Watershed Based Infiltration for Middle Spunk Lake

In 2009, residents from the Stradford Addition and the Avon Area Lakes Association (AALA) contacted the Stearns County SWCD with concerns of direct stormwater entering Middle Spunk Lake. The Stearns County SWCD met with representatives on site to assess the stormwater problems. Many areas of untreated stormwater that directly discharged into Middle Spunk Lake were identified. It was determined that the watershed areas within the Stradford addition should be retrofitted with best management practices capable of conveying and treating stormwater.
As a part of the Clean Water Fund project, a consultant was hired by the SWCD to work within the 92 lot development and establish raingardens and other infiltration features as appropriate. The goal of the project is to establish at least 30 separate raingardens or similar infiltration practices. To date, there have been two open houses. The first open house was held for residents to learn about the project and the opportunity to establish a raingarden in their yard. Over 30 different residents signed up for a project on their respective properties.
After the first open house, the consultant gathered preliminary information such as soil borings, and surveyed the properties to begin the design for conservation practice location. The preliminary information was available at the second open house in which residents met one on one with the consulting staff and SWCD personnel. This meeting helped pinpoint project details and understand the process for design, construction, funding, and long term maintenance of the conservation practices.