Best Practice Action 17.3
GreenStep City Best Practices: Environmental Management
Stormwater Management No. 17
Minimize the volume of and pollutants in rainwater runoff by maximizing green infrastructure.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 3
Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies to reduce impervious surface:
a. A narrower streets provision that permits construction of 24-foot roads for public, residential access and subcollector streets (with fewer than 400 average daily trips).
b. Use of pervious pavements for streets, trails, parking areas and sidewalks.
c. For sites less than one acre, retain the water quality volume of 1.1 inches of runoff from all impervious surfaces for new and fully-redeveloped construction sites.
d. For non-MS4 permittees, adopt an illicit discharge prohibition rule or ordinance and an erosion and sediment control ordinance. Sponsor a robust Adopt-a-Drain program
Ordinances
- Stormwater and Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance in Minnesota's 2009 Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development.
- The Smart Surfaces Policy Tracker can help you discover model ordinance language from peer cities, compare regulatory metrics in different communities, and understand the landscape of Smart Surface policy in the U.S.
Street Widths
- North St. Paul, working with the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District and Barr Engineering, identified 22-foot streets with parking allowed on one side as workable in its 2011 Living Streets Plan.
- The National Association of City Transportation Officials Street Design Guide states: "Lane widths of 10 feet are appropriate in urban areas and have a positive impact on a street’s safety without impacting traffic operations. For designated truck or transit routes, one travel lane of 11 feet may be used in each direction. In select cases, narrower travel lanes (9–9.5 feet) can be effective as through lanes in conjunction with a turn lane."
- Cost-savings of 3.4% ($170,000) were projected for a 2015 Brooklyn Park street repaving and narrowing of 32' streets to 30' streets.
- The Urban Street Stormwater Guide (National Association of City Transportation Officials: 2017) provides cities with national best practices for sustainable stormwater management in the public right-of-way.
- The Light Imprint approach to stormwater management and low-impact development promotes traditional neighborhood design and is scaled for the different density zones of the urban-to-rural transect.
- Consider how to better address flooding during street design. The Naturally Resilient Communities tool provides a set of solutions and case studies that use nature to address flooding.
Adopt A Storm Drain
- A city-sponsored Adopt-a-Drain program has helped grow the volunteer opportunity for residents to adopt a stormdrain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Many cities promote the program on their website or have expanded into other adoptions programs.
- The City of St. Cloud offers a number of programs including: Adopt-A Drain, Adopt-A-Pond and Roadway, Adopt-A-Rain Garden, Stormdrain Stenciling, and Community Clean Up
- The cities of Columbia Heights, Andover, Fridley, and Blaine competed in a regional Community Adopt-A-Drain Challenge in 2022 to encourage the most residents to sign up.
- Hamline University’s national Adopt-A-Drain program makes it easy for you to promote to residents! Residents can sign up online, get information on how to keep their drain clear, an annual reminder to track their impact, and learn about other ways for preventing water pollution.
 |
At least one ordinance in place (MS4s must achieve a 2- or 3-star rating); sponsor/run an Adopt-a-Drain program. Report a "skinny street" project that decreases impervious street surface as a part of routine street reconstruction under BPA 11.2; report use of pervious/permeable pavement projects under BPA 17.5. |
 |
24' roads allowed. |
 |
Three or more ordinances in place. |
Who's doing it
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
Reconstructed streets are allowed to be a minimum of 24' in width.
Any development that creates or redeveloped more than 3,000 sqft of impervious surface are required to meet runoff standards. Duluth divides itself into Zone A (Above Bluff Line) and Zone B (Below Bluff Line) in recognition of the role that slope plays in stormwater management. All development in Zone B and redevelopment in Zone A are required to match pre-development or pre-redevelopment peak flow rates for all storms. New development in Zone A are required to reduce peak flow rates for 10 and 100 year events to 75% of predevelopement levels, and reduce peak flow rate for 2 year events to 90% of predevelopment levels (UDC 50-18.1).
Any development that creates or redeveloped more than 3,000 sqft of impervious surface are required to meet runoff standards. Duluth divides itself into Zone A (Above Bluff Line) and Zone B (Below Bluff Line) in recognition of the role that slope plays in stormwater management. All development in Zone B and redevelopment in Zone A are required to match pre-development or pre-redevelopment peak flow rates for all storms. New development in Zone A are required to reduce peak flow rates for 10 and 100 year events to 75% of predevelopement levels, and reduce peak flow rate for 2 year events to 90% of predevelopment levels (UDC 50-18.1).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://duluthmn.gov/media/5804/jan-2019-article-2.pdf
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618
Partners:
Golden Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Golden Valley code (chapter 107) requires stormwater runoff rates be limited to pre-project rates for the 2-year, 10-year and 100-year, 24-hour precipitation events. It additionally prohibits anyone from causing illegal discharge into the stormwater system unless they get authorization from a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) point source permit obtained from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Public and private street width proposals between 24- and 26-feet are consistently approved by Golden Valley staff, and some as narrow as 18-feet have been approved.
Non-residential development and redevelopment projects between one-half acre and one acre where stormwater is being discharged to a surface water without being routed first through a stormwater management facility or best management practice (BMP) must include stormwater management BMPs to protect and improve water quality.
Developers are required to meet the erosion and sediment control requirements specified by current regulatory rules in the Stormwater Management ordinance, consistent with MPCA’s Construction Stormwater Permit.
Public and private street width proposals between 24- and 26-feet are consistently approved by Golden Valley staff, and some as narrow as 18-feet have been approved.
Non-residential development and redevelopment projects between one-half acre and one acre where stormwater is being discharged to a surface water without being routed first through a stormwater management facility or best management practice (BMP) must include stormwater management BMPs to protect and improve water quality.
Developers are required to meet the erosion and sediment control requirements specified by current regulatory rules in the Stormwater Management ordinance, consistent with MPCA’s Construction Stormwater Permit.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://library.municode.com/mn/golden_valley/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIILADE_CH107STMA
For more information contact:
Jeff Oliver (City staff) | joliver@goldenvalleymn.gov | (763)-593-8034
Partners:
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
To ensure of the City's stormwater management standards and ordinance requirements, the City updated its stormwater management standards in April 2010. The city council adopted a new stormwater management ordinance based on those standards on June 14, 2010. A summary of the ordinance includes the requirement that all new development and redevelopment on projects which encompass one-half acre or more of disturbed area or 5,000 square-feet or more of new impervious surface will be evaluated based on the new stormwater requirements; runoff rates shall not exceed the pre-project runoff rates for the 2-year, 10-year, and 100-year critical duration storm events; total suspended solids will require treatment through infiltration practices for runoff volumes of at least 1.0 inch over all new impervious and redevelopment impervious portions of a project; no person shall throw, drain, discharge into the municipal separate storm sewer system any pollutants or waters containing any pollutants other than stormwater.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=719
For more information contact:
Steve Love (City Staff) | steve.love@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2404
Partners:
Richfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Section 429.05 of the City Code, Storm water Management for Land Altering Activities, requires that “Storm water runoff discharge rates may not exceed the existing conditions for the one-, ten-, and 100-year storm events. If the increase in imperviousness is 50 percent or greater, the discharge rate requirements must be based on pre-development conditions.... Water quality control facilities must remove 50 percent of the phosphorous on an annual average removal basis.” In addition to the reference to the City Code, four other plans, ordinances, and organizations are in place in the City to manage storm water: The Richfield Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP), two watershed district organizations and plans (Nine Mile Creek and Minnehaha Creek watershed districts), and the Richfield / Bloomington Water Management Organization.
In addition to the reference to the City Code, four other plans, ordinances, and organizations are in place in the City to manage stormwater: The Richfield Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP), two watershed district organizations and plans (Nine Mile Creek and Minnehaha Creek watershed districts), and the Richfield / Bloomington Water Management Organization.
In addition to the reference to the City Code, four other plans, ordinances, and organizations are in place in the City to manage stormwater: The Richfield Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP), two watershed district organizations and plans (Nine Mile Creek and Minnehaha Creek watershed districts), and the Richfield / Bloomington Water Management Organization.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Patrick Martin (City staff) | pmartin@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619797
Partners:
Savage -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
For sites less than 1 acre this City requires that stormwater be retained on-site with a water quality volume of 1.1 inches of runoff from all new impervious surfaces and fully redeveloped impervious surfaces. This standard is currently in-place for areas that discharge to the Savage Fen a calcareous fen or Eagle Creek a designated trout stream.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Reduction in TSS and TP entering surface waters.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jesse Carlson (City Staff) | jcarlson@cityofsavage.com | 9528822686
Partners:
West Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2007
Implementation details:
Stormwater management; prevention of pollution; erosion and sediment control
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://wspmn.gov/413/Storm-Surface-Water-Information
For more information contact:
Kristy Otte (Community Volunteer) | dr.otte2013@gmail.com | 6512076303
Partners:
Crosslake -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Stormwater Best Management Practices provided in addition to Section 20 of Chapter 26 of the Land Use Ordinance for Stormwater Management.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityofcrosslake.org/vertical/sites/%7BFEA8DD90-54F2-4E30-BF15-72B67E6DC206%7D/uploads/Stormwater_BMPs_factsheet_CL_3-27-14.pdf
For more information contact:
Martha Steele (Community volunteer) | steeles@brainerd.net | 218-765-4041
Partners:
Crystal -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
As streets are being reconstructed or new streets are being constructed in infill subdivisions, streets are being narrowed as appropriate for anticipated traffic levels. Section 800.47, Subd. 1 and 2 of the Crystal City Code have been changed so that the required width of surfaced roadway is 24 feet (for ROW greater than 50 feet) for streets less than 50 feet, the required width can be 18 feet.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ray (City Staff) | mark.ray@crystalmn.gov | 6127606712
Partners:
Grand Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City's Stormwater Utility Ordinance combines 1.5 inch rainfall on-site rainwater infiltration design requirement for construction sites and a stormwater runoff volume limit to pre-development volumes for the 5-year, 24-hour rainfall maximum event.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Inver Grove Heights -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2008
Implementation details:
Our Northwest Area Ordinance (2008) permits construction of 24 foot streets with fewer than 300 average daily trips.
The city-wide Stormwater Ordinance (2016) meets MS4 permit requirements. This requires infiltration of 1.0 inches for new developments in residential and commercial zones, and 3.6 inches in the Northwest Area. The City of Inver Grove Heights won the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Grand Award for accomplishing the City's zero runoff development goal in the Northwest Area (2015).
The City of Inver Grove Heights erosion and sediment control ordinance (2016) requires best management practices to limit sediment entering surface waters. The City has also adopted an illicit discharge ordinance that prohibits illicit discharge into the municipal storm water sewer system.
The city-wide Stormwater Ordinance (2016) meets MS4 permit requirements. This requires infiltration of 1.0 inches for new developments in residential and commercial zones, and 3.6 inches in the Northwest Area. The City of Inver Grove Heights won the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Grand Award for accomplishing the City's zero runoff development goal in the Northwest Area (2015).
The City of Inver Grove Heights erosion and sediment control ordinance (2016) requires best management practices to limit sediment entering surface waters. The City has also adopted an illicit discharge ordinance that prohibits illicit discharge into the municipal storm water sewer system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ally Sutherland (City Staff) | asutherland@invergroveheights.org | 651-604-8511
Partners:
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Under state and federal rules, the City of La Crescent has been classified as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) community. As such, the City has developed a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) designed to develop, implement and enforce a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that is intended to minimize the discharge of pollutants from its storm sewer system in order to protect the water quality of the receiving waters in accordance with the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and its amendments.
This Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan is a local plan that has been prepared with the purpose of meeting the requirements of the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit.
Best Management Practices (BMPs), including education, maintenance, pollution control techniques, system designs and engineering methods as well as local provisions deemed appropriate, are to be used to meet the minimum requirements of the NPDES Phase II permit.
The La Crescent SWPPP is a plan to meet each of the six Minimum Control Measures (MCM) described by the permit. The tasks described are not one-time efforts; they will continue throughout the permit period and beyond to maintain water quality. They are:
Public education and outreach
Public participation/involvement
Illicit discharge, detection and elimination
Construction site runoff control
Post-construction site runoff control
Pollution prevention/good housekeeping
This Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan is a local plan that has been prepared with the purpose of meeting the requirements of the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit.
Best Management Practices (BMPs), including education, maintenance, pollution control techniques, system designs and engineering methods as well as local provisions deemed appropriate, are to be used to meet the minimum requirements of the NPDES Phase II permit.
The La Crescent SWPPP is a plan to meet each of the six Minimum Control Measures (MCM) described by the permit. The tasks described are not one-time efforts; they will continue throughout the permit period and beyond to maintain water quality. They are:
Public education and outreach
Public participation/involvement
Illicit discharge, detection and elimination
Construction site runoff control
Post-construction site runoff control
Pollution prevention/good housekeeping
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/administration/storm-water-and-erosion-control/
For more information contact:
Shawn Wetterlin (City staff) | SWetterlin@cityoflacrescent-mn.gov | 507-895-4409
Partners:
Minnetonka -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city of Minnetonka ordinance requires a plan to be in compliance with the stormwater management practices required as part of the city’s water resources management plan. Per the plan stormwater treatment: (a) must limit the peak runoff flow rates to that from existing conditions for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events for all points where stormwater leaves the parcel; (b) provide on-site retention of 1-inch of runoff from all impervious surface the preferred method of retention is through the implementation of infiltration practices; (c) treatment of runoff to at least 60-percent annual removal efficiency for total phosphorus and 90-percent total annual removal for total suspended solids.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.eminnetonka.com/documents/engineeringdocs/storm_water_design_guidelines_standards.pdf
For more information contact:
Drew Ingvalson (City staff) | dingvalson@eminnetonka.com | 952-939-8293
Partners:
Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
a. The City of Saint Paul allows narrower street provisions that permits constructin of 22- or 24- foot road with consent by the City's Director of Public Works so long as it is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan (Sec. 69.501. – Streets).
b. CRWD & RWMWD has a 1” volume control standard. MWMO is adopting the MIDS standard. The City's ordinance requires compliance with the states NPDES construction permit which has a ½” volume standard.
c. The City has a rate control standard limits discharge to 1.64 cfs per acre for sites over one-fourth acre.
b. CRWD & RWMWD has a 1” volume control standard. MWMO is adopting the MIDS standard. The City's ordinance requires compliance with the states NPDES construction permit which has a ½” volume standard.
c. The City has a rate control standard limits discharge to 1.64 cfs per acre for sites over one-fourth acre.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Partners:
Arlington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Arlington has existing and enforced Erosion and Sediment Control for land disturbance activities via its ordinances (public land dedication, storm-water management and zoning amendments). Erosion and Sediment control plans are necessary for projects of certain specifications.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Soils throughout the city are more stable and resilient. Property values, wetlands, and water resources are protected.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.arlingtonmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/169.pdf
For more information contact:
Cynthia Smith-Strack (Contractor) | cstrack@municipaldevelopmentgroup.com | 507-964-2378
Partners:
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Bemidji has adopted an illicit stormwater discharge ordinance (see attached document) and the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board also has an ordinance on Storm Water Management, located in Section 912 on page IX-16, which can be found in the hyperlink.
Stormwater Design Guide Adopted January 2008
http://www.ci.bemidji.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7BDC40720D-A823-4643-91CD-6456402D11F6%7D/uploads/%7BAED0500C-7624-4F8F-987D-C3835A31F3A4%7D.PDF
Stormwater Design Guide Adopted January 2008
http://www.ci.bemidji.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7BDC40720D-A823-4643-91CD-6456402D11F6%7D/uploads/%7BAED0500C-7624-4F8F-987D-C3835A31F3A4%7D.PDF
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://bit.ly/1809zD8
For more information contact:
Shon Snopl (City staff) | shon.snopl@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-333-1852
Partners: Craig Gray, City Engineer
Bloomington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
a) The standard city street width is 32-feet. However it is common practice within the city that when conditions allow (low ADT, no parking issues, bike lanes, etc) street reconstruction projects will reduce street width to the extent practical. There is nothing in city code that prevents the city from reducing street widths from the standard 32-foot design to 22- or 24-foot widths.
C)City code section 11.31 has language regarding the use of sewers and section 12.03 has language regarding Public Nuisances and prohibiting the discharge of specific items into a street, storm sewer, or water resource. Updated ordinances in 2015 to more clearly prohibit non-stormwater discharges, define additional terms, and more clearly outline exemptions to the discharge prohibition. In developing the updated language staff reviewed the EPA model ordinance to prepare an ordinance properly prohibiting non-stormwater discharges.
C)City code section 11.31 has language regarding the use of sewers and section 12.03 has language regarding Public Nuisances and prohibiting the discharge of specific items into a street, storm sewer, or water resource. Updated ordinances in 2015 to more clearly prohibit non-stormwater discharges, define additional terms, and more clearly outline exemptions to the discharge prohibition. In developing the updated language staff reviewed the EPA model ordinance to prepare an ordinance properly prohibiting non-stormwater discharges.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steve Gurney (City staff) | sgurney@BloomingtonMN.gov | 952-563-4606
Partners:
Brainerd -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In accordance with city ordinance 725.04, release rates from storm water treatment basins shall not increase over the predevelopment twenty-four (24) hour two (2) year, ten (10) year and one hundred (100) year peak storm discharge rates, based on the last ten (10) years of how that land was used.
City ordinance 720 prohibits illicit discharges and connections to stormwater system.
City ordinance 720 prohibits illicit discharges and connections to stormwater system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
Partners:
Burnsville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Burnsville's general design standards allow for reduction of road widths to 24-feet for two-way traffic and one-way traffic and fire lanes down to 20-feet.
The City of Burnsville's infiltration requirement is 1 inch for new development, and 1/2 inch for redevelopment.
The City of Burnsville's infiltration requirement is 1 inch for new development, and 1/2 inch for redevelopment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sue Bast (City staff) | basts@ci.burnsville.mn.us | 952-895-4524
Partners:
Coon Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
Coon Rapids city code requires stormwater runoff volumes be limited to pre-development volumes for the 5-year, 24-hour rainfall maximum event. This is also part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan which includes a section on Water Resources including supply, wastewater, stormwater and conservation. A goal of that document is to limit public capital expenditures necessary to control excessive volumes and rates of runoff through effective stormwater management plans.
The City currently encourages water quality volume reduction of 1.1 inches for new and redeveloped projects disturbing less than one acre. Some projects trigger the Watershed's 1 inch volume reduction requirement based on proximity to impaired waters. At this time, the City only encourages developers to meet volume management standards for smaller projects.
The City currently encourages water quality volume reduction of 1.1 inches for new and redeveloped projects disturbing less than one acre. Some projects trigger the Watershed's 1 inch volume reduction requirement based on proximity to impaired waters. At this time, the City only encourages developers to meet volume management standards for smaller projects.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us/planning/pdf/Chapter5.pdf
For more information contact:
Gregg Engle (City staff) | gengle@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6552
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Sponsor and actively promote Adopt A Drain and storm drain marking in the community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.edenprairie.org/community/sustainable-eden-prairie/water/stormwater-and-surface-water/storm-drain-volunteer-programs
For more information contact:
Lori Haak (City Staff) | lhaak@edenprairie.org | 9529498327
Partners:
Lake Crystal -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
With its tree-lined streets, the city of Lake Crystal is beautifully green in the summer and filled with color in the fall. Unfortunately, as the leaves drop, they end up in storm gutters, where the water washes them into the stormwater system. As they decompose, they release phosphorus, which eventually makes its way to Crystal Lake, encouraging algae blooms.
The Adopt-a-drain Program was created by Crystal Waters Project in 2014 to combat this effect . Through this initiative, city residents sign up to "adopt" the storm grates near their homes. This means that they make a commitment to keep the grates clear of organic materials and other debris. To get the program off to a strong start, volunteers went door-to-door explaining the program and asking homeowners to sign a pledge stating that they agreed to monitor nearby storm drains. The program was also presented at community events. During the first season, more than 100 drains were "adopted". The grates that were adopted were sprayed blue with a black water droplet on them.
In 2018 the program was "rebooted", with a Facebook campaign and newspaper articles. Several more drains were adopted at that time. During the summer, a youth group from a local church painted many of the city's grates blue to remind residents that ALL of the stormwater eventually goes to the lake. Black water droplets were added to those grates that were adopted.
The Adopt-a-drain Program was created by Crystal Waters Project in 2014 to combat this effect . Through this initiative, city residents sign up to "adopt" the storm grates near their homes. This means that they make a commitment to keep the grates clear of organic materials and other debris. To get the program off to a strong start, volunteers went door-to-door explaining the program and asking homeowners to sign a pledge stating that they agreed to monitor nearby storm drains. The program was also presented at community events. During the first season, more than 100 drains were "adopted". The grates that were adopted were sprayed blue with a black water droplet on them.
In 2018 the program was "rebooted", with a Facebook campaign and newspaper articles. Several more drains were adopted at that time. During the summer, a youth group from a local church painted many of the city's grates blue to remind residents that ALL of the stormwater eventually goes to the lake. Black water droplets were added to those grates that were adopted.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
While there is no firm data on the number of drains that are currently monitored or the amount of phosphorus that has been kept out of the lake, it is clear that residents are more aware of the importance of keeping the grates open. Going forward, the group is hoping to find a way to recognize adopted drains without using spray paint.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://www.crystalwatersproject.org/
For more information contact:
Gina Cooper (Elected Official) | cptcooper@msn.com | 507-382-7276
Partners: City of Lake Crystal, Crystal Waters Project
New Brighton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
On May 12, 2015 the City of New Brighton updated the City Code to include 3 ordinance updates adding the latest erosion and sediment control provisions as well as the requirements for permanent stormwater treatment.
Ordinance #'s 830, 831 and 833
Ordinance #'s 830, 831 and 833
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Craig Schlichting (City staff) | craig.schlichting@newbrightonmn.gov | 651-638-2056
Partners:
New Germany -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: tm
Implementation details:
Best practice for storm water management
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Twyla Menth (City staff) | ngcityhall@gmail.com | 952-353-2488
Partners:
Northfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
This ordinance was passed on 8/17/2009 and has been joined utilized in our MS4 permit application.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We have had the ability to monitor and enforce sediment and erosion control measures associated with individual SWPPP permits.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.municode.com/library/mn/northfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIINOCO_CH22EN_ARTVISUWAMA_DIV2STMA_S22-302PONSPESTSTMA
For more information contact:
Beth Kallestad (City staff) | beth.kallestad@ci.northfield.mn.us | 507-645-3074
Partners:
Rochester -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In Rochesters Long Range Transportation plan it is stated there are a few instances where a 24 foot wide street would be acceptable. If a street is designated residential collector with no on-street parking, then a 24 ft street would be allowed. It is also allowed for a local residential 2-way street with C&G and no on side parking, or a local residential street with swale drainage and ADT >300
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jeff Ellerbusch (City staff) | ellerbusch.jeff@CO.OLMSTED.MN.US | 507-328-7132
Partners:
Rosemount -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City's standards related on-site rainwater infiltration design and stormwater runoff volume limits are detailed in Titled 10 (Water Resource Management) of the City Code.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://tinyurl.com/7d5c9xk
For more information contact:
Julia Hogan (City Staff) | julia.hogan@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2052
Partners:
Royalton -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Adopted a Storm Water Management Ordinance to set forth the minimum requirements for storm water management that will diminish threats to public health, safety, public and private property and natural resources of the community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The ordinance is used to guide the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the city as well as the ongoing Capital Improvement Plan which addresses storm water issues
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/ordinance_54_(2).pdf
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
Partners: city engineer, Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District
Saint Cloud -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of St. Cloud has post construction stormwater standards in the Land Development Code, Article 19- Off-Site Development Standards. The infiltration/volume reduction standard varies from 1/2"to 1/4" depending on development type. Also, there are rate control standards adopted in the Land Development Code, Article 19- Off-Site Development Standards stating stormwater runoff volume limits to pre-development volumes.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://mn-stcloud.civicplus.com/1011/Land-Development-Code
For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
Partners:
Shoreview -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Yes, street width construction is considered on a case by case basis during planning and reconstruction of streets. Shoreview has one pervious concrete neighborhood with a street not wider than 20 feet, due to mature trees and small right of way challenges. The City is usually not interested in building roads wider, as they are more expensive to both build and maintain (plow, sweep, patch, etc). Construction of streets is outlined in Municipal Code Section 402.
Watersheds have volume reduction and infiltration requirements which the City meets in our projects. Shoreview's illicit discharge ordinance is found in Section 209.060 of the Municipal Code.
Watersheds have volume reduction and infiltration requirements which the City meets in our projects. Shoreview's illicit discharge ordinance is found in Section 209.060 of the Municipal Code.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ellen Brenna (City staff) | ebrenna@shoreviewmn.gov | 651-490-4665
Partners:
Shorewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Shorewood's Subdivision Code allows residential streets to be 24 feet in width.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Moore (City staff) | jmoore@ci.shorewood.mn.us | 952.960.7906
Partners:
White Bear Lake -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City has not adopted any ordinances on these storm water management provisions. The City meets watershed requirements of 1 inch rainfall on-site rainwater infiltration.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Connie Taillon (City staff) | ctaillon@whitebearlake.org | 651-429-8564
Partners: