Sep
20
Tue
2016
Master Water Stewards Information Meeting @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Sep 20 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Do you want to protect clean water in a lake or stream you care about? The Master Water Stewards program can give you the knowledge, skills, and network to make it happen!

What began as a three-year pilot program in Minnehaha Creek Watershed District through a partnership with The Freshwater Society, is expanding in 2017. The program offers extensive training from top industry professionals — engineers, educators, planners and more. Participants also build a network with like-minded peers, with an emphasis on creativity and collaboration.

Armed with that knowledge, Stewards build projects in their communities that protect water quality and work to educate their neighbors on clean water issues. Everything on city streets flows to our water – oil from cars, bacteria, salt, litter, sediment, and fertilizer. Each year, more polluted runoff reaches our lakes and rivers. Your yard is connected to rivers, lakes, and streams, and you can make a difference in keeping water clean and health. Past certified Stewards have installed raingardens,rain barrels, cisterns, and water-permeable walkways that catch polluted rainwater before it makes it to a nearby lake or stream.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Water Steward, please plan to attend this informational session.

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.