Bassett Creek Water Management Commission

1998 Annual Report

Introduction

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Reporting Requirements as set forth in the Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410.0150. The report format corresponds to the items listed in subparagraph 3 and subparagraph 4 of the Rules.

In 1969, the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission was formed by adoption of a Joint Powers Agreement between the nine communities in the watershed. As required by the Joint Powers Agreement, the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission adopted the Watershed Management Plan for Bassett Creek in February 1972.

In accordance with provisions of the 1982 Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act, the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission revised its Joint Powers Agreement and created the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission. The Bassett Creek Water Management Plan was prepared by the Commission in 1986 and adopted on December 18, 1986. The plan was approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources on July 26, 1989.

Regular meetings for the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission are held at 12:00 noon at the Golden Valley City Offices on the third Thursday of each month. The fiscal year extends from February 1, 1998 through January 31, 1999.

I. Annual Activity Report

A. 1998 Commissioners

B. Commission Staff and Consultants

C. Commission Goals and 1998 Work Plan Summary

The primary goals of the Commission are to:

1. Reduce flooding along the Bassett Creek trunk system, which is defined as

1. The main channel from Medicine Lake to the Mississippi River.
    
2. The north branch from upstream of County Road 9 to its junctions with the Main Stem near T.H. 100
    
3. The Sweeney Lake branch, from its source in Section 5, T29N, R21W to its junction with the main stem downstream of Sweeney Lake.
    
4. Plymouth Creek, from the point where it intersects with Highway 55 in Section 17, T228N, R22W to Medicine Lake, including the lake.
    
5. The designated water quantity and water quality storage facilities.
    
6. All other drains designated as trunks by the Commission.

2. Maintain and enhance the quality of the groundwater and surface-water resources in the watershed. Manage land development and water resource development of the watershed so that the beneficial uses of lakes and streams are available for maximum desired use by the community and to minimize the pollution of lakes, water bodies and streams.

3. Minimize the effects of the selected plan on the existing aesthetic environmental quality of the creek, by using a combination of structural and nonstructural alternatives. Where possible, the plan should enhance the existing environmental and aesthetic qualities.

Following is a summary of work performed during 1998. Work associated with review of development proposals is listed in Paragraph E.

• Water Quality Management Policy The Commission adopted resolution 98-1 modifying the water quality management policy.
   
• Harrison School and Community Center The Commission adopted resolution 98-2 granting a variance to the water quality management policy.
   
• Renaissance on the River The Commission adopted resolution 98-3 denying a variance request from the water quality management policy.
   
• Minneapolis Public Works Facility The Commission adopted resolution 98-4 granting a variance request from the water quality management policy.
   
• Annual Report The Commission prepared the 1997 Annual Report as set forth in the Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410.0150. The report was submitted to the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
   
• Water Quality The Commission continued the watershed and lake management plan for Plymouth Creek/Medicine Lake. The Commission began the Main Stem Watershed and Lake Management Plan for Bassett Creek between the Mississippi River and Medicine Lake. The Commission performed detailed lake monitoring of Sunset Hill Pond Cavanaugh Pond in Plymouth, and North Rice and South Rice Pond in Robbinsdale and Golden Valley. Water quality tasks are more thoroughly identified in Paragraph F.
   
• Water Quantity The Commission continued its lake- and stream-gauging program. The lake-gauging program consisted of collecting monthly lake-level readings at Medicine Lake, Sweeney Lake, Parkers Lake, Westwood Lake, Crane Lake (Ridgedale Pond), and Northwood Lake. Lake levels were measured twice per month between April and September. The stream-gauging program consisted of inspecting the creek during periods of high flow. Graphs of lake levels are included in the appendix.
   
• Watershed Inspection The Commission performed monthly erosion control inspections of construction sites within the watershed. Following each inspection, a letter was prepared and sent to the applicable municipality listing construction projects and the improvement needed for effective erosion control.
   
• Development Proposals The Commission reviewed development proposals in the watershed for conformance to water quality and flooding policies.
   
• Bassett Creek/Middle Mississippi Watershed Boundary Change The Commission is working with the City of Minneapolis regarding proposed boundary change due to construction of the new tunnel.
   
• Highway 100 The Commission is working with Mn/DOT and affected communities to identify methods to mitigate impacts due to the proposed Highway 100 reconstruction.
   
• Flood Control Project The Commission is working with the Corps to prepare cost summaries and credit information regarding the Bassett Creek Flood Control Project.
   
• Hennepin County Conservation District (HCD) The Commission sponsored HCD's voluntary monitoring program.
   
• MN/DOT Memorandum of Understanding The Commission and Mn/DOT are examining pond banking options and compliance with city, Mn/DOT, and Commission objectives.

D. 1999 Projected Work Plan

• Water Quantity The Commission will continue its lake- and stream-gauging program. The lake-gauging program will encompass Medicine Lake, Sweeney Lake, Parkers Lake, Westwood Lake, Crane Lake (Ridgedale Pond), and Northwood Lake. The stream-gauging program will consist of periodically surveying stages or inspecting the creek if periods of high flow exist.
   
• Watershed Inspection The Commission will continue its watershed construction-site inspection program. The inspections have proved valuable in correcting erosion- and sediment-control practices that are not in conformance with Commission policies.
   
• Water Quality Proposed water quality tasks for 1999 include performance of the following tasks:

1. Detailed Lake Monitoring of Medicine Lake in Plymouth: Monitoring will be performed at each lake on six occasions for selected parameters. Selected parameters include total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, total nitrogen, pH, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. An aquatic survey will be performed on two occasions. Monitoring will be performed as a joint project with Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District.
    
2. Medicine Lake/Plymouth Creek Lake Watershed Management Plan (Complete): Medicine Lake is defined as a Level I (recreation, all activities) water body in the draft Water Quality Management Plan. The Medicine Lake watershed is rapidly developing. The recommended management plan for Medicine Lake consist of (a) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Plymouth Creek and Medicine Lake consistent with Level I standards (completed 1994); (b) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (c) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements. The study was started during 1996 and included water quality monitoring. The Commission is working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District to perform the study.
    
3. Mississippi River to Medicine Lake (Main Stem) Watershed Management Plan (Complete): The Main Stem is defined as a Level III water body in the draft Water Quality Plan. The recommended management plan for Bassett Creek Main Stem consist of (a) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Bassett Creek consistent with standards (completed 1994); (b) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (c) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements.
    
4. Twin Lake Watershed Management Plan: Twin Lake is defined as a Level I water body in the draft Water Quality Plan. The recommended management plan for Twin Lake consist of (a) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Twin Lake consistent with standards (completed 1994); (b) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (c) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements.
    
5. Bassett Creek Park Pond Watershed Management Plan: Bassett Creek Park Pond is defined as a Level III water body in the draft Water Quality Plan. The recommended management plan for Bassett Creek Park Pond consist of (a) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Bassett Creek Park Pond consistent with standards (completed 1994); (b) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (c) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements.
    
6. Water Quality Capital Improvement Plan: Summarize capital improvements needed for Water Quality Improvement throughout Bassett Creek watershed and present summary plan to communities and regulatory agencies. Based on public input and comments from regulatory agencies, prioritize and prepare long range plan for capital improvements. Review options for funding construction. Hold public hearing.

• Flood Profiles The Commission will work with the Corp of Engineers to approve revised flood profiles along sections of Bassett Creek.
   
• Golden Valley Water Management Plan The Commission will review draft plan.
   
• Plymouth Water Management Plan The Commission will review draft plan.
   
• St. Louis Park Water Management Plan The Commission will review draft plan.
   
• Wisconsin Avenue Control Structure The Commission will assist the City of Golden Valley to review modifications to the Wisconsin Avenue control structure and other flood storage areas to minimize inundation of upstream storage areas.
   
• Water Management Plan Amendment The Commission will proceed in preparing minor amendments to the Water Management Plan and present amendments to the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
   
• Development The Commission will continue to review development proposals in the watershed for conformance to water quality and flooding policies. Some cities may elect to minimize Commission review after approval of its individual water management plan.
   
• Citizen Advisory Committee The Commission will continue to make provisions for citizen participation.
   
• Bassett Creek Middle Mississippi Watershed Boundary Change The Commission is working with the City of Minneapolis regarding proposed boundary change due to construction of the new tunnel.

The following two tables list construction projects and other plans that were reviewed by the Commission and/or its engineering consultant. The first table, "Plans Presented for Commission Review and Comment," is a list of projects that were discussed during Commission meetings. The second table, "Plans Presented for Administrative Review and Comment," is a list of projects that were reviewed by the Commission's engineering consultant in accordance with policies of the Commission.

Plans Presented for Administrative Review and Comment

The following water quality monitoring and water quality studies were performed:

• Detailed Monitoring of Sunset Hill Pond (Cavanaugh Lake) in Plymouth, and North Rice Pond and South Rice Pond in Robbinsdale and Golden Valley  Monitoring was performed at each lake on six occasions for selected parameters. Selected parameters include total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, total nitrogen, pH, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. An aquatic survey was performed on two occasions. A copy of the executive summary is appended.
   
• Medicine Lake/Plymouth Creek Watershed and Lake Management Plan Medicine Lake is defined as a Level I (recreation, all activities) water body in the draft Water Quality Management Plan. The Medicine Lake watershed is rapidly developing. The recommended management plan for Medicine Lake consist of (1) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Plymouth Creek and Medicine Lake consistent with Level I standards (completed 1994); (2) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (3) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements. The Commission is working with the MPCA and Hennepin Parks to perform the study.
   
• Mississippi River to Medicine Lake (Main Stem) Watershed Management Plan The Main Stem is defined as a Level III water body in the draft Water Quality Plan. The recommended management plan for Bassett Creek Main Stem consist of (1) adopting runoff and treatment requirements for stormwater discharging to Bassett Creek consistent with standards (completed 1994); (2) performance of a detailed diagnostic-feasibility study to evaluate nutrient sources, and to evaluate the effect of various best management practices (BMPs) on water quality; and (3) identify specific locations and opportunities for water quality improvements and prepare cost estimates for implementing the improvements.

G. Local Plan Adoption

The following table shows the status of the stormwater management plan preparation for each municipality.

H. Watershed Communication

In accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8410, Subpart 4, the Commission utilized the following information sources for providing information to the general public:

• Development Requirements The report Requirements for Improvements and Development Proposals prepared by the Commission was updated November 1998 and distributed to communities.

• Web Site The Commission updated its web site. The address for Bassett Creek web site is http://www.barr.com/bassett/

A discussion of the fund balance is included in the Audit Report and the Treasurers Report.

1991 Wetland Conservation Act The interim program of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act was effective through December 31, 1993. On January 1, 1994, the permanent program of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act became effective. Each municipality was required to designate the local government unit (LGU) responsible for administrating the interim program and the permanent program of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act. The following table indicates the local governmental unit for each municipality.

BCWMC = Bassett Creek Water Management Commission

The 1998 fiscal year for the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission commenced on February 1, 1998 and ended January 31, 1999.

The approved budget for fiscal year 1998 was $349,500. Each member's contribution toward the annual budget is based 50 percent on the total area of the municipality within the watershed and 50 percent on the tax capacity of the area within the watershed. A copy of the 1998 budget proposal prepared by the Commission's treasurer is appended.

See audit report.

See audit report.

The annual audit report for the year ending January 31, 1999, was performed by George M. Hansen Company, P.A. A copy of the report is appended.