsey County Park
Round
Ramsey County Park
Silver Joy Park
Tanners
Tanners Lake Park
Wakefield
Ramsey County Park
H. Fish and Wildlife Habitat
The City of Maplewood is completing a Natural Resources Plan as part of the comprehensive
planning process. This section is a summary of information provided in the Natural Resources
section of the Comprehensive Plan.
The City believes it is important to treat natural resources in a sustainable way, and to continue
to promote healthy habitats for fish and wildlife. The following statement is the City?s vision for
natural resources:
The City of Maplewood, in order to preserve a beautiful, functionally, and varied
environment for current and future residents, will protect, connect, restore and
manage its ecosystems, plant communities, and species. This will be done using
the best science and striving for the highest ecological standard.
The City of Maplewood intends to achieve its vision and goals for natural resources using a
comprehensive approach. There are four main parts to the Natural Resource Plan.
Natural Area Greenways. Natural Area Greenways are large contiguous areas of
habitat that cross ownership boundaries. They protect and expand ecosystem services
and habitat for species that are gone or are disappearing from the City.
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Local Habitats. Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat
connections. They serve the needs of people wanting to enjoy and learn about wild
habitat near their homes and also provide ecosystem services and wildlife habitat locally.
Active Parks and Trails. Active Parks and Trails connect greenways and preserves but
also give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike.
Natural Resource Issues. Other natural resources issues are addressed city-side
through individual programs.
Please refer to the City?s Natural Resources Plan for more detailed information regarding
greenways, habitat and natural resource issues and the City?s overall plan and approach to
continue promoting sustainable natural resources.
I. Pollutant Sources
The City of Maplewood does not have any landfills, dumps, hazardous sites, or feedlots within
its boundaries. Information on pollutant sources is available from the MPCA (651.296.6300).
This detailed information has not been included here as it is subject to frequent change and may
be obtained by calling the MPCA or by visiting the MPCA?s website ()
which has information on various pollutant sources and related regulatory programs. The MPCA
will identify leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites and maintain a list of registered
above and underground storage tanks (ASTs and USTs) within the City. The MPCA also has
information on permitted wastewater discharges and hazardous waste sites. Ramsey County
has information on abandoned wells within the City of Maplewood.
Some additional pollutant source information may also be available from Ramsey County.
Counties maintain maps and databases that display MPCA-reported LUSTs, MPCA-reported
spills, MPCA-registered ASTs and USTs.
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III.GOALS AND POLICIES
Minnesota Rules, Part 8410.0170, subpart 5 (italics below), relating to Surface Water
Management, requires local governments to establish goals and policies for the effective
management of water resources. The ten goals established in this Plan support the City?s
Purpose Statement by translating each goal into specific policies and ultimately standards that
are realized through the implementation plan. As a reference point for the basis of these goals
and policies, the following italicized text is from Minnesota Rules.
M.R. 8410.0170, Subpart 5. Establishment of policies and goals (Local Plans). Each local
(SWMP) plan must state specific goals and corresponding policies related to the purpose of
these plans, be consistent with the policies and goals of the organization plans within the
City or township, and address the relation of the local plan to the regional, state, and federal
goals and programs outlined in Part 8410.0070.
Agoalis a desired end toward which surface water management efforts are directed. This
section identifies goals for water resources planning and management functions throughout the
City. The goals of this plan were established in accordance with the purposes of the water
management programs required by Sections 103B.201 to 103B.251 and in conformance with
the goals of the WMOs having jurisdiction in Maplewood, including the RWMWD, CRWD, and
the VBWD. Table 4 summarizes the City?s ten goals and corresponding goal statements.
Each goal has several corresponding policies that form the governing principals that will be
followed to achieve the goals. The goals and the corresponding policies are presented in more
detail in the following pages. Plan standards (or storm water Development Criteria) are an
extension of the goals and policies that provide detailed criteria on storm water management
practices. Recommended surface water management design standards for development and
redevelopment projects are provided in Appendix__ of this Plan.
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Table 4. Plan Goals and Goal Statements
Goal
GoalGoal Statement
Number
Maintain or enhance the water quality of Maplewood?s surface
Water Qualtity waters relative to current conditions and strive to achieve water
1
quality improvements.
Preserve, maintain, utilize and where practical, enhance the storm
Runoff
water storage and detention systems to control excessive volumes
Management and
2
and rates of runoff, control flooding, protect public health and safety
Flood Control
and to minimize necessary public capital expenditures.
Achieve no net loss of wetlands, including acreage, functions and
Wetlands values. Where practicable, improve the functions, values,
3
biodiversity and acreage of wetlands and their buffer areas.
Protect capacity of storm water system, prevent flooding and
Erosion and
maintain water quality by preventing erosion and sedimentation from
4
Sediment Control
occurring, and correct existing erosion and sedimentation problems.
Protect the quality and quantity of groundwater resources, develop a
Groundwater cooperative program with the watershed district to identify infiltration-
5
sensitive areas.
Individual Sewage
Protect the public health, safety and welfare through a
Treatment Systems
comprehensive ISTS ordinance that requires properly designed and
6
(ISTS)maintained ISTS systems.
Education and Increase public and city official awareness, understanding and
7
Public Involvement involvement in water and natural resource management issues.
Establish and maintain funding sources to finance surface water
Financing
8
management activities.
Preserve function and performance of public infrastructure through
continued implementation of a maintenance and inspection program.
Develop a city-maintenance plan for the inspection of all ponds,
Maintenance and
outlet structures and inlet facilities and consider initiating a pond
9
Inspection
delta removal program. Such a program should consider
improvements to reduce sediment loads to ponds, wetlands and
lakes to help prioritize critical improvement areas.
Maintain primary responsibility for managing water resources at the
Regulatory
local level but continue coordination and cooperation with other
10
Responsibility
agencies and organizations.
A. Goal 1: Water Quality
The City of Maplewood seeks to maintain and improve the water quality in its lakes, streams
and wetlands. Water quality is often directly related to the level of available nutrients in a water
body. While nutrients comprise only one category of substances that can affect water quality,
nutrients (principally phosphorous) must be controlled to achieve the water quality goals of this
Plan. Phosphorous is most often the limiting factor for plant growth, and increases in available
phosphorous allow plant species to dominate the lakeshore, open water, or marsh. Six of the
City?s lakes are currently listed as impaired for nutrients on the 2008 Draft List (Kohlman Lake,
Keller Lake, Round Lake, Beaver Lake, Carver Lake, Wakefield Lake), and phosphorous is the
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key nutrient responsible for this listing. Figure 9 shows the location of the impaired waters and
their impairments in Maplewood.
There are several key activities that can be followed to minimize the delivery of phosphorus into
these listed waters and all of the City?s water bodies. These activities include better
management of construction site erosion control measures, reducing the level of impervious
cover, reducing the extent of managed lawn areas and replacing them with native vegetation,
reducing stream bank erosion, using more open channel drainage systems with natural
vegetative cover, and requiring more infiltration and volume control best management practices
for storm water treatment.
An assessment of the overall quality of the lakes and water resources in the City was completed
as part of this planning process. The City also completed a Non-Degradation Analysis as part of
the NPDES Permit MS4 program requirements. This study confirmed the City?s approach to
infiltration and volume control would turn the City in the right direction towards improved water
quality. In addition to focusing efforts on improving the few waters that are impaired, a number
of activities can be accomplished on a routine basis to improve the quality of all City waters.
Housekeeping practices, such as removing leaves from streets and storm drains and limiting the
use of phosphorus fertilizers, are examples of simple ways individuals (residents) and the City
can make improvements in water quality. Many people do not realize that organic materials, like
leaves and grass clippings, fertilizer and pet waste can disrupt the ecosystem of a lake. Once in
the lakes these organic materials decay, releasing phosphorus. Excess phosphorus increases
algae growth, inhibiting the growth of other aquatic plants. When algae die and decay, they
exert a biological oxygen demand on the lake, depleting available oxygen for fish and other
aquatic species. Limiting nutrients is one of the keys to maintaining or improving water quality.
1. Non-Degradation
The City of Maplewood completed a Non-Degradation Study in November 2007. The study was
mandated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and included an assessment of the
change in loading of three pollutants (runoff volume, total suspended solids, and total
phosphorus) over two time periods (approximately 1988 to 2005, and 2005 to 2020). The intent
of this report was for the cities to develop a plan to address any increased loading of one or
more of the three pollutants. The conclusion of the report states that:
The City will experience a reduction in total phosphorus and total suspended
solids load by the year 2020, but will experience an increase in the runoff
volume. It seems reasonable to conclude that the increase in Runoff Volume is
commensurate with the size of the City. Runoff Volume reduction is a relatively
new area to the storm water management arena while the potential adverse
effects are still being studied and debated. The most common impacts cited in
connection with the runoff volume increase are a pronounced degradation of the
natural stream banks and more frequent inundation of the wetlands. The City is
not aware of channels and/or stream sections that have increased erosion that
can be directly attributable to increased runoff volumes. Therefore, the City does
not consider the relative small increase in volume identified in this analysis to be
significant (SEH, 2007).
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2. Impaired Waters
Waters that are on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency?s Total Maximum Daily Load list of
impaired waters for one or more pollutants are shown in Table 16, located in the Surface Water
Resources section of the Plan. For more information regarding the MPCA?s List of impaired
waters refer to the Surface Water Resources section of the Plan.
The City will consider the listing of the lakes in Table 16 in future management decisions and
actively manage the activities in the contributing watersheds to limit the delivery of these
pollutants (primarily nutrients and sediment) to these waters. Infiltration best management
practices have a higher level of total phosphorus removal than the traditional wet stormwater
ponds. The City?s infiltration requirement will help with the reduction of phosphorus entering the
receiving waters. The City has developed the water quality policies listed in Table 5 to support
the water quality goals of this Plan.
Table 5. Water Quality
Goal Statement: Maintain or enhance the water quality of Maplewood?s surface waters relative
to current conditions and strive to achieve water quality improvements.
Policy No. Goal 1: Water Quality ? Policies
1
Cooperate and collaborate with the three watershed districts to maintain and improve
water quality, and solve intercommunity water quality issues through cooperation with
the watershed districts and adjoining cities.
2
Cooperate and collaborate with the watershed districts in their efforts to maintain and/or
to improve the water quality of specific water resources in the City.
3
Look for opportunities to provide enhanced levels of stormwater treatment upstream of
lakes and wetlands, depending on the wetland?s functions, values and management
classification.
4
Use regional storm water treatment structures to enhance water quality by removing
sediment and nutrients from runoff. Pond designs will meet the national urban runoff
program (NURP) removal standards.
5
All project using storm water treatment structures shall include a detailed City-approved
maintenance plan that meets City and watershed district standards and criteria.
6
Design storm water facility inlets to prevent debris from entering the conveyance
system and impeding the flow path.
7Encourage using innovative volume control and treatment practices (raingardens,
treatment structures, NURP ponds, etc.) on all improvement and reconstruction
projects, whenever practical.
8Design outlet control structures, wherever practical, that restricts both high and low
flows, to maximize sedimentation and nutrient removal.
9
Continue implementation of the City?s education program that includes items about
preserving and improving water quality.
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B. Goal 2: Runoff Management and Flood Control
Development and the related changes in land use can increase runoff rates and volumes due to
additional impervious surface. As areas develop or redevelop at a higher density, storm water
runoff generally increases. This increase in runoff rates and volumes can cause localized and/or
large scale flooding issues in the downstream system. It is important to control these increased
runoff rates and volumes in order to ensure reduction of flooding in the downstream system and
to control the potential effects of erosive flows on streams and waterways.
The City of Maplewood has adopted policies that require volume reduction for new and
redevelopment. The City?s policies are in accordance with the RWMWD, CRWD, and VBWD?s
policies regarding runoff management. The City has also adopted a floodplain ordinance, and
has adopted policies that regulate minimum building elevations in regards to proximity to
surface waters. The City has developed the water quantity policies listed in Table 6 to support
the water quantity goals of this Plan.
Table 6. Runoff Management and Flood Control
Goal Statement: Preserve, maintain, utilize and where practical, enhance the storm water
storage and detention systems to control excessive volumes and rates of runoff, control
flooding, protect public health and safety and to minimize necessary public capital
expenditures.
Policy No. Goal 2: Runoff Management and Flood Control - Policies
1
The City recognizes that runoff volumes typically increase with development; however,
the City will require builders and developers to maintain peak runoff rates below the
pre-development rates and will require the use of infiltration to reduce runoff volumes
where practical.
2The City will require the pretreatment of stormwater prior to discharge into surface
waters and wetlands. In addition, the City encourages the use of treatment ponds and
infiltration methods for storing storm water to reduce runoff rates and volume and to
improve the water quality of area lakes and wetlands.
3
Storm water management improvements shall be designed based on the critical storm
even for, and the ultimate development of, the drainage area.
4
Projects that affect the storm water system shall have a protected emergency overflow
structure (i.e. swale, spillway) into pond outlet structures to safely convey excess flows
from storms larger than the 100-year (1 percent) event.
5
Maplewood will require minimum building floor elevations to be above the 100-year
floodplain, in accordance with City and watershed district standards. At a minimum, the
lowest opening of any building shall be 2.0 feet above the 100-year floodplain and/or
1.0 feet above the spillway overflow elevation, whichever is greater.
6Maintain existing intercommunity drainage patterns and solve any intercommunity
drainage issues through cooperation and collaboration with the adjoining city and the
appropriate watershed district.
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The RWMWD has completed hydrologic modeling for the water bodies within its jurisdiction.
RWMWD included the results in its Water Resources Management Plan. The results shows
include predicted 100-year flood elevations, peak discharges, flood storage volumes, and
normal water elevations for ponds. The results also include information for the 2-year frequency,
24-hour storm event. Please refer to the RWMWD WRMP for more detailed information
regarding the hydrologic modeling.
Hydrologic and hydraulic models have been completed for several areas within the City of
Maplewood. One of the planned implementation activities for the City is to compile these
different models into one city-wide model that provides more detail in selected areas of the City
relative to what has been modeled by the watershed districts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM) effective August 5, 1986, for the City of Maplewood. Ramsey County is in the process of
updating the FIRM. Figure 10 in the Appendix shows the effective FIRM and the draft data from
Ramsey County. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and FEMA will ultimately
review and approve the new boundaries before they become the official regulatory flood hazard
boundaries.
C. Goal 3: Wetlands
The policies listed in Table 7 will be used as the basis to achieve the City?s wetland goals. The
policies and strategies will apply to new development and redevelopment projects proposed
within the City. Any wetland habitat on property to be developed will be subject to these
management policies, as well as the rules and requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act.
Figure 11 shows the locations and classifications of the wetlands in Maplewood.
Table 7. Wetlands
Goal Statement: Achieve no net loss of wetlands, including acreage, functions and values.
Where practicable, improve the functions, values, biodiversity and acreage of wetlands and
their buffer areas.
Policy No. Goal 3: Wetlands- Policies
1The City discourages wetland alterations. Proof that applicants or designers have given
consideration to designs that do not require wetland alteration shall be reviewed before
the City will consider any proposal that includes wetland alteration. Wetland alterations
must be mitigated by the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) requirements, as
administered by local government units (LGUs) (currently the watershed districts).
2
Cooperate with the watershed districts in their administration of the WCA and their
Wetland Management Plans.
4
Seek to restore previously existing wetlands and enhance existing wetlands.
5
Provide buffer zones of native vegetations around ponds and wetlands to provide
wildlife habitats, in accordance with the Maplewood Wetland Ordinance.
6
Minimize water level fluctuations (bounce) in wetlands or detention basins to prevent
adverse habitat changes.
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D. Goal 4: Erosion and Sediment Control
The City addresses erosion and sediment control in its ordinances and its NPDES MS4 Phase II
SWPPP. The City partners with the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District to implement
its construction site erosion control inspection program. The policies listed in Table 8 are
intended to help the City achieve the erosion and sediment control goals of this Plan.
Table 8. Erosion and Sediment Control
Goal Statements: Protect capacity of storm water system, prevent flooding and maintain
water quality by preventing erosion and sedimentation from occurring, and correct existing
erosion and sedimentation problems.
Policy No. Goal 4: Erosion and Sediment Control - Policies
1Require erosion and sediment control (ESC) plans for all land disturbance activities as
defined by city ordinance. The ESC plans shall be consistent with the standards and
criteria of the watershed districts? plans, the Ramsey Erosion and Sediment Control
Handbook and the general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
construction storm water permit requirements.
2
Preserve and enhance natural vegetation to the greatest practical extent.
3
Bluffs/Steep slopes ? ordinance updates?? Add to implementation table
As discussed previously in Goal 1, water quality problems are frequently linked to high
phosphorus and total suspended solids concentrations. Phosphorus is often transported to
surface water through soil erosion (runoff and wind erosion,) but can also be transported to
waters in a variety of other mechanisms.Nevertheless, erosion control is extremely important in
the effort to improve water quality. Soil erosion and sediment deposition also can create pond
and drainageway performance and maintenance problems.
Ponds, drainage facilities and water bodies can be impacted by erosion and sediment from a
variety of sources, including construction sites and winter street sanding operations. The coarse
sediment accumulates in water bodies where runoff or flow velocities are relatively low. Usually
a sand delta appears at a storm sewer outfall that is a visible indication of the effectiveness of
erosion and sediment control measures and the extent of road sanding activities of the past
winter. As sediment builds up over time, it reduces the capacity of drainage systems and the
pollutant removal capabilities of ponds by reducing dead storage volume (i.e., the volume below
the outlet elevation). Sediment from erosion can also significantly reduce infiltration rates in
basins or BMPs designed for volume control and/or groundwater recharge. Extending the life of
these facilities involves source control and elimination of material that causes the problem, and
maintenance of the systems on a regular basis. Regulatory aspects will control a major portion
of the sediment at the source, and an effective street sweeping program will also have a positive
impact.
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E. Goal 5: Groundwater
Groundwater is an important resource that needs to be replenished and protected for both
drinking water supplies and to preserve base flow conditions in streams and inflow to surface
waters and wetlands. The City?s drinking water supply is serviced by the St. Paul Regional
Water Services (SPRWS). Most of the SPRWS water supply comes from surface water
resources but the SPRWS will use groundwater as an alternative supply during special
circumstances. These circumstances include when there are taste and odor problems, drought
conditions, or there are security concerns. This is one reason that it is important to replenish
and protect the groundwater. A second reason is many of the lakes, wetlands, and other surface
waters within Maplewood rely on groundwater for replenishment.
The Ramsey County Groundwater Quality Protection Plan is available as a guide for protecting
the groundwater resources of the City of Maplewood. The City?s infiltration and volume control
standards are a great start towards improving and enhancing the local groundwater supply.
Table 9 is a summary of the City?s Groundwater related goals and policies.
Table 9. Groundwater
Goal Statement: Protect the quality and quantity of groundwater resources, develop a
cooperative program with the watershed district to identify infiltration-sensitive areas.
Policy No. Goal 5: Groundwater - Policies
1Provide increased green space, native vegetation and pond ?dead? storage wherever
possible and appropriate to all for the infiltration of storm water runoff and to promote
groundwater recharging.
2Encourage use of grassed waterways to maximize infiltration where not detrimental to
groundwater supplies.
3
Promote awareness of groundwater resource issues through public education and
information programs.
4
The City will proactively address failing individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS) or
ISTS sites found to be an imminent public health threat, to ensure that systems are
brought into conformance with state requirements.
5
Design and installation of on-site wastewater systems shall be in accordance with the
standards set forth in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080, the Individual Sewage Treatment
System (ISTS) Act, and the City?s ISTS ordinance.
F. Goal 7: Education and Public Involvement
The education and public involvement goal is a strategy that recognizes people want to be
involved in decisions that affect any facet of their life. The process of involving the public seeks
to create opportunities for the public to participate in the processes that lead to decision-making
and result in more public ownership in the outcome. The City has developed the education and
public involvement policies listed in Table 10 to help achieve the goals of this Plan. Education
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and public involvement activities are also requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.
Table 10. Education and Public Involvement
Goal Statement: Increase public and city officials? awareness, understanding and involvement
in water and natural resource management issues.
Policy No. Goal 7: Education and Public Involvement - Policies
1
Continue to develop and distribute education materials to the public and targeted
groups about the City?s ordinances, policies and programs about water resources,
groundwater, ISTS, wetlands, native vegetation, alternative landscaping methods, litter
control, pet wastes, recycling, trash disposal, leaf collection, public area maintenance,
grass clippings, lawn chemicals and hazardous materials. Information will be distributed
via the City?s monthly newsletter, local newspapers, cable television and any other
appropriate media.
2The City will continue to provide opportunities for public involvement (e.g.,
neighborhood meetings, public hearings, mailed notices, etc.) for significant water
resource decisions or projects.
3
The City will coordinate and consult with the City Council and appropriate City
commissions and committees on surface water issues.
4
The City will communicate with lake associations and other appropriate civic and citizen
groups.
5
The City will communicate with lake associations and other appropriate civic and citizen
groups.
1. Watershed District and County Programs
The watershed districts and Ramsey County currently have education and public involvement
activities efforts in their overall surface water programs. These agencies make this information
available to the City generally through their websites, but also on a case-by-case basis for
special programs or events available to the City or City residents to participate in. The City will
continue to seek out these education efforts to more effectively reach and inform residents,
businesses and City staff on the wide range of surface water management issues. The City
encourages the counties and watershed districts to devote more time and energy to producing
educational tools, such as brochures, videos, training sessions, newsletter articles, etc., that can
be used by municipalities throughout their jurisdictions.
2. City Programs
The City has numerous lake associations and committees who focus on the interests and the
protection of the lakes and other water resources within the City limits. The City also has a
website where information regarding the City?s committees and commissions, their mission
statements and past agendas and meeting minutes are available. As part of the NPDES MS4
Permit, the City has also posted their SWPPP on the website. As part of the NPDES program,
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the City is required to implement a public education and outreach program, along with a public
participation and involvement program and to incorporate public information into each of the
other four minimum control measures of the permit.
The City?s website is an alternative medium to provide municipal information to both City
residents and those people who live outside the City. An electronic version of the completed
and approved Surface Water Management Plan will ultimately be accessible on the web.
Because the Plan has such a wide audience, from engineers and planners to developers,
citizens, scientists and educators, electronic access to the text and mapping creates a better
understanding of the goals, policies and activities of this Plan.
The City will continue to distribute information on pertinent water and wetland management
issues via its quarterly community newsletter, and will promote opportunities for residents to
participate in water resources management activities. The City will also make ongoing efforts on
both a City-wide and watershed level toward educating the public by distributing information to
its residents on responsible practices they should employ to protect water resources within the
community. The program will educate residents on things such as the benefits of using
phosphorus-free fertilizer and the proper use of a wide range of lawn chemicals.
Insert ? PP on Nature Center ? summary from website/CIP description and NPDES annual
report
G. Goal 8: Financing
Paying for water management projects has become more complex in recent years. In the past,
special assessments against benefited properties financed most of the necessary
improvements. However, the financial options have broadened considerably. The City currently
uses an environmental utility program as a key component of their overall approach to fund
storm water-related projects. The implementation section of this Plan includes a summary of the
state and federal rules, statutes and agencies that drive the City to implement the
recommendations set forth in this Plan, and in turn implement financing goals and policies to
fund the program. Table 11 lists the policies that are intended to help the City achieve the
financing goal of this Plan.
Table 11. Financing
Goal Statement: Establish and maintain funding sources to finance surface water
management activities.
Policy No. Goal 8: Financing - Policies
1
Maintain a financing strategy for surface water improvements utilizing a combination of
environmental utility fees, special assessments, surface water management plan
connection charges, and storm water program grant funds.
2
The City will actively pursue grants, donations, and in-kind contributions to help fund
water resources management.
3The City shall encourage the WDs to finance inter-community issues and projects.
Connection charges??
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H. Goal 9: Maintenance and Inspection
Inspections help to spot potential problems before they become major problems. Routine
maintenance reduces the long-term costs related to drainage system maintenance, while
helping to achieve water quantity and quality goals. The application of development standards
ensures consistency in the work produced and the documentation of the constructed systems.
Appropriate land use controls can be used to maximize the preservation of the natural drainage
systems and to control increases in runoff rate, volume and pollutant loading. Inspections and
long-term maintenance of these systems is the critical final and ongoing step to ensure the
planned long-term benefits.
There are four basic steps to developing an effective storm drainage maintenance program.
Evaluating problems, needs, and opportunities;
Defining goals and objectives of inspection and maintenance activities;
Establishing policies, programs and priorities; and
Developing criteria and standards for evaluating performance and implementing
improvements where and when needed.
One often forgotten aspect of storm water facility maintenance is private ponds. Maintenance
agreements with private pond owners can ensure that ponds are kept in good operating
condition and that routine maintenance occurs. An example BMP maintenance agreement is
provided in Appendix ___ that can be modified to address a range of BMPs (e.g., ponds,
infiltration basins, bioretention areas, grit chambers, etc.) Recommended maintenance activities
and schedules for a wide range of BMPs can be found on many online sources including
and the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. Documentation or
review comments and changes and acquisition of proper ponding easements are also important
considerations during the development review process.
Each of the four essential elements above is covered by this SWMP. However, to be effective,
the need for good management, the need for good data; and the need for sound financing must
be addressed. Many well-conceived maintenance plans are never fully implemented because of
the lack of funding. A sound and continuous source of revenue is vital to an effective
maintenance program. The City has a source of revenue in the Environmental Utility Fund and
has developed the policies in Table 12 to support the maintenance goals of this Plan.
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Table 12. Maintenance and Inspection
Goal Statement: Preserve function and performance of public infrastructure through
continued implementation of a maintenance and inspection program. Develop a city-
maintenance plan for the inspection of all ponds, outlet structures and inlet facilities and
consider initiating a pond delta removal program. Such a program should consider
improvements to reduce sediment loads to ponds, wetlands and lakes to help prioritize
critical improvement areas.
Policy No. Goal 9: Maintenance and Inspection - Policies
1The City will continue to implement a maintenance and inspection program for water
resource facilities (e.g., ponds, water quality treatment BMPs, storm sewer systems,
outfalls to waters, etc.). The City?s maintenance and inspection program shall meet the
requirements of the NPDES Phase II MS4 Storm Water Program.
2
The City will require maintenance of privately constructed water quality treatment ponds
through formal development or maintenance agreements. City will coordinate this effort
with the watershed district programs that may overlap.
3
The City shall require adequate maintenance-related access for public and private
water resource management facilities.
4
Pond and detention facility clean out activities will comply with the requirements of the
Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act, the Minnesota Department of the Natural
Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the standards of this plan.
5
The City will continue its operation and maintenance activities that preserve water
quality, including street sweeping, pond and grit chamber maintenance and appropriate
application of deicing compounds that balances public safety and environmental
protection.
I. Goal 10: Regulatory Responsibility
The City assumes the role of permitting all land alteration activities and enforcing the standards
and policies set forth by the Plan. Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD),
Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), and Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD) also
review and require a permit for any proposed land alteration of one acre or greater within the
City. The RWMWD and CRWD serve as the LGU for the Wetland Conservation Act, and
assumes the role of permitting all wetland impacts.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has authority over issues relating to water and
wetlands designated as State Protected Wetlands and Waters. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers has authority relating to all wetlands identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?s
National Wetland Inventory.
Ramsey County and the Minnesota Department of Health have regulatory authority over
groundwater issues within the City. Erosion control falls under several jurisdictions including the
City, the watershed districts, and the MPCA. The MPCA also has regulatory authority over
individual septic systems within the City limits.
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The City has developed the policies in Table 13 to help ensure that the regulatory responsibility
goals of this Plan are clearly understood, met and addressed on an ongoing basis.
Table 13. Regulatory Responsibilities
Goal Statement: Maintain primary responsibility for managing water resources at the local
level but continue coordination and cooperation with other agencies and organizations.
Policy No. Goal 10: Regulatory Responsibility - Policies
1
This plan and all subsequent amendments shall be consistent with all other regulatory
agencies.
2
The programs and standards of this plan shall be implemented as required by
regulatory responsibilities and, as needed, at the direction of the City Council. This plan
may be amended as necessary to remain current.
3
The City will develop and implement ordinances and programs to remain consistent and
compliant with local, regional and national programs related to storm water
management.
4The watershed districts have regulatory authority relating to their respective permitting
programs and wetland management.
5The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers have regulatory authority relating to waters and wetlands identified by their
respective inventories.
1. NPDES MS4 Program SWPPP
The NPDES MS4 Permit Program was discussed in more detail in the Introduction section of
this Plan. The City will continue to implement its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program
(SWPPP) and update the SWPPP as required, as the program continues to evolve. In addition
to NPDES program responsibilities, the City must continue to implement a number of other
regulatory activities related to surface water management. Table 13 provides the City?s goals
and policies related to the regulatory responsibilities.
As discussed in the water quality and quantity goal sections, a relatively new issue has recently
gained much more attention over the past few years for 30 selected municipalities due, in large
part, to the revised NPDES MS4 Permit. The new non-degradation requirements of the revised
NPDES permit may create the need for stricter controls in many communities, including
Maplewood. The non-degradation portion of the permit required Maplewood to assess the
change in loading of three pollutants (runoff volume, total suspended solids, total phosphorus)
over two time periods (approximately 1988 to 2005 and 2005 to 2020). The intent of these
requirements is for the cities to develop a plan to address any increased loading of one or more
of the three pollutants. The City completed its Non-Degradation Report in December of 2007.
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IV. Surface Water Resources
A. Overview
The current condition of the Maplewood?s surface water varies, with very good water quality in
some and severely impaired in others. There is a significant need to improve the impaired
waters and at the same protect the lakes and water resources that are currently in good
condition. Protecting and improving the quality of all City surface waters is one of the primary
goals of this Plan. To support the City?s goals to protect and improve water quality, each water
body has been assigned a management classification based on the use, function and current
water quality characteristics. This management classification system is shown in Table 15 for all
surface waters except wetlands, and is intended to help City staff in managing the overall
surface water management program. The classification system provides the basis for
establishment of treatment requirements for future development projects and prioritizing
opportunities to retrofit the existing City treatment system. [discuss with staff relative to WD
classification systems].
Major lakes in Maplewood are classified in Table 14 as Management Class: Preserve;
Improve-1, Improve-2 or Improve-3 water bodies. Storm water ponds are classified as
Constructed. Table 14 also establishes a management strategy and storm water treatment level
for each class of water resources. Figure 12 shows the locations of these water resources and
the management class associated with each water feature. The management class is based on
the water quality trends, designated uses and regulatory status (i.e., EPA?s impaired waters list).
This section of the Plan is intended to describe the key water bodies within Maplewood
according to their relative priority or management classification. Each water body or special
feature is presented in the following sections, along with a summary of the information collected
and analyzed for each water body to date, an assessment of any problems, and recommended
implementation activities. Much of this information is taken form the respective watershed
district plans and studies previously completed.
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Table 14. Water Management Classification for Maplewood Water Features
Management Management Stormwater Water Use
ClassStrategy Treatment Resource Designation
B. Impaired Waters
Waters that are on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency?s Total Maximum Daily Load list of
impaired waters for one or more pollutants are shown in Table 15.
To date, approximately 8 percent of Minnesota?s river miles and 14 percent of Minnesota?s lakes
have been tested for pollution problems. Approximately 40 percent of those tested are polluted
with human and animal waste, phosphorus, suspended solids and mercury. As more of the
states? surface waters are tested for pollution problems, the state will continue to add surface
waters to the TMDL list. It is reasonable to assume that as more waters are assessed, then
more waters will be listed as impaired in subsequent biennial cycles. When studies are
completed, the TMDLs will likely be used by the MPCA and local entities to further prioritize
management actions and establish additional regulatory controls.
The City will consider the listing of the lakes in Table 15 in future management decisions and
actively manage the activities in the contributing watersheds to limit the delivery of these
pollutants (primarily nutrients and sediment) to these waters. Infiltration best management
practices have a higher level of total phosphorus removal than the traditional wet stormwater
ponds. The City?s infiltration requirement will help with the reduction of phosphorus entering the
receiving waters.
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Table 15. Draft 2008 TMDL Listed Impaired Waters in Maplewood
Assessment PollutantFinal
ReceivingIDAffected or2006
Water or DNR Lake UseStressor TMDL
#List
Kohlman
62-0006-00 AquaticPerfluorooctane Sulfonate
Consumption (PFOs) in Fish Tissue
Nutrient/Eutrophication
AquaticYes
Recreation Biological Indicators
Gervais 62-0007-00 AquaticPerfluorooctane Sulfonate
Consumption (PFOs) in Fish Tissue
AquaticMercury in Fish Tissue
Consumption
Spoon 62-0010-01
AquaticPerfluorooctane Sulfonate
Consumption (PFOs) in Fish Tissue
KellerNutrient/Eutrophication
62-0010-02 AquaticYes
Recreation Biological Indicators
AquaticPerfluorooctane Sulfonate
Consumption (PFOs) in Fish Tissue
Wakefield 62-0011-00 Aquatic Nutrient/EutrophicationYes
Recreation Biological Indicators
RoundNutrient/Eutrophication
62-0012-00 AquaticYes
Recreation Biological Indicators
AquaticPerfluorooctane Sulfonate
Consumption (PFOs) in Fish Tissue
Phalen
62-0013-00 Aquatic Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
Consumption (PFOs) in Fish Tissue
Beaver 62-0016-00 AquaticNutrient/EutrophicationYes
Recreation Biological Indicators
AquaticMercury in Fish Tissue
Consumption
Tanners
82-0115-00 Aquatic Mercury in Fish Tissue
Consumption
Battle Creek Chloride
07010206-592 Aquatic Life
Battle Creek AquaticNutrient/Eutrophication
82-0091-00
LakeRecreation Biological Indicators
Carver Lake Nutrient/Eutrophication
Aquatic
Recreation Biological Indicators
82-0166-00
AquaticMercury in Fish Tissue
Consumption
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According to the MPCA?s Statewide Mercury TMDL Study, most of the mercury in Minnesota?s
fish comes from atmospheric deposition, with approximately 90 percent originating from outside
the state. Because mercury has regional TMDL implications, little effort will be placed on TMDL
recommendations related to mercury for these waters as part of this planning effort. The City will
continue to review recommendations for mercury that may be offered by EPA and/or MPCA to
see if the regional approach to mercury has any future implications on the City. More detail on
the progress of the statewide mercury TMDL process can be found on the MPCA?s website.
C. Lakes
The City of Maplewood has eleven lakes located within or adjacent to City boundaries. This
Plan includes a summary of the physical and water quality features of these lakes. Table 16 is a
summary of the physical characteristics of the lakes located in Maplewood.
Table 16. Lake Physical Characteristics
Ordinary
Surface MaximumWatershed HighLake-Related
LakeArea (ac) Depth (ft) Area (ac) Water Recreational Uses
level
Beaver 65 11 950.8 Fishing, canoeing, picnicking,
wildlife habitat, and aesthetic
viewing,
Carver
51 36 908.8 Canoeing and swimming.
Gervais
234 41 859.6 Swimming, waterskiing,
boating, and limited wildlife
habitat.
Keller
72 8 859.6 Boating, fishing, canoeing,
picnicking, and viewing.
Kohlman74 9 859.5 Boating, canoeing, fishing,
picnicking, viewing, and
limited wildlife habitat.
Phalen198 91 857.5 Swimming, fishing, picnicking,
and viewing.
Round
Canoeing, picnicking, wildlife
habitat, and viewing.
Silver (East)
72 18 989.6 Swimming, fishing, picnicking,
waterskiing, canoeing, and
aesthetic viewing.
Spoon
6.7 6
Tanners 70 46 963.3 Swimming, waterskiing,
boating, fishing, canoeing,
picnicking, viewing, and
limited wildlife habitat.
Wakefield 23 9 Aesthetic viewing, wildlife
habitat and picnicking.
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1. Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is located in the central portion of the City, and collects drainage from the cities of
Maplewood, St. Paul and Oakdale. Beaver Lake has a surface area of 65 acres and a maximum
depth of 11 feet. The Ordinary High Water (OHW) level for Beaver Lake is 950.8 ft above Mean
Sea Level (MSL). There is no public boat access to this lake, but there is a fishing pier.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Beaver Lake and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
Report to RWMWD on the Water Quality of Beaver and Wakefield Lakes. Ramsey
County Department of Public Works, March 1985.
Report to RWMWD on the Water Quality of Beaver and Wakefield Lakes. Ramsey
County Department of Public Works, June 1986.
Beaver Lake Phase I Report: Summary of Current Conditions. Prepared for RWMWD by
Barr Engineering, August 2001.
Beaver Lake Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, March 2005.
DRAFT Feasibility Study for Replacement of Beaver Lake Outlet. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, June 2005.
DRAFT Beaver Lake Total Maximum Daily Load Report. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, September 2005.
Discussion of Water Quality Goals for Beaver Lake and Carver Lake. Prepared for
RWMWD by Barr Engineering, January 2006.
Beaver Lake outflows directly into the Beltline Interceptor storm sewer system, which eventually
discharges into the Mississippi River. The RWMWD has completed hydrologic modeling for the
Beaver Lake watershed, which are included in the RWMWD Plan.
The RWMWD completed a Strategic Lake Management Plan (SLMP) on Beaver Lake in 2005.
The information from the SLMP was used to complete the Beaver Lake TMDL Report, which is
currently in draft form. Beaver Lake is impaired for the pollutants total phosphorus and mercury.
The TMDL Report focuses on improving water quality within the lake related to the total
phosphorus loading. For more information regarding the SLMP and the draft TMDL for Beaver
Lake refer to the RWMWD website. The RWMWD lists water quality goals in its Water
Resources Management Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are shown in
Table 17.
Table 17. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Beaver Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 90 ug/L 107 ppb
Chlorophylla 19 ug/L 25.1 ppb
Secchi Disc 3.6 ft 5.25 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
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The City completed the Non-Degradation Report in 2007. This report analyzed the change in
pollutant loading for runoff volume, total suspended sediment, and total phosphorus from 1988 ?
2005, and the proposed change from 2005 ? 2020. According to the Report, the Beaver Lake
drainage area has experienced an increase of 3% in impervious surface area, 53.8 acre-feet
increase in runoff volume, 2.1 ton increase of total suspended sediment loading, and an
increase of 38.8 pounds of total phosphorus between 1988 and 2005. It is anticipated that the
Beaver Lake drainage area will experience an increase of 8% impervious surface area between
2005 and 2020. Assuming the City?s stormwater treatment requirements remain in effect, it is
anticipated that between 2005 and 2020 the runoff volume will increase by 16.0 acre-feet, the
total suspended sediment loading will decrease by 1.9 tons, and the total phosphorus load will
increase by 8.0 pounds.
Maplewood Nature Center staff has partnered with the RWMWD, and the MNDNR in the
completion of the Neighborhood Wilds Program with residents living in or near the Priory
Neighborhood, which is located along the east side of Beaver Lake. This partnership resulted in
an effort to remove buckthorn around the Preserve, install raingardens, create natural buffers,
and install native plantings. This program led to an applied research project to control reed
canary grass in a neighborhood wetland.
The Maplewood Nature Center staff also partnered with the RWMWD and residents of a
Nebraska Avenue neighborhood in a wetland restoration project. The goal of the restoration was
to restore a diverse native plant community. The RWMWD continues to monitor the site, and for
more information regarding the Nebraska Avenue Test Wetland please see the RWMWD
website.
2. Carver Lake
Carver Lake is located mostly within the City of Woodbury, with a small portion of the watershed
located in Maplewood. Carver Lake has a surface area of 51 acres and the maximum depth is
36 feet. The OHW level is 908.8 feet above MSL. The lake is mostly used for canoeing and
swimming, and there is a public beach located on the southeast side of the lake. Carver Lake
Park occupies much of the shoreline in Woodbury.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Carver Lake and/or its tributaries
have been completed:
Discussion of Water Quality Goals for Beaver Lake and Carver Lake. Prepared for
RWMWD by Barr Engineering, January 2006.
Subwatershed Infiltration ? Carver Lake Subwatershed; Woodbury MN. Memorandum
report prepared by Barr Engineering, March 2003 Draft.
Evaluation of Water Quality Effects from Implementation of Infiltration Practices in
Carver Lake Watershed ? Memorandum prepared by Barr Engineering, October 2000.
Carver Lake Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, October 2000.
Greenways and Natural Areas Report & Vegetative Cover Inventory. RWMWD, June
1999.
1991 Water Quality Monitoring of Carver Lake. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, June 1992.
Carver Ravine Hydrologic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, 1991.
Carver Lake Watershed Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
February 1979.
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Carver Lake outflows into the Fish Creek subwatershed, which discharges into Eagle Lake, a
backwater of the Mississippi River. The RWMWD has completed hydrologic modeling for the
Carver Lake watershed.
Only 252 acres of the Carver Lake subwatershed is located within the City of Maplewood. Most
of the RWMWD?s water quality goals identified in its Plan pertain to the City of Woodbury, as
that contains most of the drainage area to Carver Lake. The RWMWD lists water quality goals in
its Water Resources Management Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are
shown in Table 18.
Table 18. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Carver Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 60 ug/L 61 ppb
Chlorophylla 20 ug/L 16.2 ppb
Secchi Disc 3.3 ft 5.90 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
According to the City?s Non-Degradation Report, the Carver Lake drainage area (located in
Maplewood) has experienced an increase of 9% impervious surface area, 36.3 acre-feet
increase in runoff volume, 2.0 ton increase of total suspended sediment loading, and an
increase of 19.8 pounds of total phosphorus between 1988 and 2005. It is anticipated that the
Carver Lake drainage area will experience an increase of 8% impervious surface area between
2005 and 2020. Assuming the City?s stormwater treatment requirements remain in effect, it is
anticipated that between 2005 and 2020 the runoff volume will increase by 6.2 acre-feet, the
total suspended sediment loading will remain the same, and the total phosphorus load will
increase by 4.8 pounds on an annual basis.
3. Gervais Lake
Gervais Lake is located mostly within the City of Little Canada, with a small portion of the lake
located in Maplewood. Gervais Lake has a surface area of 234 acres and the maximum depth is
41 feet. The OHW level is 859.6 feet above MSL. The lake is mostly used for swimming,
waterskiing and boating, with limited wildlife habitat. The lake has boat access from Spoon Lake
and a Ramsey County Parks swimming beach.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Gervais Lake and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
Gervais Mill Pond Feasibility Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
November 1991.
Kohlman and Gervais Lake Diagnostic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, 1994.
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Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Addressing the Water Quality Benefits of Smaller Wet Detention Ponds. Prepared for
RWMWD by Barr Engineering, 1995.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Study of Untreated Tributary Drainage and Other Improvement
Areas.Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Summary Report and Final Lake Management
Recommendations. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Carp Population Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 2006.
Gervais Lake is the largest lake in the Phalen Chain of Lakes. The lake collects drainage from
its immediate drainage area, Gervais Creek, and Kohlman Lake. The lake discharges through
an outlet channel to Spoon Lake, which then drains to Keller Lake.
The RWMWD completed a SLMP for Lake Gervais which included water quality modeling and
analysis of historical water quality monitoring data. In the SLMP it was determined that
approximately 76% of the annual phosphorus loading to Gervais Lake is from the Kohlman Lake
drainage district, which is located mostly in Maplewood. The City?s stormwater management
standards for development and redevelopment will help reduce phosphorus loading from the
subwatershed in the future. The RWMWD lists water quality goals in its Water Resources
Management Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are shown in Table 19.
Table 19. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Gervais Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 30 ug/L 32 ppb
Chlorophylla 10 ug/L 14.5 ppb
Secchi Disc 5.5 ft 5.6 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
Only 252 acres of the Gervais Lake drainage area are located in Maplewood. According to the
City?s Non-Degradation Report, the Gervais Lake drainage area (located in Maplewood)
experienced very little change in impervious surface area, runoff volume, total suspended
sediment loading, and total phosphorus between 1988 and 2005. It is anticipated that the
Gervais Lake drainage area will experience an increase of 11% impervious surface area
between 2005 and 2020. Assuming the City?s stormwater treatment requirements remain in
effect, it is anticipated that between 2005 and 2020 the runoff volume will increase by 0.6 acre-
feet, the total suspended sediment loading will decrease by 1.2 pounds , and the total
phosphorus load will decrease by 2.3 pounds.
4. Keller Lake
Keller Lake is located entirely within the City of Maplewood. Keller Lake has a surface area of
72 acres and the maximum depth is 8 feet. The OHW level is 859.6 feet above MSL. The lake is
City of Maplewood 35
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
mostly used for boating, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, and viewing. The lake has boat access
from Spoon Lake.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Keller Lake and/or its tributaries
have been completed:
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
Phalen Outlet Hydraulic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, February
1990.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
Draft Kohlman and Keller Lakes Total Maximum Daily Load Report. Prepared for
RWMWD Barr Engineering, July 2005.
Internal Phosphorus Load Study: Kohlman and Keller Lakes. Prepared for RWMWD by
Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Study of Untreated Tributary Drainage and Other Improvement
Areas.Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Summary Report and Final Lake Management
Recommendations. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Highway 36 and 61 Intersection Enhanced Sand Filtration and Menards? Parking Lot
Pervious Pavement, Feasibility Report. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
October 2006.
The Gervais Lake subwatershed discharges to Keller Lake, along with surface flow from the
Lake?s immediate drainage area. Keller Lake discharges to Lake Phalen by a channel. The
RWMWD has completed hydrologic modeling for the Keller Lake watershed.
The RWMWD completed a Strategic Lake Management Plan (SLMP) on the Phalen Chain of
Lakes in 2004. The information from the SLMP was used to complete the Kohlman and Keller
Lakes TMDL Report, which is currently in draft form. Keller Lake is impaired for the pollutant
total phosphorus. The TMDL Report focuses on improving water quality within the lake related
to the total phosphorus loading. For more information regarding the SLMP and the draft TMDL
for Keller Lake refer to the RWMWD website. The RWMWD lists water quality goals in its Water
Resources Management Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are shown in
Table 20.
Table 20. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Keller Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 60 ug/L 57 ppb
Chlorophylla 20 ug/L 31 ppb
Secchi Disc 3.3 ft 3.3 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
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Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
According to the City?s Non-Degradation Report, the direct Keller Lake drainage area
experienced an increase of 2% impervious surface area, 40.6 acre-feet increase in runoff
volume, 18.6 ton decrease of total suspended sediment loading, and an increase of 64.2
pounds of total phosphorus between 1988 and 2005. It is anticipated that the Keller Lake direct
drainage area will experience an increase of 10% impervious surface area between 2005 and
2020. Assuming the City?s stormwater treatment requirements remain in effect, it is anticipated
that between 2005 and 2020 the runoff volume will decrease by 38.4 acre-feet, the total
suspended sediment loading will decrease by 16.3 tons, and the total phosphorus load will
decrease by 63.1 pounds. These numbers show that through water quality BMPs the pollutant
loading to Keller Lake will be reduced in the direct drainage area.
5. Kohlman Lake
Kohlman Lake is located entirely within the City of Maplewood. Kohlman Lake has a surface
area of 74 acres and the maximum depth is 9 feet. The OHW level is 859.5 feet above MSL.
The lake is mostly used for boating, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, viewing, and limited wildlife
habitat. There is no direct boat access to the lake, but it can be accessed via Lake Gervais.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Kohlman Lake and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
Draft Kohlman Basin Feasibility Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
September, 1993.
Draft County Ditch 7A Feasibility Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
1994.
Kohlman Basin Project: Preliminary Design Report. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, 1996.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
Draft Kohlman and Keller Lakes Total Maximum Daily Load Report. Prepared for
RWMWD by Barr Engineering, July 2005.
Internal Phosphorus Load Study: Kohlman and Keller Lakes. Prepared for RWMWD by
Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Study of Untreated Tributary Drainage and Other Improvement
Areas.Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Summary Report and Final Lake Management
Recommendations. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Draft Kohlman Basin Area Water Quality Enhancements Study. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2006.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Carp Population Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 2006.
The Kohlman Lake subwatershed receives flows from Willow Creek and Kohlman Creek. These
two creeks discharge to Kohlman Basin, which is a large wetland upstream of Kohlman Lake
that provides significant water quality treatment of stormwater before it discharges to Kohlman
Lake. The Kohlman Lake outlet is a channel that discharges to Gervais Lake.
The RWMWD completed a Strategic Lake Management Plan (SLMP) on the Phalen Chain of
Lakes in 2004. The information from the SLMP was used to complete the Kohlman and Keller
Lakes TMDL Report, which is currently in draft form. Kohlman Lake is impaired for the pollutant
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Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
total phosphorus. The TMDL Report focuses on improving water quality within the lake related
to the total phosphorus loading. For more information regarding the SLMP and the draft TMDL
for Kohlman Lake refer to the RWMWD website. The RWMWD lists water quality goals in its
Water Resources Management Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are
shown in Table 21.
Table 21. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Kohlman Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 90 ug/L 105 ppb
Chlorophylla 30 ug/L 36 ppb
Secchi Disc 2.5 ft 3.3 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
The RWMWD determined in its analysis of the water quality in Kohlman Lake that the lake
suffers from both internal and external phosphorus loading. The RWMWD recommends that the
only cost-effective BMP to treat the in-lake phosphorus loading is chemical treatment. Through
chemical treatment and additional BMPs in the watershed the RWMWD believes Kohlman Lake
can reach the total phosphorus goal of 90 ug/L. The RWMWD lists several management
recommendations for Kohlman Lake in the Phalen Chain of Lakes SLMP and subsequent
studies.
According to the City?s Non-Degradation Report, the direct Kohlman Lake drainage area
experienced an increase of 6% impervious surface area, 79.7 acre-feet increase in runoff
volume, 13.1 ton decrease of total suspended sediment loading, and a decrease of 23.1 pounds
of total phosphorus between 1988 and 2005. It is anticipated that the Kohlman Lake direct
drainage area will experience an increase of 16% impervious surface area between 2005 and
2020. Assuming the City?s stormwater treatment requirements remain in effect, it is anticipated
that between 2005 and 2020 the runoff volume will increase by 11.6 acre-feet, the total
suspended sediment loading will decrease by 5.4 tons, and the total phosphorus load will
decrease by 3.0 pounds. These numbers show that through water quality BMPs the pollutant
loading to Kohlman Lake has been and will continue to be reduced in the direct drainage area.
6. Lake Phalen
The northern portion of Lake Phalen is located within the City of Maplewood, but the majority of
the lake is located in St. Paul. Lake Phalen has a surface area of 198 acres and the maximum
depth is 91 feet. The OHW level is 857.5 feet above MSL. The lake is mostly used for
swimming, fishing, picnicking, and viewing. The lake has a public boat access and a swimming
beach.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Lake Phalen and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
Report to RWMWD on the Water Quality of Beaver and Wakefield Lakes. Ramsey
County Department of Public Works, March 1985.
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Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
Phalen Outlet Hydraulic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, February
1990.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Study of Untreated Tributary Drainage and Other Improvement
Areas. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Summary Report and Final Lake Management
Recommendations. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Lake Phalen receives discharge from Keller Lake through a channel between Keller Lake and
Lake Phalen, and is the most downstream lake in the Phalen Chain of Lakes. Lake Phalen also
receives discharge from Round Lake and the surrounding drainage area. The lake has two main
outlets that are designed to keep the lake at an elevation of 857.5 MSL.
The RWMWD completed a SLMP for Phalen Chain of Lakes which included water quality
modeling and analysis of historical water quality monitoring data. In the SLMP it was determined
that approximately 82% of the annual phosphorus loading to Lake Phalen is from the Keller
Lake drainage district, which is located mostly in Maplewood. The City?s stormwater
management standards for development and redevelopment will help reduce phosphorus
loading from the subwatershed in the future. The RWMWD lists water quality goals in its Water
Resources Management Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are shown in
Table 22.
Table 22. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Lake Phalen
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 30 ug/L 24 ppb
Chlorophylla 10 ug/L 7.9 ppb
Secchi Disc 5.25 ft 8.9 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
It was determined from an in-lake phosphorus loading model that internal phosphorus loading to
Lake Phalen was negligible during the summer months, and that the lake is currently meeting
the water quality goal for total phosphorus.
According to the City?s Non-Degradation Report, the direct Lake Phalen drainage area located
in Maplewood experienced an increase of 2% impervious surface area, 55.4 acre-feet increase
in runoff volume, 32.5 ton decrease of total suspended sediment loading, and a decrease of
12.9 pounds of total phosphorus between 1988 and 2005. It is anticipated that the Lake Phalen
direct drainage area will experience an increase of 7% impervious surface area between 2005
and 2020. Assuming the City?s stormwater treatment requirements remain in effect, it is
anticipated that between 2005 and 2020 the runoff volume will decrease by 109.9 acre-feet, the
total suspended sediment loading will decrease by 28.5 tons, and the total phosphorus load will
City of Maplewood 39
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decrease by 143.9 pounds. These numbers show that through water quality BMPs the pollutant
loading to Lake Phalen has been and will continue to be reduced in the direct drainage area.
7. Round Lake
Round Lake is located entirely within the City of Maplewood. Round Lake has a surface area of
30 acres and the maximum depth is 9 feet. The lake is mostly used for canoeing, picnicking,
wildlife habitat, and viewing. Round Lake discharges to Lake Phalen through two channels, and
is surrounded by Ramsey County Park land.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Lake Phalen and/or its
tributaries (including Round Lake) have been completed:
Report to RWMWD on the Water Quality of Beaver and Wakefield Lakes. Ramsey
County Department of Public Works, March 1985.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
Phalen Outlet Hydraulic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, February
1990.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Study of Untreated Tributary Drainage and Other Improvement
Areas. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Summary Report and Final Lake Management
Recommendations. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
According to the RWMWD Plan, the District is putting together a Strategic Lake Management
Plan for Round Lake. Round Lake is listed as impaired for the pollutant total phosphorus. The
TMDL Study dates are to begin in 2011 and finish in 2016. The RWMWD will be turning the
SLMP into the draft TMDL for Round Lake. The RWMWD lists water quality goals in its Water
Resources Management Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are shown in
Table 23.
Table 23. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Round Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 60 ug/L 99 ppb
Chlorophylla 20 ug/L 14.9 ppb
Secchi Disc 3.3 ft 6.9 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
8. Silver Lake
Silver Lake is located partially within the City of Maplewood and North St. Paul. Silver Lake has
a surface area of 72 acres and the maximum depth is 18 feet. The lake is mostly used for
swimming, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, waterskiing, and viewing. Silver Lake discharges to
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Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Silver Lake discharges east to a large wetland located on the east side of Century Avenue. It is
tributary to the Valley Branch Watershed District?s flood control project, and therefore it is very
important to maintain the existing outlet and high water elevations of the lake.
The VBWD has set water quality goals for the different types of lake in the District. Silver Lake
has an ?Excellent? ranking. The goal of an excellent ranking is for the summer average total
phosphorus concentrations to be equal to or less than 40 ug/L, and the VBWD would prefer the
total phosphorus concentration in Silver Lake to be equal to or less than 30 ug/L. According to
the VBWD Plan, the total phosphorus concentration in Silver Lake has exceeded 40 ug/L four
times and 30 ug/L ten times between 1990 ? 2004. The City of Maplewood adopts the VBWD?s
water quality goals for Silver Lake. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are shown
in Table 24.
Table 24. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Silver Lake
Water Quality VBWDMean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 40 ug/L 36 ppb
Chlorophylla NA 6.9 ppb
Secchi Disc 3.6 m (Excellent) 8.9 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
Before 1985 Silver Lake experienced winter fish kills, this prevented establishment of a
gamefish population. Ramsey County has managed a winter aeration system since 1985 that
has enabled a gamefish population to develop. This population aids in management of the
bottom-feeding fish which can contribute to degrading water quality. Ramsey County continues
to operate the winter aeration system, and the gamefish population in Silver Lake continues to
flourish. As a result of this change in fish population the water quality in Silver Lake continues to
improve.
In discussions with the Valley Branch Watershed Engineer, one area that may be an erosion
concern is the channel/ditch segment leading into Silver Lake in the northwest portion of Joy
Park. The City intends to review this area further and confirm if a flow restriction was installed
on the inlet pipe already. If not, this work will be considered as part of the Joy Park
improvements planned for 2008 and 2009.
9. Tanners Lake
Tanners Lake is located mostly within the Cities of Oakdale and Landfall, with Maplewood
encroaching on the shoreland in the southwest corner of the lake. Tanners Lake has a surface
area of 70 acres and the maximum depth is 46 feet. The OHW level is 963.3 feet above MSL.
The lake is mostly used for boating, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, and viewing. There is a
swimming beach and boat access in Tanner Lakes Park, which is operated by the City of
Oakdale.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Tanners Lake and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
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Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Grant Application to Conduct a Phase I Diagnostic/Feasibility Study of Water Quality
Problems and Restorative Measures for Tanners Lake (Washington County, Minnesota).
Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, April 1987.
Phase I Diagnostic/Feasibility Study of Water Quality Problems and Restorative
Measures for Tanners Lake. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, May 1989.
Tanners Lake Outlet Hydrologic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
September, 1993.
Clean Water Partnership Project Implementation Grant Application to Conduct a Phase
II Lake Improvement/Protection Study of Tanners Lake (Washington County, Minnesota)
(Draft). Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 1993.
Diagnostic/Feasibility Study of Water Quality Problems and Restorative Measures for
Tanners Lake. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 1993.
Management Alternatives Report on the Diagnostic Feasibility Study of Tanners Lake
(Summary). Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, August 1993.
Tanners Lake CIP Performance Evaluation. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
August 2003.
Tanners Lake collects runoff from its immediate drainage area. The Lake discharges into Battle
Creek Lake through an outlet structure under I-94.
The RWMWD has implemented several capital improvement projects in the Tanners Lake
subwatershed that has resulted in a significant reduction in phosphorus loading to the lake.
Tanners Lake was once on the impaired waters list for excessive nutrients, but has been
removed for that impairment. The RWMWD constructed an alum treatment facility upstream of
Tanners Lake. This facility treats the majority of stormwater runoff before it enters Tanners
Lake. Tanners Lake is still listed as impaired for mercury.
The RWMWD lists water quality goals for Tanners Lake in its Water Resources Management
Plan. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which are shown in Table 25.
Table 25. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Tanners Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 30 ug/L 36 ppb
Chlorophylla 10 ug/L 9.1 ppb
Secchi Disc 5.25 ft 8.5 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
Only 151 acres of the Tanners Lake drainage area is located in Maplewood. According to the
City?s Non-Degradation Report, the Tanners Lake drainage area (located in Maplewood)
experienced very little change in impervious surface area, runoff volume, total suspended
sediment loading, and total phosphorus between 1988 and 2005. It is anticipated that the
Tanners Lake drainage area will experience an increase of 1% impervious surface area
between 2005 and 2020. Assuming the City?s stormwater treatment requirements remain in
effect, it is anticipated that between 2005 and 2020 the runoff volume will increase by 0.5 acre-
City of Maplewood 42
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
feet, the total suspended sediment loading will remain the same, and the total phosphorus load
will increase by 0.4 pounds.
10. Wakefield Lake
Wakefield Lake is located entirely within the City of Maplewood. Wakefield Lake has a surface
area of 23 acres and the maximum depth is 9 feet. The lake is mostly used for aesthetic
viewing, wildlife habitat, and picnicking. There is no direct boat access to the lake.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Wakefield Lake and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
Report to RWMWD on the Water Quality of Beaver and Wakefield Lakes. Ramsey
County Department of Public Works, March 1985.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
Phalen Outlet Hydraulic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, February
1990.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Study of Untreated Tributary Drainage and Other Improvement
Areas. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Summary Report and Final Lake Management
Recommendations. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Wakefield Lake collects surface water runoff from the surrounding drainage area, and
discharges to Lake Phalen through the City?s storm sewer system.
Wakefield Lake is listed as impaired for total phosphorus on the impaired waters list. The
RWMWD plans on completing a water quality study of Wakefield Lake. The RWMWD has set
preliminary water quality goals for the lake. The City of Maplewood adopts these goals, which
are shown in Table 26.
Table 26. Summary of Water Quality Goals for Wakefield Lake
Water Quality 2006 RWMWD Mean - Based on
ParameterWater Quality Goal 1997-2006 STORET Data
Total Phosphorus 60 ug/L 136 ppb
Chlorophylla 20 ug/L 51.5 ppb
Secchi Disc 3.3 ft 2.6 ft
Note: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb
D. Creeks
The City of Maplewood has several creeks located within City boundaries. A summary of the
physical characteristics and water quality features of the main creek segments is provided in the
following sections.
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1. Battle Creek
Battle Creek is located in southern Maplewood, south of I-94. The headwater for Battle Creek is
Battle Creek Lake, which is located in Woodbury. The Creek flows west and discharges into
Pigs Eye Lake in St. Paul. Battle Creek is a perennial stream. Battle Creek Regional Park is
located adjacent to Battle Creek and has hiking and bicycling facilities along the Creek.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Battle Creek and/or its tributaries
have been completed:
Battle Creek Watershed Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
November 1977.
Battle Creek Erosion Control Project Report. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, 1983.
An Evaluation of District Water Quality Data Collected from 1977 through 1989.
Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, 1990.
Feasibility Report: Battle Creek Tunnel Repairs. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, January 1995.
Battle Creek Sediment Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, November
2002.
Historically Battle Creek has experienced frequent and devastating floods. The RWMWD
completed a large erosion control project in the Creek in the early eighties to stabilize Battle
Creek. The RWMWD installed several sheet pile drop structures, created a large detention
basin, and installed a large pipe that serves as a diversion channel for larger events to help
reduce erosion in the Creek and the Park. This project has required periodic maintenance, and
in recent years the RWMWD has decided to clean out the channel every five years as part of a
regular maintenance plan.
Battle Creek is listed as impaired for chlorides on the impaired waters list. The Shingle Creek
Chloride TMDL was completed in December 2006. Like Battle Creek, Shingle Creek is located
in an urban area and is used for stormwater conveyance. The Shingle Creek TMDL determined
that most of the chloride was from road salt, which is used extensively in the winter for snow
and ice control on metropolitan roadways.
There is discussion on adopting the Shingle Creek Chloride TMDL for other water bodies that
are impaired for chlorides. Chloride levels are dependent on daily flow and concentration, which
can vary significantly. Therefore the Shingle Creek TMDL is represented as a percent reduction
across the flow regimes to meet the standard. The guidance principles for implementing the
TMDL mostly have to do with better chloride application and education. Please refer to the
Shingle Creek TMDL, located on the MPCA?s website, for more information.
2. Fish Creek
Fish Creek is located in South Maplewood. Carver Lake is the headwaters for Fish Creek, and
the Creek discharges to Eagle Lake. According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies
related to Fish Creek and/or its tributaries have been completed:
?Fish Creek Hydrologic Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, 1988.
The Fish Creek subwatershed includes significant areas of parks and open space which are
owned by Ramsey County and the City of Maplewood. Future development is expected in this
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Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
part of Maplewood, and the proposed land use is low-density residential and possibly
commercial land use in the southeast portion.
Both the City of Maplewood and the RWMWD have identified erosion and sedimentation issues
in Fish Creek. As development increases in this subwatershed it will be important to implement
volume control measures and to stabilize the watercourse and the banks. According to the
RWMWD plan, an extreme storm event caused considerable damage to Fish Creek in 2005.
The RWMWD has been working on system improvements to provide additional protection.
3. Kohlman Creek
Kohlman Creek is located in north central Maplewood. The Kohlman Creek subwatershed is the
uppermost subwatershed in the Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed. The subwatershed drains
much of North St. Paul, part of Maplewood and the western edge of Oakdale. The Creek flows
into Kohlman Basin and discharges into the Kohlman Lake subwatershed. It is an intermittent
stream that was previously considered County Ditch 18.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Kohlman Creek and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
An Evaluation of District Water Quality Data Collected from 1977 through 1989.
Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, 1990.
Technical Specifications for Casey Lake Outlet Structures. Prepared for RWMWD by
Barr Engineering, 1991.
Kohlman Basin Feasibility Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering,
September 1993.
Target Pond Feasibility Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, April 1993.
Kohlman Basin Project: Preliminary Design Report. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, 1996.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
Draft Kohlman and Keller Lakes Total Maximum Daily Load Report. Prepared for
RWMWD by Barr Engineering, July 2005.
Internal Phosphorus Load Study: Kohlman and Keller Lakes. Prepared for RWMWD by
Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Study of Untreated Tributary Drainage and Other Improvement
Areas. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Phalen Chain of Lakes Summary Report and Final Lake Management
Recommendations. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, October 2005.
Kohlman Creek continues to be managed as a stormwater conveyance system. Several erosion
control and bank stabilization projects have been constructed throughout the years by
RWMWD. The RWMWD identifies collaboration with Maplewood on the maintenance and
improvement of Markham Pond, if found beneficial to Kohlman Lake water quality, as an action
item for this subwatershed.
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4. Willow Creek
Willow Creek is located in the north central portion of Maplewood. It is located in the upper
portion of the Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed. Willow Lake discharges into Willow Creek and
then Willow Creek merges with Kohlman Creek at Kohlman Basin. From here the creek
discharges to Kohlman Lake. Willow Creek is an intermittent stream that was previously
considered a county ditch, and continues to be managed as a stormwater conveyance system.
According to the RWMWD Plan the following studies related to Willow Creek and/or its
tributaries have been completed:
Phalen Chain of Lakes Surface Water Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr
Engineering, November 1988.
Kohlman Basin Feasibility Study. Prepared for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, 1993.
Draft Phalen Chain of Lakes Strategic Lake Management Plan. Prepared for RWMWD
by Barr Engineering, October 2004.
5. Snake Creek
Very little information is currently available for Snake Creek in the far southern portion of the
City. Anything else we can say ? AES may have some in the NR Plan. Check with Ginny.
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V. Implementation Plan
A. Overview
The Implementation Plan is the final section of the Plan, and one which is intended to provide
guidance in carrying out the Plan goals and objectives. The implementation section summarizes
capital improvement projects, studies and ongoing maintenance, inspection, monitoring and
other management activities. This Plan is intended to serve the City for at least the next ten
years and many of the program activities will continue at least out to the year 2030. Procedures
for amending the Plan are provided.
Development of the implementation program follows the guidelines in Minnesota Rules Chapter
8410, the WMOs and Metropolitan Council. City staff identified a wide range of issues or
problems related to the various goal sections, developed solutions or approaches to addressing
each of the issues, and development specific action steps, including identification of possible
resources, measurements, approximate schedules and planning level costs.
Table 27 (at the end of this section) summarizes the activities and efforts of the overall
implementation program. This table includes a mixture of capital improvement projects, studies,
ongoing maintenance, inspection, monitoring and other management activities recommended
over the next 10 or more years. Information in the table is not the entire body of work the City
conducts or will do in the area of storm water management. Rather, the table provides a
summary of the some of the key efforts needed to help achieve the goals of this Plan. Estimated
planning-level costs of recommended actions are provided with a cautionary note that they are
not intended to set unrealistic expectations of the actual costs of projects and/or activities. The
costs provided are intended to serve as an order-of-magnitude look at what the activity may
require. Notations are also provided where the activity can be completed by City staff.
B. Implementation Priorities and Cost
A critical area of focus as the City move ahead with implementation of this Plan will be the
continued close coordination with the local watershed organizations, Ramsey County, and other
project-specific partners to take full advantage of opportunities to gain water quality
improvements and enhance other natural resources at the same time. These efforts will be
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needed and a priority for the City on public capital improvement projects, storm water system
and utility maintenance activities, public outreach and education activities and on private
development projects. This cooperative approach will allow the City to leverage the limited
funding that is currently available.
Maintain a financing strategy for surface water improvements relates very closely to the
cooperative approach to projects and activities. The City will need to continue using a
combination of environmental utility fees, special assessments, connection charges, and storm
water program grant funds to realize the goals of this Plan. The City will need to evaluate the
need for increases in storm water utility charges that serves as the primary dedicated source for
funding the wide range of storm water program activities and capital projects.
The City's water bodies and wetlands are truly exceptional resources for City residents and thus
water quality is one of the priority areas for future program efforts. City lakes and water
resources offer a range of recreational opportunities and some are truly exceptional resources
from a water quality perspective. Others are impaired for various pollutants and have a reduced
value due to those impairments. One of the most recognized and valued resources is Lake
Phalen, which is one of the four lakes in the City not impaired for excess nutrients (i.e.,
phosphorus). One of the City's challenges in the years ahead will be to successfully implement
this Plan to maintain the quality of lakes like Phalen, and at the same time work towards
improvements in the seven lakes that are impaired for excess nutrients (phosphorus).
Water Quantity, or flooding, issues are another key area for the City to focus efforts on in the
coming years. While no major flooding-related issues exist, there are several areas throughout
the City where localized flooding can be addressed by infrastructure improvements associated
with street reconstruction and/or development projects. These localized flooding improvements
are in areas like Valley View in south Maplewood that was hit with localized flooding from
extreme rainfall events in the fall of 2005.
Except for the activities that are taken from the City NPDES SWPPP, the Implementation Plan
is not a hard and fast commitment to complete each and every activity in the time frame
suggested. Rather, it is a suggested course of action that will accomplish the major goal of this
plan; to accommodate new development, in-fill development and redevelopment in the
community while protecting and improving Maplewood?s surface water resources. Infrastructure
replacements and/or additions will be reviewed, approved and administered in accordance with
Maplewood?s Capital Improvement Program.
C. Funding Alternatives
Paying for water management projects and administrative activities has become more complex
in recent years. In addition, public improvement and private development projects are seeing a
higher percentage of their planning and construction budget being needed for water resources
and environmental protection efforts. In the past, special assessments against benefited
properties financed most of the necessary improvements. However, the financial options have
broadened considerably. The question is which method or methods best suit the needs of the
City. The major categories of funding sources are: Ad Valorem Taxes; Special Assessments;
Storm Water Utility; and Grants as summarized below.
Ad Valorem Tax. General taxation is the most common revenue source used to finance
government services, including minor maintenance measures for drainage and water
quality facilities. Using property tax has the effect of spreading the cost over the entire
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tax base of a community. A special tax district can also be used to raise revenue. The
special tax district is similar to the administrative structure under general taxation except
that all or part of the community may be placed in the tax district. The principle is to
better correlate improvement costs to benefited or contributing properties.
Special Assessments.Municipalities are familiar with the use of special assessments to
finance special services from maintenance to construction of capital improvements. The
assessments are levied against properties benefiting from the special services. The
philosophy of this method is that the benefited properties pay in relation to benefits
received. The benefit is the increase in the market value of the properties.
Trunk Storm Sewer/Development Fees.Fees charged to new development that
generates runoff can be charged to finance infrastructure needed to serve the
development. This is a useful tool in communities that are rapidly developing.
Environmental Utility Fee. A utility is a service charge or fee based on usage, similar to
the fees charged for sanitary sewer or potable water supply. The fee is typically charged
against improved parcels based on the concept of contributors (or users) pay. The rate
structure is based on the land use type, density, and parcel size to reflect the typical
runoff contributed by a given parcel. In some cases parcels may be eligible for a credit to
reduce their fee.
Grants.State grants are available for surface water management and non-point source
pollution. However, it is generally not a good financial practice to rely on grants for a
service program. This source of revenue is not dependable and requires constant
speculation as to its availability. Grants are useful but should only be used to
supplement a planned local revenue source. Some of the agencies and programs that
may have available grant funds include:
Environmental Protection Agency
Watershed Districts and WMOs
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Metropolitan Council
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
The City currently has an environmental water utility in place. Add brief Discussion.
Using a combination of all available funding sources will be continued in order to fund surface
water management activities within Maplewood. The charges and fees will be reviewed and
adjusted annually to ensure adequate funding for the activities set forth in this plan and those
required by law. In order to establish a baseline estimate of the overall program costs for the
next 20 to 30 years of the Plan, individual activity and project cost estimates were developed.
The costs represented in Table 27 do not account for the parts of the overall program
implementation budget that include costs such as staff salaries, street sweeping equipment,
water quality monitoring equipment or sampling costs, and sweeping disposal costs. The costs
also do not include land acquisition costs (capital or legal) which may be necessary to
implement the pond or water quality treatment BMPs identified in the Plan.
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D. Amendments to the Plan
1. Amendments Procedures
The Surface Water Management Plan is intended to extend approximately through the year
2018. In conjunction with this Plan, the NPDES SWPPP activities will be reviewed and
evaluated annually in a public meeting and the permit program itself will be updated as required
by the MPCA NPDES permit program. For this plan to remain dynamic, an avenue must be
available to implement new information, ideas, methods, standards, management practices, and
any other changes which may affect the intent and/or results of this Plan. Amendment proposals
can be requested at any time by any person or persons either residing or having business within
the City.
2. Request for Amendments
Any individual can complete a written request for a Plan amendment and submit the request to
City staff. The request shall outline the specific items or sections of the Plan requested to be
amended, describe the basis and need for the amendment and explain the desired result of the
amendment towards improving the management of surface water within the City. Following the
initial request, staff may request that additional materials be submitted in order for staff to make
a fully-informed decision on the request.
3. Staff Review
Following a request for Plan amendments, staff will make a decision as to the completeness
and validity of the request. If additional information is needed by staff to determine the validity of
the request, staff will generally respond to the requestor within 30 days of receiving the request.
Following receipt of sufficient information such that validity of the request can be evaluated,
there are three options which are described below:
a) Reject the amendment. Staff will reject the amendment if the request reduces, or has the
potential to reduce, the Plan?s ability to achieve the goals and policies of the Plan, or will
result in the Plan no longer being consistent with one or more of the watershed district?s
plans.
b) Accept the amendment as a minor issue, with minor issues collectively added to the plan
at a later date. These changes will generally be clarifications of plan provisions or to
incorporate new information available after the adoption of the 2008 Plan. Minor
changes will generally be evaluated on the potential of the request to help staff better
implement and achieve the goals and policies the Plan. Minor issues will not result in
formal amendments but will be tracked and incorporated formally into the Plan at the
time any major changes are approved.
c) Accept the amendment as a major issue, with major issues requiring an immediate
amendment. In acting on an amendment request, staff should recommend to the City
council whether or not a public hearing is warranted. In general, any requests for
changes to the goals and policies or the development standards established in the Plan
will be considered major amendments.
Staff will make every attempt to respond to the request within 30-60 days of receiving sufficient
information from the requestor. The timeframe will allow staff to evaluate the request internally
and gather input from the WD/WMOs and other technical resources, as needed. The response
will describe the staff recommendation and which of the three categories the request falls into.
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The response will also outline the schedule for actions, if actions are needed to complete the
requested amendment.
4. WMO Approval
All proposed major amendments must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Watershed
Management Organizations and Water Districts prior to final adoption of the amendments. Major
amendments would include changes to the goals and policies of the Plan. Staff will review the
proposed amendments with the WD/WMOs to determine if the change is a major amendment
and if determined to be major amendment, then will assess the ability of the requested
amendment to maintain consistency with WD/WMO plans.
5. Council Consideration
Major amendments and the need for a public hearing will be determined by staff and if identified
as a major amendment, the request will be considered at a regular or special Council meeting.
Staff recommendations will be considered before decisions on appropriate action(s) are made.
The requestor will be given an opportunity to present the basis for, and intended outcomes of,
the request at the public hearing and will be notified of the dates of all official actions relating to
the request.
6. Public Hearing and Council Action
The initiation of a public hearing will allow for public input or input based on public interest in the
requested amendment. Council, with staff recommendations, will determine when the public
hearing should occur in the process. Consistent with other formal Council actions and based on
the public hearing, Council would adopt the amendment(s), deny the amendment(s) or take
other action.
7. Council Adoption
Final action on any major amendments, following approval by the Watershed Management
Organizations and/or Watershed Districts, is Council adoption. Prior to the adoption, an
additional public hearing may be held to review the Plan changes and notify the appropriate
stakeholders.
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Appendices
A.Glossary and Acronyms
B.Figures
C.2006 NPDES Program SWPPP
D.2007 Non-Degradation Report
E.Water Resources Agreements
F.BMP Maintenance Agreement Example
G.Current City Ordinances
H.Others??
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APPENDIX A ACRONYMS, WEBPAGE LINKS AND GLOSSARY
ACRONYMS
AST
Above-ground Storage Tank
BMP
Best Management Practices
BWSR
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
DNR
Department of Natural Resources
EQB
Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
EQC
Environmental Quality Committee
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIRM
Flood Insurance Rate Map
GIS
Geographic Information System
GPS
Geographic Positioning System
IMP
Integrated Management Practice
LID
Low Impact Development
LUST
Leaking Underground Storage Tank
McRAM
Minnehaha Creek Routine Assessment Method
MnDOT
Minnesota Department of Transportation
MnRAM
Minnesota Routine Assessment Method
MPCA
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
MS4
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
MSWMP
Metropolitan Surface Water Management Program
MUSA
Metropolitan Urban Services Area
NOI
Notice of Intent (for coverage under the NPDES Permit Program)
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NURP
Nationwide Urban Runoff Program
RWMWD
Ramsey-Washington-Metro Watershed District
SWCD
Soil and Water Conservation District
SWMP
Surface Water Management Plan
SWPPP
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program
TP
Total Phosphorus
TSS
Total Suspended Solids
USEPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
UST
Underground Storage Tank
VBWD
Valley Branch Watershed District
WD
Watershed District
WMO
Watershed Management Organization
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WEBPAGE LINKS
Water Management Agency/Organization Contacts
Numerous agencies and organizations in Minnesota have varying authorities and/or interest in
surface water management activities relative to the City?s Plan. A summary of these agencies
and organizations is listed below with a link to their respective website at the time this Plan was
created. More detailed information is available on each web page including contacts and key
responsibilities relative to surface water management.
Agency/Organization Website Link
State
MN Pollution Control Agency
MN Department of Natural Resources
Board of Water and Soil Resources
Local
City of Maplewood
Ramsey County
Watersheds
Capital Region WD
Ramsey-Washington-Metro WD
Valley Branch WD
Federal
US Army Corps of Engineers
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Federal Emergency Management Agency
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GLOSSARY
100-Year Flood or 100-Year Storm Event:
The flood having a one-percent (1%) chance of
being equaled or exceeded in any given year. A 100-year flood is synonymous with Base Flood,
Regional or 1% Chance Flood.
Agricultural Land:
Any land designated specifically for agricultural production. This may
include row crops, pasture, hayland, orchards, or land used for horticultural purposes
Anaerobic:
Conditions either in water or soil where there is a lack of oxygen.
Army Corps of Engineers (COE or USCOE):
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is a
regulatory agency involved in design, permitting and construction projects related to or
impacting navigable waters of the United States including lakes, waterways and wetlands.
Aquatic Bench:
A 10- to 15-foot bench around the inside perimeter of a permanent pool that is
approximately one-foot deep. Normally vegetated with emergent plants, the bench augments
pollutant removal, provides habitat, conceals trash and water level drops, and enhances safety.
Best Management Practice (BMP):
A combination of land use, conservation practices, and
management techniques, which when applied to a unit of land will result in the opportunity for a
reasonable economic return with an acceptable level of water quality or water quantity
improvements.
Bluff:
A natural topographic feature such as a hill, cliff, or embankment generally having the
following characteristics: (1) The slope rises at least 25 feet above the toe of the bluff; and (2)
The grade of the slope from the toe of the bluff to a point 25 feet or more above the toe of the
bluff averages 30 percent or greater; and (3) An area with an average slope of less than 18
percent over a distance for 50 feet or more shall not be considered part of the bluff.
Buffer:
The use of land, topography, difference in elevation, space, fences, or vegetation to
screen or partially screen a use or property from the vision of another use or property, and thus
reduce undesirable influences such as: sight, noise, dust, and other external effects. Also defined
as area immediately adjacent to a wetland that is unmowed and/or unmanaged. Buffers are
ideally dominated by native vegetation and add to the ecological health of the wetland by adding
habitat and assisting and filtering pollutants from surface water runoff.
Buffer Strip:
An area of vegetated ground cover abutting a water body that is intended to
sediment or other pollutants from runoff.
BWSR:
Board of Water and Soil Resources. This is the lead regulatory agency that oversees the
Wetland Conservation Act in the State of Minnesota.
Circular 39:
Wetland classification system developed by United States Fish and Wildlife
Service in 1956 that categorizes wetlands into eight types. This is the same classification system
generally accepted by the State of Minnesota for wetland classification.
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Comprehensive Plan:
As defined in Minnesota Statutes 394.21, the policies, statements, goals
and interrelated plans for private and public land and water use, transportation and community
facilities that guide future development (and growth).
Cowardin Classification:
Wetland classification system developed by the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service in 1979. This system defines wetlands by a tiered system and is more
detailed that the Circular 39 method. The Cowardin System is the classification System used in
the National Wetlands Inventory.
Design Storm:
A rainfall event of specified size and return frequency that is used to calculate
the runoff volume and peak discharge rate to a BMP.
Detention:
The temporary storage of runoff from rainfall and snowmelt events to control peak
discharge rates and provide an opportunity for physical, chemical and biological treatment to
occur.
Development:
The construction, installation or alteration of any structure, the extraction,
clearing or other alteration of terrestrial or aquatic vegetation, land or the course, current or cross
section of any water body or water course or division of land into two (2) or more parcels. See
also re-development, new development and existing development.
Drawdown:
The gradual reduction in water level in a pond BMP due to the combined effect of
infiltration and evaporation.
Draining:
The removal of surface water or ground water from land.
Drop Structure:
Placement of logs with a weir notch across a stream channel. Water flowing
through the weir creates a plunge pool downstream of the structure and creates fish habitat.
Easement:
A grant of one or more property rights by a property owner for use by the public, a
corporation, or another person or entity.
Ecoregion:
Areas of relative homogeneity characterized by distinctive regional ecological
factors, including land use, soils, topography and potential natural vegetation. There are seven
such Ecoregions in the state of Minnesota:
NLF = Northern Lakes and Forests
CHF = North Central Hardwood Forests
NGP = Northern Glaciated Plains
WCP = Western Corn Belt Plains
RRV = Red River Valley
DA = Driftless Area
NMW = Northern Minnesota Wetlands
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Exotic Species or Invasive Species
: Non-native plants or wild animals that can naturalize, have
high propagation potential, are highly competitive for limiting factors, and cause displacement
of, or otherwise threaten, native plants or native animals in their natural communities.
End of Pipe Control:
Water quality control technologies suited for the control of existing urban
storm water at the point of storm sewer discharge to a receiving water. Due to typical space
constraints, these technologies are usually designed to provide water quality control rather than
quantity control.
Erosion:
The wearing away of land surface and soil by the action of natural elements (wind
and/or water).
Eutrophication:
Process by which overabundance of nutrients in a waterbody lead to
accelerated productivity and general decrease in water clarity and quality.
Exfiltration:
The downward movement of runoff through the bottom of an infiltration BMP into
the subsoil.
Existing Development:
A property or parcel of land that has previously been subject to
development, and that is not undeveloped property.
Extended Detention:
A storm water design feature that provides for the gradual release of a
volume of water (typically 0.25 to 1.0 inches per impervious acre) over a 12 to 48 hour time
period. With proper design, the extended detention period allows for an increased settling of
pollutants, and can protect channels from frequent flooding or scour.
Extended Detention (ED) Ponds:
A conventional ED pond temporarily detains a portion of
storm water runoff for a period of 12 to 48 hours after a storm using a fixed orifice. Such
extended detention allows urban pollutants to settle out. ED ponds can be designed to be "dry"
between storm events and thus do not have any permanent standing water or ?wet? with a
permanent pool of water. An enhanced ED pond is designed to prevent clogging and
resuspension and provides greater flexibility in achieving target detention times. It may be
equipped with plunge pools near the inlet, a micropool at the outlet, and utilize an adjustable
wet pond
reverse-sloped pipe at the ED control device. See also ?? definition for diagram.
Extended Detention Wetland:
A storm water wetland design alternative in which the total
treatment volume is equally split between a shallow marsh and temporary detention of runoff
above the marsh. After a storm, the normal pool of the shallow marsh may rise by up to two feet.
The extra runoff is stored for up to 24 hours to allow pollutants to settle at, before being released
downstream.
Finished Floor Elevation
: The lowest elevation of the first floor or basement in a residential
building or other structure that will or may be inhabited by a person or persons.
Filtration Basin
: A treatment area designed to treat storm water by a process that physically
removes particles from the water.
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Flood:
A temporary rise in stream flow or stage that results in inundation of the areas adjacent to
the channel or water body.
Flood Frequency:
The average frequency, statistically determined, for which it is expected that
a specific flood stage or discharge may be equaled or exceeded.
Flood Fringe:
That portion of the 100-year floodplain outside of the floodway.
Flood Obstruction:
Any dam, well, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection,
excavation, channel rectification, culvert, building, wire, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure or
matter in, along, across or projecting into any channel, watercourse or regulatory flood hazard
area which may impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself or by
catching or collecting debris carried by such water, or that is placed where the flow of water,
either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water, or that is placed where
the flow of water might carry the same downstream to the damage of life or property.
Floodplain:
Floodplains are lowland areas adjoining lakes, wetlands, and rivers that are
susceptible to inundation of water during a flood. For regulatory purposes, the floodplain is the
area covered by the 100-year flood and it is usually divided into districts called the floodway and
flood fringe. Areas where floodway and flood fringe have not been determined are called
approximate study areas or general floodplain.
Floodplain (General) Area:
The general floodplain area is determined using the best available
data, in lieu of performing a detailed engineering study. These data may be from soils mapping,
experienced high water profiles, aerial photographs of previous floods, or other appropriate
sources. There are no associated published 100-year flood elevations with general floodplain
delineations, unlike detailed study areas. General floodplain area is synonymous with
approximate study area and unnumbered A-Zone.
Floodplain Forest:
Wooded area adjacent to stream or river that is periodically flooded. Within
this plan, floodplain forests have been specifically identified as a separate wetland category due
to their unique ecology and protection needs.
Flood Proofing:
A combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments to properties
and structures subject to flooding primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages to
properties, water and sanitary facilities, structures and contents of buildings in a flood hazard
area in accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code.
Floodway:
The floodway is the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land
areas which must remain open in order to discharge the 100-year flood.
Forebay:
An extra storage area provided near an inlet of a pond or BMP to trap incoming
sediments, reducing the amount that accumulates in a pond or BMP.
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Freeboard:
A factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a certain flood level. Freeboard
compensates for the many unknown factors (e.g., waves, ice, debris, etc.) that may increase flood
levels beyond the calculated level.
Forbs:
Vegetation that is not a tree, grass or shrub. Usually associated with flowering plants
Geographic Information System (GIS):
Computer database of georeferenced information on
the cities various resources.
Global Positioning System (GPS):
Network of satellites used to map and identify locations on
the earth. For this plan, the GPS unit used was a Trimble GeoXT, which is accurate to within
three feet.
Hydric Soil:
Soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season
to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.
Hydrophytic Vegetation:
Macrophytic plant life growing in water, soil, or a substrate that is at
least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water content.
Hypereutropic:
A very nutrient-rich lake characterized by frequent and severe nuisance algal
blooms and low transparency.
Impervious Surface:
The portion of the buildable parcel which has a covering which does not
permit water to percolate into the natural soil. Impervious surface shall include, but not be
limited to, buildings, all driveways and parking areas (whether paved or not), sidewalks, patios,
swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, covered decks, porches, and other structures.
Open, uncovered decks are not considered impervious for the purposes of this ordinance. The use
of patio blocks, paver bricks or class 5 gravel material are considered impervious surfaces as a
majority of water runs-off the surface rather than being absorbed into natural soils underneath.
Some exceptions to these conditions may include paver blocks or pavement systems engineered
to be permeable with the underlying soils suitable for infiltration.
Infiltration Basin:
An impoundment where incoming storm water runoff is stored until it
gradually infiltrates into and through the soil of the basin floor.
Infiltration Trench:
A conventional infiltration trench is a shallow, excavated trench that has
been backfilled with stone to create an underground reservoir. Storm water runoff diverted into
the trench gradually exfiltrates from the bottom of the trench into the subsoil and eventually into
the water table. An enhanced infiltration trench has an extensive pretreatment system to remove
sediment and oil. It requires an on-site geotechnical investigation to determine appropriate
design and location.
Infrastructure:
Public facilities and services, including transportation, storm water pipes,
structures and ponds, water and sewer pipes and structures, telecommunications, recycling and
solid waste disposal, parks and other public spaces, schools, police and fire protection, and health
and welfare services.
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Integrated Management Practice (IMP):
A range of small-scale storm water controls or
practices distributed throughout a site and intended to maintain flow patterns, filter pollutants
and/or re-create or maintain existing site hydrology.
Invasive Species or Exotic Species
: Non-native plants or wild animals that can naturalize, have
high propagation potential, are highly competitive for limiting factors, and cause displacement
of, or otherwise threaten, native plants or native animals in their natural communities.
Local Government Unit (LGU):
Agency that has the primary responsibility of administering
the Wetland Conservation Act.
Lowest Floor:
The lowest floor of a structure, including basement.
Low Impact Development (LID):
An approach to storm water management intended to protect
water resources, reduce storm sewer infrastructure costs and provide a more attractive storm
water management system. LID practices include infiltration systems, bioretention areas, rain
barrels, green roofs, porous pavements and a long list of additional innovative storm water
treatment practices.
Mesotrophic:
Describes a lake of moderate photosynthetic productivity.
MNRAM:
The Minnesota Routine Assessment Methodology as referenced by Minnesota Rules
8420. MNRAM is the primary tool used to assess wetland functions and values on a qualitative
basis. The MNRAM evaluates wetlands based on vegetation, wildlife habitat, water quality,
flood and storm water attenuation, recreational opportunities, aesthetics, fishery habitat,
groundwater interactions, and commercial use. The version referenced in this plan is Version 3.0.
Monotypic:
Used to describe vegetation communities in which only one species is present.
Most often used to describe areas that are entirely dominated by reed canary grass or cattails.
Navigable Waters.
Waters defined by the United States, 33 Code of Federal Regulations
Section 329.4 as those waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or are presently
used, or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use to transport interstate or
foreign commerce.
New Development:
Development of a property or portion thereof that is currently undeveloped
property.
NURP:
Nationwide Urban Runoff Program, a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. A key component of this program was to assess the effectiveness of urban runoff
detention/retention basins (e.g., ponds) in removing pollutants from storm water runoff.
Off-Line BMP:
A water quality facility designed to treat a portion of storm water (usually 0.5 to
1.0 inches per impervious acre) which has been diverted from a stream or storm drain.
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Off-Line Treatment:
A BMP system that is located outside of the stream channel or drainage
path. A flow diverter is used to divert runoff from the channel and into the BMP for subsequent
treatment.
Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL or OHW):
The boundary of public waters and wetlands,
and shall be an elevation delineating the highest water level which has been maintained for a
sufficient period of time to leave evidence upon the landscape, commonly that point where the
natural vegetation changes from predominantly aquatic to predominantly terrestrial. For
watercourses, the ordinary high water level is the elevation of the top of the bank of the channel.
For reservoirs and flowage, the ordinary high water level is the operating elevation of the normal
summer pool. For streams and waterways, the OHW is considered the top of bank. Areas below
the OHW are under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and are
not regulated by the Wetland Conservation Act.
Permanent Pool:
A 3- to 10-foot deep pool in a storm water pond system that provides removal
of urban pollutants through settling and biological uptake. (Also referred to as a wet pond).
Porous Pavement:
An alternative to conventional pavement whereby runoff is diverted through
a porous asphalt layer and into an underground stone reservoir. The stored runoff then gradually
infiltrates into the subsoil.
Protected Water:
Any water or wetland designated by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources and identified by statute on the Protected Waters Inventory.
Public Waters:
Those waters of the state identified as public waters or wetlands under
Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.005.
Reach:
A hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a stream or river
influenced by the natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment of a stream or
river between two (2) consecutive bridge crossings would most typically constitute a reach.
Redevelopment:
Any development including but not limited to rebuilding, renovation, revision,
remodel, reconstruction or redesign of or at an existing development.
Regional Flood:
A flood which is representative of large floods known to have occurred
generally in Minnesota and reasonably characteristics of what can be expected to occur on an
average frequency in the magnitude of the 100-year recurrence interval. Regional flood is
synonymous with the term ?base flood" used in the Flood Insurance Study.
Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation:
A point not less than one-foot (1') above the water
surface profile associated with the 100-year flood as determined by the use of the 100-year flood
profile and surrounding technical data in the Flood Insurance Study plus any increase in flood
heights attributable to encroachments on the floodplain. It is the elevation to which uses
regulated by City ordinance are required to be elevated or flood proofed.
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Retention:
The permanent storage of runoff from rainfall and snowmelt events with volume
reduction coming from infiltration, evaporation or emergency release.
Riprap:
A combination of large stone, cobbles and boulders used to line channels, stabilize
banks, reduce runoff velocities, or filter out sediment.
Runoff (Storm Water):
The overland and near surface flow from storm water and snowmelt.
Runoff Conveyance:
Methods for safely conveying runoff to a BMP to minimize disruption of
the stream network, and promote infiltration or filtering of the runoff.
Runoff Pretreatment:
Techniques to capture or trap coarse sediments before they enter a BMP
to preserve storage volumes or prevent clogging within the BMP. Examples include forebays and
micropools for pond BMPs, and plunge pools, grass filter strips and filter fabric for infiltration
BMPs.
Sand Filter:
A relatively new technique for treating storm water, whereby the first flush of
runoff is diverted into a self-contained bed of sand. The runoff is then strained through the sand,
collected in underground pipes and returned back to the stream or channel.
Sediment Forebay:
Storm water design feature that employs the use of a small settling basin to
settle out incoming sediments before they are delivered to a storm water BMP. Particularly use
full in tandem with infiltration devices, wet ponds or marshes. See also Forebay.
Sequencing:
The process used by the Local Government Unit to evaluate the necessity of an
activity impacting a wetland. The party proposing the impact must demonstrate that the activity
proposed complies with the following principles in descending order of priority.
1.Avoids direct or indirect impacts to the wetlands that may diminish or destroy them;
2.Minimizes the impact to the wetland by limiting the degree or magnitude of the
wetland activity and its implementation;
3.Rectifies the impacts by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected wetland;
4.Reduces or eliminates the impact to the wetland over time by preservation and
maintenance operations; and,
5.Replaces unavoidable wetland impacts to the wetland by restoring or, if wetland
restoration opportunities are not reasonably available, creating substitute wetland
areas having equal or greater public value as provided for under the Wetland
Conservation Act.
Shoreland:
Land located within the following distances from public waters: one thousand feet
(1,000') from the ordinary high water level of a lake, pond, or flowage; and three hundred feet
(300') from a river or stream, or the landward extent of a floodplain designated by ordinance on a
river or stream, whichever is greater. The limits of shoreland may be reduced whenever the
waters involved are bounded by topographic divides which extend landward from the waters for
lesser distances and when approved by the Commissioner of the DNR.
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Short Circuiting:
The passage of runoff through a BMP in less than the theoretical or design
treatment time. For example, a properly designed treatment pond will have the inlet and outlet
pipes located as far apart (along the water flow path) as possible. A short circuiting pond would
have the inlet very close to the outlet such that the water coming into the pond would leave the
pond much sooner than if it were able to travel through the entire pond.
Storm Water Treatment:
Detention, retention, filtering or infiltration of a given volume of
storm water to remove pollutants.
Stream Buffer:
A variable width strip of vegetated land adjacent to a stream that is preserved
from a disurbance to protect water quality and aquatic and terrestrial habitats. See also buffer
strip.
Structure:
Anything manufactured, built, constructed, erected, or a portion thereof which is
normally attached to or positioned on land, whether temporary or permanent in character,
including but not limited to buildings, fences, sheds, advertising signs, dog kennels, hard surface
parking areas, boardwalks, playground equipment, concrete slabs.
Shoreland Wetland Protection Zone:
The land located within 1,000 feet from the Ordinary
High Water Elevation of a Protected Water, 500 feet from the Minnesota River or the landward
extent of the designated floodplain, and 300 feet from any stream designated in the shoreline
management ordinance.
Storm Water:
(See Runoff)
Storm Water Treatment Pond:
Any waterbody that has been specifically created to remove
sediment and nutrients and ?treat? surface water runoff. Storm water ponds that were created
from existing wetland are still regulated as jurisdictional wetlands. Storm water ponds created
from upland areas are not wetland and are exempt from regulatory jurisdiction.
Subwatershed
: A subdivision based on hydrology corresponding to a smaller drainage area
within a larger watershed.
Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP):
A panel of technical professionals from the Board of
Water and Soil resources, Carver or Hennepin County Conservation Districts, and a Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources representative. Additional members can also be invited,
including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The TEP provides decision making support for the
LGU for many wetland and regulatory issues.
Ten-Day Snow Melt Runoff with Type ?C? Distribution (100-Year/10-day runoff):
A
modeled runoff event that represents snowmelt conditions over a 10-day period for a return
period snow depth of 100 years. The runoff event is simulated for a curve number (CN) of 100
which represents frozen soil conditions or where all surfaces are considered impervious. For
some drainage basins the ten-day runoff event is the critical event for identifying the high water
level of the basin or water body. The Type C distribution is similar in concept to the Type I and
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II distributions, and for this event, establishes the time distribution of runoff volume over the ten-
day period.
Treatment Volume (Vt):
The volume of storm water runoff that is treated within a BMP or IMP
storm water treatment facility. Typically the volume is expressed in terms of inches of runoff per
impervious acre.
Type I, IA, II and III Storm Distributions - NRCS
: These storm types represent the time
distribution of a 24-hour rainfall event for areas throughout the United States. The total storm
depth is distributed according to the diagram in subpart A. Type II storms are more ?flashy? (i.e.,
convective/thunderstorms) than a Type I or IA storm. Subpart B illustrates that all of Minnesota
is within the Type II rainfall distribution area.
A. SCS 24-hour rainfall distributions (SCS, 1986):
B. Approximate geographic boundaries for SCS rainfall distributions (SCS, 1986):
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Underdrain:
Typically perforated plastic pipes installed on the bottom of a filtration of
infiltration BMP, or sand filter. The under drain is used to collect and remove treated storm water
that exceeds the water holding and/or infiltration capacity of the soil.
Upland:
General term to describe any area that is not a wetland.
Vegetated Filter Strip:
A vegetated section of land designed to accept runoff as overland sheet
flow from upstream development. It may adopt any natural vegetated form, from grassy meadow
to small forest. The dense vegetative cover facilitates pollutant removal. A filter strip cannot treat
high veloCity flows; therefore, they have generally been recommended for use in agriculture and
low-density development. A filter strip can also be an enhanced natural buffer, whereby the
removal capability of the natural buffer is improved through engineering and maintenance
activities such as land grading or the installation of a level spreader. A filter strip differs from a
grassed swale in that a swale is a concave vegetated conveyance system, whereas a filter strip
has a fairly level surface.
Watershed:
A topographically defined area within which all runoff water drains to a point.
Watershed-to-Lake Ratio:
The relative surface area of the contributing watershed to the surface
area of the lake or water body. In terms of water quality, generally the smaller the watershed-to-
lake ratio, the better the quality of the lake. For example a lake with a ratio of 2 to 1 means that
the watershed is twice the size of the surface water itself (i.e., 100 acres contributing to a 50 acre
lake).
Wetland:
Transitional land between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is at or
near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For purposes of the plan, wetlands must
have a predominance of hydric soil, be inundated or saturated to the surface or groundwater at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soils; and under normal circumstances supports a prevalence of
hydrophytic vegetation.
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA):
In 1991 Minnesota adopted the initial Wetland
Conservation Act (Minnesota Laws Chapter 354) to protect the states wetland resources. This
act has been amended and updated periodically, but is used by reference to the current program,
and any future amendments.
Wetland Delineation
: The process and procedure by which an area is adjudged a wetland or
non-wetland including a determination of the wetland boundary based on the point where the
non-wetland areas shift to wetlands or aquatic habitats.
Wetland Mitigation:
Wetlands created to replace wetland areas destroyed or impacted by land
disturbances.
Wet Pond:
A conventional wet pond has a permanent pool of water for treating incoming storm
water runoff and a live storage component for flood storage and additional water quality
treatment detention (see typical cross section in Appendix D).
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APPENDIX B FIGURES
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APPENDIX __
The City?s stormwater conveyance system inherently collects and conveys urban runoff and stormwater
that may contain certain pollutants to surface water resources. Like other City infrastructure, the system
requires a combination of routine maintenance and occasionally major repairs in order to function
properly. Conducting inspections and maintenance of the system is also a requirement of the City?s
NPDES permit program. The intent of this memorandum is to outline recommended inspection and
maintenance protocols the City should follow in order to comply with the obligations of the NPDES
program as a first priority. In doing so, the City will realize reductions in the pollutants entering water
resources, reduce the occurrences of localized flooding from blocked or degraded system components and
reduce the overall long-term costs associated with its storm water management infrastructure.
Protocols for maintenance are described in a number of online sources as well as in similar guidance
documents from regulatory agencies. These guidance documents are intended to reduce the volume and
resulting impacts of pollutants reaching receiving waters through proper conveyance system operation
and maintenance. Properly maintaining infrastructure such as catch basins, sump manholes, inlets,
skimmer structures, treatment systems (ponds, rain gardens, etc.) and other stormwater system
infrastructure on a regular basis will remove pollutants, reduce pollutant concentrations during the first
flush, prevent clogging of the conveyance system, restore sediment trapping capacity, and reduce
blockages in the system so that it functions properly hydraulically and reduces the occurrences of
localized flooding.
The primary BMPs in the City?s NPDES SWPPP that relate to inspections and maintenance of the storm
sewer system are listed below. Recommendations for each category are provided in the following pages
to supplement the City?s regulatory requirements.
BMP ID BMP Title
6a-1 Municipal Operations and Maintenance Program
6a-2 Street Sweeping
6b-2 Annual Inspection of All Structural Pollution Control Devices
6b-3 Annual Inspection of 20% of Outfalls, Sediment Basins and Ponds
6b-4 Annual Inspection of All Exposed Stockpiles, Storage and Material
Handling Areas
6b-5 Inspection Follow-up (Repair, Replacement, Maintenance)
6b-6 Record Reporting and Retention: Inspections and Maintenance
Program
6b-7 Evaluation of Inspection Frequency
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Suggested Considerations and Protocols - by BMP
6a-1Municipal Operations and Maintenance Program
The City will provide training for Public Works, Parks & Recreation and Development Review Staff on a
range of topics related to the NPDES permit program. Several potential topics and specific
recommendations are provided below as a guide to developing a more formal training program. One
example of a simple training topic that can help improve water quality to train City landscape crews on
the need to limit the deposits of grass clipping into the streets, unless they are cleaned/removed after
mowing so they don?t end up in the storm drains.
In addition, some local twin cities municipalities have initiated efforts to better coordinate municipal
training programs such as the Public Works Forum in the east metro area which includes City Engineers,
Public Works Directors and Watershed Organization staff addressing topics such as those listed below.
Again, the items listed below are potential topics to present at training and are intended as a guide to help
City staff at all positions recognize the activities that may have impacts to the City?s storm water system.
1.Train crews in proper maintenance activities, including record keeping and material handling and
disposal.
2.Train staff involved in detection and removal of illicit connections in the following:
a.OSHA-required Health and Safety Training plus annual refresher training (as needed).
b.OSHA Confined Space Entry training for staff entering manholes or other confined
spaces.
3.Procedural training for field staff looking for illicit discharges or tracking origination of
discharges (field screening, sampling, smoke/dye testing, TV inspection).
4.Clean up of spills and leaks using ?dry? methods (with absorbent materials and/or rags), or dig
up, remove, and properly dispose of contaminated soil.
5.Look for evidence of illegal discharges or illicit connections during routine maintenance of
conveyance system and drainage structures:
a.Is there evidence of spills such as paints, discoloring, etc?
b.Are there any odors associated with the drainage system?
c.Record locations of apparent illegal discharges/illicit connections.
d.Track flows back to potential dischargers and conduct aboveground inspections. This can
be done through visual inspection of upgradient manholes or alternate techniques
including zinc chloride smoke testing, fluorometric dye testing, physical inspections, or
TV camera inspection.
e.Eliminate the discharge once the origin of flow is established.
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6.Conduct illegal dumping training for inspecting and cleaning up hot spots and other storm
drainage areas regularly where illegal dumping and disposal occurs. Train staff that may be in the
field on non-storm water program activities to recognize, look for and report potential problems
in the context of what may impact water quality or potential plugging of the drainage system.
7.Establish a process to investigate all reports of spills, leaks, and/or illegal dumping promptly and
for tracking incident response. The system should be designed to identify the following:
a.Types and quantities (in some cases) of wastes
b.Patterns in time of occurrence (time of day/night, month, or year)
c.Mode of dumping (abandoned containers, ?midnight dumping? from moving vehicles,
direct dumping of materials, accidents/spills)
d.Responsible parties
8.Clean-up activities may create a slight disturbance for local aquatic species. Access to items and
material on private property may be limited. Trade-offs may exist between channel hydraulics
and water quality/riparian habitat. If storm channels or basins are recognized as wetlands, many
activities, including maintenance, may be subject to regulation and permitting.
9.Storm drain flushing is most effective in small diameter pipes (36-inch diameter pipe or less,
depending on water supply and sediment collection capacity). Other considerations associated
with storm drain flushing may include the availability of a water source, finding a downstream
area to collect sediments, liquid/sediment disposal, and prohibition against disposal of flushed
effluent to sanitary sewer in some areas.
10.Stencil or demarcate storm drains, where applicable, to prevent illegal disposal of pollutants.
Storm drain inlets should have messages such as ?Dump No Waste Drains to Stream? stenciled
next to them to warn against ignorant or intentional dumping of pollutants into the storm drainage
system.
11.Post ?No Dumping? signs in problem areas with a phone number for reporting dumping and
disposal. Signs should also indicate fines and penalties for illegal dumping.
6a-2Street Sweeping
The City currently sweeps at least once per year and has goals to sweep at least twice per year starting in
2007. The City also intends to develop a schedule and tracking system for sweeping activities. Figure J-2,
provided in this Appendix J for the inspection program, can also be used to help prioritize sweeping
activities. The approach may be to complete the first and/or second sweeping based on a prioritized basis
of which watershed areas have the highest priority waters. Traffic and safety issues are also involved,
although the priority system would help identify which areas should see a more focused sweeping effort.
As the sweeping program progresses, the City could end up with a map that shows different levels of
priority based roughly on a structure that considers factors including:
1.The highest priority watersheds.
2.The extent and frequency of sanding activities.
3.Areas which discharge directly to water bodies versus areas that are routed through storm water
ponds.
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6b-2Annual Inspection of All Structural Pollution Control Devices
The City will inspect all structural pollution control devices annually as part of the NPDES permit
program requirements. Structures may include sump manholes, grit chambers, skimmers, mechanical
separators, small filtering devices, trash racks, etc. The following subsections provide some
recommended frequencies and maintenance actions for each type of BMP. See the general inspection
procedures at the end of this Appendix for a summary of the key things to looks for and observe during
inspections of these structures.
Sump Manholes/Grit Chambers/Separators
1.Inspect facilities at least annually in accordance with BMP 6b-2, to determine need for removal of
sediment or other maintenance. Sump manhole locations are identified in Figure J-2.
2.Cleaning should be conducted before a sump exceeds approximately the 40-60% full level. Sump
manholes should be cleaned as frequently as needed to meet this standard. The level of the
sediment/debris in the sump area should be tracked for each inspection, even if the material is not
removed. This process will help identify the need for extending or shortening the time between
inspections and to identify the preferred timing of sediment/debris removal.
3.The notebook process (or electronic method in the future) mentioned in 6b-3 should be followed
for all small pollution control devices.
4.As new structures are added, the development review staff would be responsible for adding the
new structures to the GIS database so that they are inspected later in the current year and/or part
of the annual inspections in the following year.
Catch Basins/Inlet Structures
1.Inspect facilities routinely during regular street maintenance activities to determine if there are
signs of any deterioration threatening structural integrity that are in need of immediate repair, and
if stenciling of catch basins and inlets with ?drains to stream? or ?drains to lake? are still visible
or in need of re-stenciling
6b-3Annual Inspection of 20% of Outfalls, Sediment Basins and Ponds
The City will inspect 20% of the ponds and outfalls annually as part of the NPDES permit program
requirements. The following subsections provide some recommended approaches and considerations for
this inspection program. City staff will identify if the ponds and outfalls are functioning properly and
conduct necessary maintenance, repair or replacement. This memorandum includes an attached example
inspection checklist (which is similar to what the City currently uses) but that also clearly identifies the
key elements required for reporting and follow-up maintenance actions in the NPDES permit program.
The following subsections provide some considerations and suggestions for outfalls and ponds
specifically. See the general inspection procedures at the end of this Appendix for a summary of the key
things to looks for and observe during inspections of these structures.
Outfalls and Ponds/Sediment Basins
1.Inspect facilities on an annual basis according to the groupings identified in Figure J-1. Five areas
are identified in Figure J-1 that have borders based on major roads or distinct sections of the City.
The intent of the priority system listed in Figure J-1 is to establish a guide for annual inspection
planning based on the priority of the water body or water bodies within the border. The map
represents a balance between administrative ease and watershed-based planning.
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2.While the areas do not separate the outfalls and ponds into exact 20% sections of the City, the
long-term (5-year) goal is to reach each outfall and pond at least once in the five-year period. As
time permits, the intent would be to get ahead of the program by inspecting priority areas 1 and 2,
for example, in the first year.
3.Outfalls and ponds should be inspected directly (and not by a drive-by process) to observe that
the system does not have restrictions, scour at the outlet, or discolored liquid discharging into the
pond or discharging to the downstream surface water.
4.Until the City is upgraded at some point in the future to using handheld electronic web-based
devices for infrastructure inspections, the use of a 3-ring notebook with the areas in Figure J-1
separated into parts will be sufficient to plan and track the outfall and pond inspections.
5.The notebook should have a print-out of each outfall (or group of outfalls) identified on a letter
sized page that identifies the unique ID of each outlet and the major road or roads in the area. In
the same manner, each pond could have a printout with its unique ID and showing the pipes or
conveyances into and out of the pond.
6.Inspection staff would then use their current inspection form or the example in this appendix in
the field (prior to establishing a hand held device process), then enter the data into the GIS or
other tracking system database for each outfall in the office after completing the field work. The
end result would be that staff could have the ability to click on an outfall or pond from their
desktop and see what and when inspections and maintenance had been conducted on each system
component.
7.For areas needing a follow-up inspection or maintenance, the City?s lead for inspections would
review the items on a weekly or monthly basis and be responsible for scheduling follow-up
activities. Any major maintenance needs and activities should also include notification to the
Public Works and Natural Resources departments.
8.As new ponds or outfalls are added, the development review staff would be responsible for
adding the new features to the GIS database so that they are inspected later in the current year
and/or part of the annual inspections in the following year.
6b-5Inspection Follow-up (Repair, Replacement, Maintenance)
City staff will conduct inspections of the system as identified in the previous BMP sections for water
quality purposes, but also are required to identify if the system is functioning properly and conduct
necessary maintenance, repair or replacement. This memorandum includes an attached example
inspection checklist (which is similar to what the City currently uses) but that also clearly identifies the
key elements required for reporting and follow-up maintenance actions in the NPDES permit program.
The assignment of responsible staff for follow-up activities is the critical item in this BMP section. The
tracking and reporting form current used (or the example form) will help gather a reasonable amount of
data to be tracked to support the ongoing program evaluation, and adjustment in the inspection program
over time.
The following subsections provide some considerations and suggestions for the more routine storm
system maintenance that crews will be responsible for and that are not specifically mentioned in BMPs
6b-3 and 6b-5.
Catch Basins/Inlet Structures
1.Clean catch basins, storm drain inlets, and other conveyance structures in the late winter/early
spring to remove sediments and debris accumulated and again in late fall to remove leaves and
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debris. Note areas which have regular maintenance needs due to heavy vegetation or debris
blocking a structure.
2.Keep accurate logs of the number of catch basins cleaned to better track trends in which
structures have most frequent maintenance needs.
Storm Drain Conveyance System (Pipes, FES, Culverts, etc.)
1.Locate reaches of storm drain with deposit problems and develop a flushing schedule that keeps
the pipe clear of excessive buildup.
2.Where the sediment buildup is adjacent to a sediment basin or storm water pond, flush the
material into the pond and remove it during the next scheduled pond cleanout activity for that
pond. If excessive sediment buildup has occurred at that pipe outlet, then remove the
accumulated sediment as soon as possible following flushing operations.
3.Where the sediment buildup is in a pipe segment that discharges to a wetland, lake or stream,
collect the material with a vactor truck and dispose of off-site. Note the location of the
accumulated sediment on the storm system checklist and request an evaluation of the need for a
sump manhole at that location by Engineering Department staff.
4.Inspect FES pipe inlets and outlets for signs of sediment and debris accumulation that reduce the
capacity of the system and for signs of deterioration or damage. On all FES inlets and outlets,
inspect for the presence of erosion or scour around the pipe section and immediately adjacent to
the FES. If the outlet is routed to a dry channel downstream, observe the downstream reach for
signs of erosion and scour.
Open Channels
1.Observe channel sections for occurrences of scour or bank erosion and deposits of sediment or
large debris which may reduce the conveyance capacity of the channel.
2.Consider modifications to storm channel characteristics to improve stability, channel hydraulics,
increase pollutant removals, and enhance channel/creek aesthetic and habitat value.
Pump Stations
1.Clean all storm drain pump stations at least twice per year to remove silt and trash.
2.Do not allow discharge to reach the storm drain system when cleaning a storm drain pump station
or other facility.
3.Conduct routine maintenance at each pump station including testing pump operation at least
annually.
4.Inspect, clean, and repair as necessary.
6b-6Record Reporting and Retention: Inspections and Maint. Program
The use of a paper and/or electronic storm system inspection record process is the first step in tracking
and reporting on annual inspections described in previous BMPs. Getting the data tracked in an
electronic format will further automate the process of preparing a summary of the activities and results of
the program. As a first step the City may be best suited to track the data in an Excel or Access database
and consider a more comprehensive work-order management system like City-Works in the future. The
City should consider how the current data would be uploaded to a more comprehensive system when
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making this decision. In this light Access would allow for both more efficient tracking and likely easier
transfer of the data.
6b-7Evaluation of Inspection Frequency
Based on the data collection and a review of trends in material removed from structures or ponds and the
frequency of maintenance of system, the City may choose to adjust the inspection frequency (either
increase or decrease). For example, if a selected sump manhole is inspected annually and determined to
be 80% full each inspection in the first two years, the City should consider increasing the frequency to
twice per year to better manage the accumulation of sediment in the structure. The more frequent
inspection may also help to identify what are the best times to maintain structures in various locations
(e.g., spring, summer, fall, winter).
In selected areas the City may also consider the effects of more frequent sweeping in areas with ponds
and small sediment control devices. Timely or more frequent sweeping may allow the City to clean sump
manholes out less frequently. As a big picture view, the overall goal is to reduce the loading of sediment
and pollutant to the City?s water resources. Inherent in this goal is the need for the City to manage its
resources in a cost-effective manner. A more functional database of the inspections and maintenance
program will allow the City to make better decisions on the cost-effectiveness of the various storm system
maintenance program.
Attachments:
1. Figure xx. Inspection Zones: Outfall and Pond Locations
2. Figure yy. Inspection Zones: Sump Manhole Locations
3. Storm System Inspection record (Example)
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Storm System Inspection Record
Pond/Water Body Name _____________________________ Date Inspected _____________
Inspector Name _________________________ Dept.: STREET UTIL. PARKS
(circle one)
Current Weather: ________________________ Weather Trends: NORMAL WET DRY
(circle one)
Unique ID ______________________________
Structure Type: 100% Inspected Annually (small pollution control devices)
Sump MH/CB Separator Skimmer Stockpile Environmental Manhole
Rain Garden Bioretention Area Infiltration Basin Other _________________
Structure Type: 20% Inspected Annually
Outfall (into lake/river/stream) Sediment Basin Pond
INSPECTION RESULTS:
OK NEEDS FURTHER REVIEW
[circle reason(s) below and add description]
Pipe Issues Structure Issues Sediment Deposition Possible Illicit Discharge
Trash Guard Obstruction Sediment Delta Other __________________
Description: ________________________________________________________________
FOLLOW-UP
Follow-up Maintenance Required:
MINOR MAJORDescription: _________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Follow-up Maintenance Completed:__________________________
Date(s) Completed:
Activity Description __________________________________________________________
Material removed (sediment, organics, etc.; estimated volume) ________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Submit completed forms to __________
Entered into database by (initials) ________________________ Date: ____________________________________
City of Maplewood A-8
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008
Storm System Inspection Record
Best Management Practice ? General Inspection Procedures
For Ponds, Sump Manholes, Bioretention Areas, etc.
The list below is intended as a summary of the key steps and considerations from the suggestions
provided in the detail inspection forms in the MPCA Storm Water Manual (MPCA Manual - Appendix D,
Pages 9-12).
1.Ponds:
a.Inspect the entire embankment including the emergency spillway for signs of erosion and or loss
of vegetative cover, animal burrows, larger vegetation (tree) growth near the inlets and outlets
that may cause plugging.
b.Inspect the inlet and outlet pipes for accumulation of debris and/or sediment and remove any
debris that can be easily and safely removed with equipment on hand at the time of the inspection.
c.Inspect inlet and outlet structures for signs of material damage or deterioration. For example, for
concrete, inspect for presence of exposed rebar, spalling of concrete and excessive cracking.
d.Inspect inlet and outlet structures lock/bolts and other safety devices for proper condition and
function.
e.Observe the permanent pool for any signs of visual pollution (e.g., discolored water, oil floating
on the surface, etc.)
f.Observe the condition of rip-rap or other inlet/outlet protection measures for signs of failure.
g.If a sediment delta is apparent from visual observations at one or more of the inlets, note these on
the inspection form and identify the need for a follow-up inspection. The frequency of sediment
accumulation to this stage will generally be 5-10 years of more, but may be more frequent in
areas where substantial construction or erosion has taken place.
i.The follow-up inspection should be conducted with waders or small boat to access the
sediment delta area(s). A survey rod could be used to measure the approximate water depth
in the sediment accumulation area.
ii.Follow-up sediment removal should occur when the sediment accumulation is estimated to
have taken no more than about 20% of the total pond storage volume below the normal
water level.
2.Sump Manholes and Environmental Manholes:
a.Inspect structure for signs of plugging from debris or accumulated sediment.
b.Place survey rod on top of sediment accumulation within the structure and determine the depth of
accumulated sediment. If the depth of accumulated sediment and debris is 40-60% of the sump
depth, note on the inspection form that sediment should be removed as soon as possible.
3.Bioretention and Infiltration Systems:
a.Follow the same general steps as for ponds and clean sumps that are 40-60% full, if present
upstream of the system.
b.Remove debris and litter from planted and/or mulched areas.
c.Observe if ponded water is present. If present and it has more than 48 hours since the last rainfall,
inspect for plugging of the overflow outlet and for indications that the soil or mulch layer has
plugged with fine sediments.
City of Maplewood A-1
Surface Water Management Plan Draft #1 - June 2008