Lily Lake Stormwater Retrofit
Lily Lake, in Stillwater, is a popular recreational spot for residents with its swimming beach, fishing pier, and canoe access. Lily Lake is impaired by excess nutrients, and restoring its water quality is a priority for the community. A recent assessment of the 22 catchments, or 590 acres, that drain to Lily Lake identified multiple locations where stormwater management features could be installed to help achieve the 145-pound phosphorus load reduction that is needed to help improve water quality.The purpose of this project is to work with residents in two of the 22 catchments, located on the northeast side of Lily Lake. To accomplish this, MSCWMO will hold a series of informational meetings, distribute literature, and go door-to-door in an effort to enlist the participation of residents living in target neighborhoods. The project will install up to 23 stormwater treatment features such as raingardens on private property and in city right-of-way by the end of 2012. Once landowners and project locations have been identified, the MSCWMO will select 1-2 contractors to complete the work in one large effort. This will also allow for efficiency and consistency amongst the projects.Completion of the project will reduce phosphorus loading to Lily Lake by 9.5 pounds. The end goal will be to implement all of the projects recommended in the assessment report for both Lily and McKusick Lakes, with the long-term result being restored water quality for both lakes.
Nicole Clapp
(b) $2,800,000 the first year and $3,124,000 the second year are for grants to watershed districts and watershed management organizations for: (i) structural or vegetative management practices that reduce storm water runoff from developed or disturbed lands to reduce the movement of sediment, nutrients, and pollutants or to leverage federal funds for restoration, protection, or enhancement of water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and to protect groundwater and drinking water; and (ii) the installation of proven and effective water retention practices including, but not limited to, rain gardens and other vegetated infiltration basins and sediment control basins in order to keep water on the land. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Watershed district and watershed management organization staff and administration may be used for local match. Priority may be given to school projects that can be used to demonstrate water retention practices. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants. (2011 - Runoff Reduction)
Completion of the project will reduce phosphorus loading to Lily Lake by 9.5 pounds.
A total of 15 raingardens resulting in 3000 square feet of treatment facilities were installed in the two target catchments as part of this project. According to as-built modeling information, the project resulted in the expected 10 lb/yr TP reduction.