2019 - Watershed Based Funding Metro (Scott County WMO)

Consists of expanding the existing TACS program of the Scott WMO, in areas outside of the Sand Creek Watershed where available resources over the next few years are low. The TACS program provides technical and financial assistance to property owners and public entities to address water quality issues, and install practices. The program is guided by the approved Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan of the Scott WMO with targeting guided by additional special studies or subwatershed assessments completed by the WMO or the Scott SWCD. For this effort targeting will be guided by the Credit River Protection Plan completed by the Scott WMO, the Cleary Lake Subwatershed Assessment being completed in 2018, and the assessments for chloride, Roberts Creek and Thole Lake listed as additional collaborative projects below. Practice eligibility and standards are guided by the Conservation Practice Financial Assistance Program Policy Manual which currently includes 24 practices (including Innovative Practices), and is reviewed and updated annually by the Scott WMO and the Scott SWCD. Match will come from landowner and/or public entities cost share.

In the Scott WMO, Sand Creek, Credit River and Raven Stream are all listed as impaired for aquatic life due to chlorides. In the LMRWD, PLSLWD, and VRWJPO, chloride is not specifically called out as an impairment. However, chloride concentrations in lakes and streams are becoming an increasing concern not only in Scott County but throughout the entire metro area so taking both restorative and preventative actions is important.

This project consists of completing chloride applicator trainings and assessments, and follow-up coaching designed to help both public and private deicing operations plan to reduce chloride application and identify priority actions to get started or to improve. The first task consists of completing 8 to 12 chloride applicator trainings over the next three years starting the fall of 2018. These trainings would be a mix of road and parking lots trainings including both Levels 1 and 2. The second task consists of having "coaching" assistance or demonstrations available for entities who had staff that completed the training. Coaching could consist of being able to call with questions, or visits to interpret results of Level 2 assessments and to help entities get started. For this, time would be reserved with the consultant completing the trainings, and with a public works professional with experience in chloride alternatives. Demonstrations would be hosted for things like calibration equipment, mixing brine, and/or other topics requested by the training participants. The third task is coordinating and scheduling the trainings, demonstrations, and coaching; and managing the project. Match will be provided as in-kind time by the Scott WMO.

This project consists of expanding education and outreach efforts mostly directed at the private landowners and commercial applicators with respect to bacteria and chlorides pollution. This is an area that has not had a lot of focus in the existing outreach efforts in the county. However, recent assessments have found an increase in the number of waters in the county that will be listed for these parameters. Efforts will be designed to increase awareness, and what can be done to address the impairments. It will be implemented through the Scott Clean Water Education Program (SCWEP) which is a partnership of the Scott SWCD, Watershed Organizations in the County, Scott County and some of the cities and townships in the county. Match will be provided by the SCWEP partners.

This effort consists of completing two subwatershed assessments designed to identify and prioritize potential BMPs. The two subwatersheds to be completed include the Thole Lake and Roberts Creek subwatersheds. The Thole Lake assessment will focus on identifying practices that control phosphorus. The Roberts Creek assessment will focus on nitrates, bacteria and total suspended solids. Match will be provided as in-kind time from the Scott WMO.

This effort consists of including feasibility assessments for the incorporation of water quality components in regional stormwater management facilities being contemplated by the City of Shakopee (city projects 19-03 and 22-002). Match provided by the City of Shakopee.

This efforts consists of completing a feasibility study regarding runoff volume control (including the reuse of stormwater) in the Twin Lakes area of the City of Savage.? Completion of such a project is being contemplated in a couple of years. ??Match will be provided by the City of Savage.

This effort consists of updating the Sand Creek implementation plan. A Diagnostic Study, and Implementation Plan were completed in 2010 focusing on reducing sediment and phosphorus pollution for Sand Creek and Cedar and McMahon Lakes. Much of the plan has been implemented, and new data has been collected by the MPCA (in support of developing WRAPS and TMDL's), Met Council, and the SWMO. The update will revise current strategies and flesh out additional strategies identified in pending Wraps and TMDL's. It will then be used to guide targeted implementation. Match will be provided by the Scott WMO.

Review City of Prior Lake Drinking Water Supply Management Area to develop a methodology for identifying probable locations of abandoned/unsealed wells. Methodology developed could then be used with other DWSMA's in the County. Results will also be used to target contacts for the well sealing cost share practice implementation through the TACS program. Match will be provided as in-kind time from the Scott WMO.