Nov
30
Wed
2016
Vermillion River Watershed Technical Advisory Group (TAG) @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Nov 30 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Vermillion River Watershed Technical Advisory Group (TAG) provides advice and recommendations to the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) on scientific, technical, and policy issues that affect water resources management in the Vermillion River Watershed.  TAG members represent local governments (cities, townships, and counties), state agencies, soil and water conservation districts, tribes, environmental consulting firms, environmental groups, watershed management organizations, the Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission (WPC), and other interested parties. Membership is open and flexible; contact the VRWJPO to be included on the email invitation list.

Feb
23
Thu
2017
Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop @ Burnhaven Library
Feb 23 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm

Please register to attend a free Landscaping for Clean Water presentation. See dozens of beautiful, inspirational, and affordable garden designs using native plants and helping clean our waters. After attending you can sign up to receive design and installation assistance. Some Dakota County residents will qualify for a $250 grant to install their new gardens.

Apr
13
Thu
2017
Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop @ Burnhaven Library
Apr 13 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm

Please register to attend a free Landscaping for Clean Water presentation. See dozens of beautiful, inspirational, and affordable garden designs using native plants and helping clean our waters. After attending you can sign up to receive design and installation assistance. Some Dakota County residents will qualify for a $250 grant to install their new gardens.

Oct
4
Wed
2017
25% by 2025 Town Hall Meeting: Burnsville @ Diamondhead Education Center
Oct 4 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

In a recent bipartisan effort, Governor Dayton created a goal to reduce water pollution by 25% by the year 2025. Without action, the quality of Minnesota’s waters is only expected to improve six to eight percent by 2034.

This summer and fall, the Governor’s office will hold 10 regional meetings across the state to gather input and perspective on what it could take to realize this goal.

To accompany the regional meetings, an information packet related to water quality in the Twin Cities Metro (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright) was created.

Jul
20
Thu
2023
Public Meeting: Alimagnet Lake alum treatment @ Burnsville City Hall, Dakota Room in lower level
Jul 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Public Meeting: Alimagnet Lake Feasibility Study

This spring and summer, the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is leading an Alimagnet Lake alum (aluminum sulfate) treatment feasibility study. City of Burnsville and City of Apple Valley natural resources staff are also participating in the process. VRWJPO has hired a consultant, Barr Engineering, to conduct field work, analyze data and help put together the final feasibility report. This report is expected to be completed in July. We are hosting a public meeting on July 20, 2023 where the findings of the report will be presented.

What is an alum treatment?

An alum treatment is a common water quality improvement practice in shallow lakes that have excessive phosphorus and poor water clarity as a result of algae growth. Often times phosphorus is released into the water column from lake bottom sediments during the summer months. When alum is added to the water, it attaches to phosphorus and falls to the bottom of the lake, preventing it from feeding algae and improving water clarity. Increased clarity following alum treatments can also lead to increased aquatic plant growth, which help to keep phosphorus levels in check.

One of the first steps in planning for a potential alum treatment is to conduct a feasibility study, which will determine whether Alimagnet Lake is a good candidate for the treatment, and if it is, how to most effectively apply alum in the lake, and the estimated costs. The study will also look at alternative solutions to improve water quality, other than an alum treatment.

At the public meeting, there will be a short presentation to present the findings of the study and then time for attendees to ask questions or provide feedback on the findings. If alum treatment is determined to be a feasible option for Alimagnet Lake, VRWJPO would anticipate applying for a grant in late summer of 2023 to obtain funding to complete the work. No treatment would occur prior to 2024.

If you have any questions regarding the public meeting, please feel free to contact Caleb at 952-895-4543 or caleb.ashling@burnsvillemn.gov.