The City has hired a contractor to maintain the stormwater pond within Marie Park. This work is a requirement of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, under the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit. The MS4 general permit is designed to reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering surface waters via stormwater drainage systems. The work will include removing sediment that has accumulated to restore the stormwater basin to its original functioning capacity. In conjunction with the project, invasive tree species, as well as diseased trees, will also be removed around the pond. Tree removal and other site preparation has begun, with substantial completion of the project in Spring of 2024.
Sediment and other pollutants enter stormwater ponds through storm drains located along the curb in the street, and sometimes within open areas. Keeping sediment and other pollutants out of streets, and those areas that drain to the street and storm drains, increases the life of our stormwater ponds and saves on the cost of maintenance. It also improves the water quality of our stormwater ponds and other surface waters; benefiting aquatic life and improving the water quality in our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Improved surface water quality also means less algae and less foul smells for those that live near, or utilize our ponds, lakes, rivers and other surface waters. Simple things you can do to help:
- Keep leaves, grass, sediment, excess deicers and salt, and other pollutants off of hard surfaces including streets, sidewalks, and driveways.
- Use salt and deicers wisely. Only apply what is needed, and when effective. Road salt is ineffective below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweep up extra salt and re-use.
- Clean up after your pet.
- Visit: adopt-a-drain.org and sign up for Adopt-a-Drain to adopt a drain near your home. It’s easy and requires approximately 15 minutes every two weeks.