News from Capitol Region Watershed District Spring 2015
Watershed District.
Opening Day at CHS Field fast approaching
Established in 1998, CRWD
by Lindsay VanPatten
Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region
covers 40 square miles and includes portions of the cities of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul. Located within Ramsey County, it has a population of 225,000 people. The District drains to the Mississippi River, also its primary water resource. Como Lake, Crosby Lake, Loeb Lake and Lake McCarrons are also located in the District. Board of Managers: Joe Collins, President Mary Texer, Vice President Seitu Jones, Secretary Mike Thienes, Treasurer Shirley Reider, Board Manager Mark Doneux, Administrator CRWD Programs: Permitting Education and Outreach Water Quality Monitoring Grants Capital Improvement Projects
The Saint Paul Saints first home game is May 21 and America’s pastime isn’t the only thing that was considered in the design of CHS Field. The stadium’s proximity to the Mississippi River made it important to incorporate clean water themes and natural resource protection into its design and function. First, an innovative rainwater reuse system reduces the use of potable water and stormwater runoff. It works like this: rooftop rainwater is collected from an adjacent building and directed into a 27,000-gallon tank beneath the ballpark’s concourse. Water is treated on its way in and out of the tank and is then sent to the field for irrigation or to the public restrooms behind center field for flushing toilets. This is the first project in Saint Paul to use rainwater for indoor purposes and will save the ballpark more than 450,000 gallons of water each year. Water is also an artistic theme at the stadium. Meander, a sculpture inspired by the Mississippi River, consists of 27 pillars made from materials harvested from the Mississippi River Valley. The illuminated tops of the pillars represent the river’s
Installing the 27,000-gallon tank
changing water conditions and react to pedestrian traffic. In addition to the rainwater reuse and water-inspired art at the stadium, the site includes rain gardens, tree trenches and an underground filtration system that all help clean water before it reaches the Mississippi River. Capitol Region Watershed District awarded the City of Saint Paul a $325,000 grant for the design and construction of stormwater treatment projects including the rainwater reuse system. Thank you to the City of Saint Paul, Metropolitan Council and the Saint Paul Saints for your partnership!
CHS field from first base
Capitol Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4 • St. Paul, MN 55108 • 651-644-8888 • www.capitolregionwd.org