March 19, 2020 Board of Managers Packet

Regular Meeting of the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) Board of Managers, for Thursday, March 19, 2020, 6:00 p.m. (Regular Meeting) at the office of the CRWD, 595 Aldine Street, St. Paul, Minnesota.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA I.

Call to Order of Regular Meeting (President Joe Collins) A) Attendance B) Review, Amendments, and Approval of the Agenda

II.

Public Comment – For Items not on the Agenda (Please observe a limit of three minutes per person.)

III.

Permit Applications and Program Updates (Permit Process: 1) Staff Review/Recommendation, 2) Applicant Response, 3) Public Comment, and 4) Board Discussion and Action.)

A) Permit 16-021 Union Flats – Closure (Martinkosky) IV.

Special Reports – Communication and Engagement Update, Lindsay Schwantes

V.

Action Items A) AR: Approve Minutes of the March 4, 2020 Board Workshop and Regular Meeting (Sylvander) B) AR: Approve Minutes of the March 5, 2020 Board Workshop (Sylvander) C) AR: Approve Accounts Payable/Receivables for February (Sylvander) D) AR: Adopt Updated Safety Program (Eleria) E) AR: Approve 2020 BMP Maintenance Services Agreement (Eleria) F) AR: Adopt Como Lake Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan (Belden) G) AR: Authorize Como Lake Alum Treatment Project (Belden) H) AR: Approve BMP Database Service Agreement (Zwonitzer) I) AR: Adopt MN 2020-2021 GreensCorps Resolution (Bromelkamp)

VI.

Unfinished Business A) Building Use Update (Doneux)

VII.

General Information A) Board of Manager’s Updates

VIII. Next Meetings A) Wednesday, April 1, 2020 5:00 PM – Workshop and Regular Meeting B) Wednesday, April 8, 2020 7:00 PM - CAC Meeting IX.

Adjournment

Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

March 19, 2020 III. Permit Applications A.) Permit Close Outs (Martinkosky) DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

March 12, 2020 CRWD Board of Managers Luke Martinkosky Permit Closeouts

Background Construction activity is complete for permit #16-021, Union Flats.

Issues Union Flats #16-021 This permit was issued for construction of a new apartment complex and associated infrastructure. Two underground sand filtration systems were constructed to treat stormwater. The site is currently stable and the as-built has been accepted. The $12,200 surety is available to return.

Action Requested Approve $12,200 surety return and Certificate of Completion for permit #16-021, Union Flats.

Z:\07 Programs\Permitting\Board Memos\2020-03-19 Permit Closeout Board Memo.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

March 19, 2020 Board Workshop V. Action Item A) Approve Minutes of March 4, 2020 Board Workshop (Sylvander)

Board Workshop Agenda of the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) Board of Managers, for Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 4:00 p.m. (Workshop) at the office of the CRWD, 595 Aldine Street, St. Paul, Minnesota.

BOARD WORKSHOP AGENDA The Board Workshop is a meeting with the Board of Managers of the Capitol Region Watershed District and Department Heads and key staff from the City of St. Paul. A quorum will be present; however, the workshop is informational only and no actions will be taken by the Board.

I.

Call to Order of Regular Workshop (President Joe Collins)

Managers Joe Collins Seitu Jones Shawn Murphy Rick Sanders Mary Texer

A)

Staff Present Mark Doneux, CRWD Anna Eleria, CRWD Bob Fossum, CRWD Forrest Kelley, CRWD Jessica Bromelkamp, CRWD Michelle Sylvander, CRWD

Public Attendees Mary Lilly, CAC Russ Stark, City of St. Paul Wes Saunders Pearce, City of St. Paul Mike Hahm, City of St. Paul Alice Messer, City of St. Paul Ricardo Cervantes, City of St. Paul Steve Ubl, City of St. Paul Kathy Lantry, City of St. Paul Bruce Elder, City of St. Paul Kristin Guild, City of St. Paul Luis Pereira, City of St. Paul

Introductions

President Collins opened the workshop with a review of the agenda. The group provided introductions.

President Collins and Administrator Doneux reviewed highlights and accomplishments of the district partnering with the City of St. Paul. Mr. Wes Saunders Pearce provided an example of the Allianz Field Rainwater Harvesting and reuse system. Mr. Saunders Pearce shared the roles that the City of St. Paul played and will continue to provide in this project.

B)

Workshop Goals and Objectives

President Collins reviewed the goals and objectives of the workshop to provide and continue more open lines of communication between the District and City of St. Paul.

II.

Open Forum A)

Watershed Management Plan – Key Elements

CRWD is currently updating the draft ten-year watershed management plan. The management plan is focused on a built environment connecting the land and water to restoring a natural water cycle. The public has shared concerns regarding ecosystem health, communication and engagement.

B)

Como Lake – 2020 Implementation Activities

The Como Lake Management plan has been updated. This spring CRWD will treat Como Lake with alum to reduce phosphorus and herbicide for curly leaf pond leaf.

C)

Facility Management

Mr. Doneux described how planning and a new line of thinking is key over the next ten years. President Collins shared concerns of retention of water above land, with more BMP’s tied in with property development. President Collins added that we need to better maintain these systems. It was asked if the District is maintaining other systems not owned by CRWD. Administrator Doneux responded by sharing examples of Curtiss Pond and Parkview that CRWD manages the technology. Ramsey County has approached CRWD about some sites and management of systems D)

Wetland Management

Administrator Doneux explained land use needs. Mr. Hahm shared that there are several reasons park land is dedicated to being park land. Mr. Hahm added that water changes the behavior and use of land, and that water is a strong reflection of the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Saunders Pearce described how some wetlands are in transmission and how this is a good opportunity to talk about collaboration on a wetland management plan. President Collins explained the MNDOT is always looking for wetland sites, and the need for wetlands in the metro area for large development projects. President Collins added there is a need of better planning, and options to find land elsewhere, most land is not suitable to restore as wetland or development, options are needed for larger developments. Mr. Saunders Pearce stated that the Willow Reserve is a wetland restored under historical land use. Mr. Hahm added that a wetland is a forever commitment. City of St. Paul Directors identified they are running out of space.

E)

Regulatory Issues

Administrator Doneux reviewed the Regulatory Program which is continuing to follow effective sciencebased watershed rules, maintain flexibility, and consider new ways to make water quality improvements and efficiencies. Mr. Saunders Pearce shared comparisons to the City of Minneapolis regulatory program.

Manager Texer added that each Watershed District is different and how sometimes the land is also different.

F)

Watershed Management in St. Paul

Administrator Doneux explained watershed types, regulatory authority, and joint powers with Cities.

Administrator Doneux proposed this topic be a platform for dialog. The group agreed to continue discussions on this topic. Mr. Saunders Pearce addressed the need for consolidating efforts across departments. President Collins shared that CRWD has ability to apply for grants. Mr. Hahm stated that he would love to see CRWD manage Como Lake’s flow from other sources. Ms. Lantry shared her support of CRWD and advised to research their intentions. Ms. Lantry added that this would be a very complicated and large undertaking with a multi-year commitment. Mr. Hahm described how CRWD has invested a great deal into Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary. The City has invested a large amount of money into the park and now all the features are working. The Parks and Recreation Department is now looking for ways to attract people to Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary. Mr. Hahm, Director of the Parks and Recreation encouraged others to continue bringing forward opportunities for CRWD and City of St. Paul to working together.

III.

Adjournment

Manager Texer and Managers thanked City of St. Paul Directors for coming and sharing ideas.

Adjournment of the March 4, 2020 City of St. Paul Workshop at 5:50 P.M.

March 4, 2020 Board Meeting V. Action Item A) Approve Minutes of February 19, 2020 Board Workshop (Sylvander)

Regular Meeting of the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) Board of Managers, for Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 6:00 p.m. (Regular Meeting) at the office of the CRWD, 595 Aldine Street, St. Paul, Minnesota.

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES I.

A)

Call to Order of Regular Meeting (President Joe Collins)

Managers Joe Collins Seitu Jones Shawn Murphy Rick Sanders Mary Texer

B)

Staff Present Public Attendees Mark Doneux, CRWD Mary Lilly, CAC Bob Fossum, CRWD Forrest Kelley, CRWD Joe Sellner, CRWD Michelle Sylvander, CRWD Sarah Wein, CRWD James Mogen, Ramsey County Attorney

Review, Amendments and Approval of the Agenda.

Administrator Doneux requested the addition of Action item B Approve Application for GreenCorps member.

Motion 20-033: Approve the Agenda of March 4, 2020 with changes.

Jones/Texer Unanimously Approved II.

Public Comment

No public comments were made.

III.

Permit Applications and Program Updates A)

Permit 18-007 Woodlawn-Jefferson – Closure (Martinkosky)

Mr. Kelley reviewed this permit was issued for street reconstruction of Woodlawn Ave., Jefferson Ave., and Mount Curve Blvd. Stormwater is treated with a weir redirecting low flow to a SAFL baffle on Jefferson Ave. and withdrawal of 12,961 cubic feet from the volume bank. The site is currently stable and the as built has been accepted. No surety was required for this public project.

Motion 20-034: Confirm withdrawal of 12,961 cf from the St. Paul Public Works volume bank and Certificate of Completion for permit #18-007 Woodlawn Jefferson.

Texer/Sanders Unanimously Approved B)

Permit 20-001 Dickerman Park Site Improvements – Extend Review Period (Hosch)

Mr. Kelley informed that the current review period for Permit 20-001 Dickerman Park Improvements expires on 3-10-2020. The applicant requested an extension to the 60-day review period prior to the expiration. The applicant has requested the additional time to complete the required conditions.

Motion 20-035: Approve 60-day review period extension for Permit 20-001 Dickerman Park Improvements to expire May 9, 2020.

Texer/Sanders Unanimously Approved IV.

Special Reports – Green Line Performance Analysis, Sarah Wein

Ms. Wein reviewed the Green Line which is a light rail line connecting the Minneapolis and Saint Paul downtowns that became operational in 2014. Since 2014, CRWD Monitoring, Research, and Maintenance Division staff have been collecting data at various monitoring locations along the Green Line. The goal of this monitoring is to quantify volume and pollutant load reduction of the side street rain gardens and stormwater planters located in the boulevards of seven different side streets along the Green Line in Saint Paul. This monitoring data also allows staff to track BMP performance over time to help understand performance changes and inform maintenance, as well as compare the designed (modeled) vs. actual (monitored) performance. The District now has 5 full years of monitoring data that includes precipitation, stormwater quality, and rain garden/stormwater planter level data. These data were used to determine the performance of the side street rain gardens and stormwater planters. These results were presented at the Minnesota Water Resources Conference in October 2019, and the report “Green Line Side Street Best Management Practices Performance Analysis” was recently completed. President Collins thanked Ms. Wein for her presentation and felt the report was very good and made a lot of sense.

No Motion, information provided as an update.

V.

Action Items A) AR: Approve Minutes of the February 19, 2020 Regular Board of Managers Meeting (Sylvander)

Motion 20-036: Approve the Minutes of the February 19, 2020 Regular Board Meeting.

Jones/Sanders Unanimously approved

B) AR: Approve application for GreenCorp intern.

Administrator Doneux reviewed how successful the GreenCorp program has been with our last two interns.

Staff would like to apply for an intern for the 2020 season to work resident and promotion of the stewardship grant program. Staff will return with additional information.

Motion 20-037: Approve application for GreenCorp Intern.

Texer/Sanders Unanimously approved VI.

Unfinished Business A)

Lake McCarron’s Management Plan Update (Sellner)

Mr. Sellner reviewed that in 2003, the District adopted its first Lake McCarron’s Management Plan. The Plan has served the District and its partners well over the past 15 years and has guided work to allow Lake McCarron’s to maintain high water quality. Staff have been working with Barr Engineering staff to draft a new Lake McCarrons Management Plan. With the input of stakeholders including the public, CAC, Board of Managers, and an agency advisory group, a draft of the Lake McCarron’s Management Plan has been created. Additionally, Barr was tasked with developing watershed and in-lake models to evaluate total phosphorus (TP) goals and help future management of Lake McCarron’s. Mr. Sellner reviewed the next steps include review by the Agency Advisory Group and CAC. A public meeting will be held on March 16th at Galilee Lutheran Church in Roseville.

No Action was taken. Information provided as an update and for comments and feedback on the draft Lake McCarrons Management Plan implementation items.

B)

Alternative Site Permitting (Kelley)

Mr. Kelley reviewed that large redevelopment projects pose unique challenges and opportunities for stormwater management practice review, permitting, implementation, inspection, and close-out. Typical redevelopment projects fit well into the standard permit application and review process. However, recent and upcoming projects like Snelling-Midway and the Ford site have highlighted an opportunity to better coordinate similar regulatory oversight activities with the City of St. Paul Public Works Department to ensure project success. Mr. Kelley explained how existing procedural conflicts and issuing only one CRWD permit for the entire site resulted in delays to infrastructure turnover and project close outs such as at Snelling-Midway. Mr. Kelley shared that staff propose an alternative permit process and have laid out a potential framework for the Ford Site that could serve as a model for future large projects and provide insight to help move forward on Snelling-Midway infrastructure close-out. Staff will review this draft approach with the Board and will seek input from City staff to ensure compatibility with their ordinance permitting process for the Ford Site. Mr. Kelley proposed adding more phases would add more flexibility.

No Motion was requested, for Review and Comment Only.

C)

Ford Site Update (Fossum)

Mr. Fossum did not have a current update. CRWD is expecting a letter from the City of St. Paul requesting funding support.

D)

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary (Fossum)

Mr. Fossum shared that the lift station at Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary is now working and water is now flowing. Manager Texer emphasized that the area needs to be reestablished as a safe place to go.

VII.

General Information A)

Board of Managers’ Updates

The MAWD Legislative Breakfast and Day at the Capitol will be on March 18th and 19th.

Managers viewed discussions with the City of St. Paul. Manager Texer felt the discussions were good.

President Collins noted additional discussions regarding wetland management. Manager Texer suggested having maps to engage more discussions.

VIII. Next Meetings A) B) C) D) IX.

Thursday, March 5, 2020, 5:30 PM – Board Workshop – Watershed Management Plan Wednesday, March 11, 2020 7:00 PM – CAC Meeting – Manager Jones will attend March 18th and 19th – Day at the Capitol, MAWD Legislative briefing Thursday, March 19, 2020 6:00 PM – Regular Board Meeting

Adjournment

Motion 20-038: Adjournment of the March 4, 2020 Regular Board Meeting at 7:15 P.M. Texer/Sanders Unanimously Approved Respectfully submitted, Michelle Sylvander

March 19, 2020 Board Workshop V. Action Item A) Approve Minutes of March 5, 2020 Board Workshop (Sylvander)

Board Workshop Agenda of the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) Board of Managers, for Thursday, March 5, 2020 5:30 p.m. (Workshop) at the office of the CRWD, 595 Aldine Street, St. Paul, Minnesota.

BOARD WORKSHOP AGENDA The Board Workshop is a meeting with the Board of Managers of the Capitol Region Watershed District and staff.

I.

Call to Order of Regular Workshop (President Joe Collins)

Managers Joe Collins Seitu Jones Shawn Murphy Rick Sanders Mary Texer

Staff Present Mark Doneux, CRWD Anna Eleria, CRWD

No changes were made.

Motion 20-039: Approve the Agenda of March 5, 2020.

Texer/Murphy Unanimously Approved II.

Watershed Management Plan A)

Review of Draft Watershed Management Plan for Informal Comment

CRWD began updating its Watershed Management Plan (WMP) in early 2019 by reviewing and aggregating data from existing plans and studies and soliciting input on watershed management issues, priorities and opportunities from CRWD Board, CAC, and staff, cities, partner agencies, non-profit and community organizations, and the public. It has informed the development of the WMP’s overarching themes, priority issues, goals and implementation activities for the next ten years.

CRWD staff, with assistance from Barr Engineering, has prepared the enclosed draft 2021-2030 Watershed Management Plan that pulls together the different pieces of information for the plan. The plan lays out the focus of the District’s work by describing the District’s mission, vision and values, which were developed

during the strategic planning process, and key plan themes that influence and pervade every aspect of the District’s work. The plan also presents the District’s priority issues and measurable goals under eight main resource and organizational categories. The WMP implementation plan outlines the various administrative activities, programs, projects and capital improvement projects that the District intends to carry out over the 10-year life of the plan as well as the projected WMP total and annual budgets and funding sources.

CRWD staff will present the draft WMP and seek Board comments on the plan and support to release the draft plan to CRWD’s staff, CAC and TAC subject to addressing Board comments. The informal comment period will occur in March and the formal 60-day review period, which will reach a broader audience, would likely start in late April.

The Board supports the informal review period of the draft WMP. III.

Adjournment

Motion 20-040: Adjournment of the March 5, 2020 Board Workshop at 6:00 P.M. Texer/Sanders Unanimously Approved

March 19, 2020 Board Meeting V. Action Items – B) Accounts Payable & Budget Update (Sylvander)

DATE: March 12, 2020 TO: CRWD Board of Managers FROM: Michelle Sylvander, Office Manager RE: February 2020 Accounts Payable/Receivable and Administrative/Program Budget Report _________________________________________________________________________________

Enclosed are the Accounts Payable/Receivable and the Administrative/Program Budget Reports for the Month of February 2020.

Summary of Budget Report: (February Only Expenses) Administrative Budget (100’s) Program Budget (200’s) Project Budget (300’s) Capital Improvement Budget (400’s) Debt Service (500’s)

$ $ $ $ $

96,635.36 97,163.25 84,160.30 30,658.94 0.00

TOTAL

$

308,617.85

Summary of Accounts Payable/Receivable Report through February 29, 2020: (Past, present and future months) (February 2020 Only)

Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable

$ $

260,439.43 12,331.99

Request Action Approve February 2020 Accounts Payable/Receivable and Budget Report and direct Board Treasurer and President to endorse and disperse checks for these payments. enc:

February 2020 Accounts Payable February 2020 Budget Report

2020 Operations and CIP Monthly YTD Expenditures to Budget $8,000,000 $7,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $Jan

Feb

March

April

May

Jun

July

August

Sept

Oct

2020 Operations Budget

Operations Cumulative Expenditures

2020 CIP Budget

CIP Cumulative Expenditures

W:\02 Budget and Finance\Board Memos\Board Memos 2020\BD Memo AP Budget Report 0003192020.docx

Nov

Dec

Capitol Region Watershed District

Check Register For the Period From Feb 1, 2020 - Feb 29, 2020

Date 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20

Payee Adobe Aleisha Kiley Anchor Solar Investments, LLC Applied Ecological Services, Inc. Avision Young Barr Engineering Benefit Extras, Inc. Budget Sign & Graphics C Lanphear Design City of St. Paul Safety & Inspections City of White Bear Lake Colonial Life Comcast - Business Comcast - Business Comcast Business - VM Cable Dominium Development Acquisition, LLC Floyd Total Security Forrest J. Kelley Fresh Color Press Gallagher Gopher State One Hamline University Hansen Thorp Pellinen Olson, Inc. HealthPartners Holiday Fleet League of MN Cities Trust Limno Tech Malone Staffing Solutions Marco -Minolta McCaren Designs, Inc. Menards MetLife Minnesota Erosion Control Association Minnesota Restaurant Services, Inc. MSC Industrial Supply MSR Design Nelson Cheese & Deli Onset Pitney Bowes - Financial Services Pitney Bowes - Supplies Ramsey County - Attorney Redpath & Company, Ltd. Rymark SRF Consulting, Inc. SRF Consulting, Inc. Staples Business Advantage Story Teller Medica & Communications

Total $999.22 1,500.00 376.40 737.50 4,178.17 53,436.22 94.25 180.00 1,190.00 189.00 1,705.97 808.14 532.17 2,118.81 2,103.04 12,200.00 399.14 1,440.00 300.00 281.25 10.80 2,386.54 10,362.00 29,409.94 116.18 5,850.00 1,710.00 2,383.43 1,000.00 555.28 3.11 583.26 55.00 130.00 756.77 48.25 500.00 1,379.96 273.75 254.97 1,445.00 8,398.27 2,562.50 678.54 1,591.05 231.20 5,665.00

Page 1 of 2

Check # 20486 20487 20488 20489 20490 20491 20492 20493 20494 20495 20496 20497 20498 20499 20500 20501 20502 20503 20504 20505 20506 20507 20508 20509 20510 20511 20512 20513 20514 20515 20516 20517 20518 20519 20520 20521 20522 20523 20524 20525 20526 20527 20528 20529 20530 20531 20532

Description Creative Cloud License Well-Sealing Solar Leasing Professional Services Bldg. Mgmt. & Maintenance February Engineering Expense Monthly Benefit Administration Como Lake Decals Design Work Fire Inspection-Certificate of Occupancy GIS Fees Employee Benefits Voice Mail & Internet Bundled Services Business Lines Surety Return Security Camara Rental Office Cleaning Handout/Como Lake Cards HR Consulting E-Mail Tickets Adopt-A-Drain Packets/Postage Lower Phalen Creek/Detailed Feasibility Study Employee Benefits Fuel for Vehicles Workers Compensation Insurance Alum Treatments Temporary Receptionist Copier Lease Monthly Horticulture Services Supplies Employee Benefits Microplastic Brewing Shop Bottle Washer Repair Supplies/Batteries/Tubing Office Design Lunches for Training/Board HOBO Water Level/Professional Services Postage Meter Lease Red Ink Cartridges Attorney Fees February Accounting & Payroll Services Managed Services Snelling/Midway Redevelopment Stormwater Feasibility Study Office Supplies Curly Leaf Pondweed Awareness

Capitol Region Watershed District

Check Register For the Period From Feb 1, 2020 - Feb 29, 2020

Date 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20 03/18/20

Payee Summit Companies Tech Sales Co. Teledyne Instruments, Inc. Verizon Wireless Walters Weis Builders, Inc. Wenck Associates, Inc. Xcel Energy Xcel Energy Xylem, Inc. US Bank SUB-TOTAL: FEBRUARY A/P

FEBRUARY PAYROLL/BENEFITS: FEBRUARY TOTAL:

Total 765.29 2,093.00 2,773.00 263.02 80.00 39,000.00 42,282.88 0.29 1,648.35 185.00 8,238.52

Check # 20533 20534 20535 20536 20537 20538 20539 20540 20541 20542 20543

Description Annual Fire Alarm Inspection Supplies Flow Module Mobile/iPad/Remote Stations Trash/Recycling Surety Return December/February Engineering Expense Electrical Service-Kittson Street Gas & Electrical Service Optical Do Membrance Kit Monthly Credit Card Expense

$260,439.43

115,189.11 $375,628.54

APPROVED FOR PAYMENT:

3/18/2020

FEBRUARY, 2020 RECEIPTS MAWD MAWD St. Paul Port Authority McCarron's Hill Postage Refund 4M Fund-General 4M Fund-Bonds FEBRUARY RECEIPTS:

$400.00 1,731.50 500.00 1,800.00 23.04 5,568.28 2,309.17 $12,331.99

Page 2 of 2

Rent Rent (2019) Midway Office Warehouse Monitoring Surety - 19-006 Postage February Interest - General February Interest - Bonds

Capitol Region Watershed District February 29, 2020 Comparison

Check Register Totals Accounts Payable Checks

$260,439.43

Payroll & Benefits

115,189.11

TOTAL:

$375,628.54

2019 Expenditures:

($15,227.43)

Surety Return

($51,200.00)

Pre-Paid Expenses:

($583.26)

FEBRUARY ONLY:

$308,617.85

2019 Expenditures: Avision Young - Ck.#20490 (partial) Wenck Associates, Inc. - Ck. #20539 (partial)

Surety Return: Dominium Dev. Acquisition, LLC - Ck. #20501 Weis Builders, Inc. - Ck.#20538

$1,889.07 13,338.36 $15,227.43

$12,200.00 $39,000.00 $51,200.00

Pre-Paid Expenses: MetLife - Ck. #20517

Page 1 of 1

583.26 $583.26

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHE DISTRICT JOB COST RECAP FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ‐ FEBRUARY 29, 2020

TOTAL GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: 200 ‐ Administration 201 ‐ Groundwater 207 ‐ Rulemaking/Rule Revisions 208 ‐ Permitting 210 ‐ Stewardship Grants 211 ‐ Monitoring & Data Collection 220 ‐ Education & Outreach 225 ‐ Technical Resources & Information Sharing 228 ‐ Future Trends: Research and Positioning 230 ‐ Geographic Informatin Systems (GIS) 240 ‐ Safety Program TOTAL PROGRAMS: 300 ‐ Administration 301 ‐ Shoreline & Streambank Maintenance 305 ‐ Como Lake Subwatershed 310 ‐ Lake McCarron's Subwatershed 313 ‐ Loeb Lake Subwatershed 315 ‐ Trout Brook Subwatershed 317 ‐ Crosby Lake Subwatershed 330 ‐ Mississippi River Subwatershed 370 ‐ Watershed Management Plan 390 ‐ Special Projects & Grants TOTAL PROJECTS: TOTAL OPERATING FUND: 405 ‐ Como Lake BMP's 410 ‐ Lake McCarron's BMP's 413 ‐ Loeb Lake BMP's 415 ‐ Trout Brook BMP's 425 ‐ Wetland, Stream & Ecosystem Restoration 430 ‐ Mississippi River Subwatersheds BMP's 440 ‐ Special Projects & Grants 450 ‐ Future Trends: Implementation TOTAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: 14960 ‐ Debt & Loan Service 15 TOTAL DEBT SERVICES:

2020 ANNUAL BUDGET ‐ 722,700.00 64,000.00 55,800.00 5,000.00 (357,670.00) $489,830.00 236,062.00 8,280.00 12,750.00 390,790.00 786,810.00 657,830.00 548,260.00 65,730.00 121,070.00 50,390.00 36,000.00 $2,913,972.00 121,608.00 8,000.00 113,540.00 68,720.00 49,880.00 410,360.00 28,860.00 385,120.00 155,510.00 99,050.00 $1,440,648.00 $4,844,450.00 1,447,610.00 755,540.00 13,540.00 566,250.00 30,000.00 1,344,650.00 1,677,700.00 50,000.00 $5,885,290.00 1,057,243.00 $1,057,243.00

CURRENT MONTH EXPENDITURES 1,020.00 86,451.39 6,643.25 716.44 1,804.28 ‐ $96,635.36 16.93 1,620.11 3,737.22 28,440.41 9,026.39 27,492.14 20,177.69 885.58 504.99 2,407.09 2,854.70 $97,163.25 ‐ 10,400.09 20,200.29 11,397.62 ‐ 8,900.99 273.52 4,378.62 19,161.17 9,448.00 $84,160.30 $277,958.91 7,952.97 1,783.67 1,073.29 ‐ ‐ 15,692.77 797.59 3,358.65 $30,658.94 ‐ ‐

TOTAL ALL FUNDS:

$11,786,983.00

$308,617.85

$1,411,385.48

$10,375,597.52

11.97%

Unaudited Fund Balance FUND BALANCES @ 12/31/19 Operations 1,891,112.34 Capital Improvement 3,078,008.95 Debt Service 186,690.88 Building/Bond Proceeds 1,685,217.80 TOTAL FUND BALANCE: $6,841,029.97

2019 Fund Transfers ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ $0.00

Year‐to‐Date Revenue 5,051.05 14,829.49 ‐ ‐ $19,880.54

Year‐to‐Date Expenditures $579,960.03 54,703.57 776,721.88 ‐ $1,411,385.48

Unaudited Fund Balance @ 02/29/20 1,316,203.36 3,038,134.87 (590,031.00) 1,685,217.80 $5,449,525.03

19970 ‐ General Administration 20970 ‐ General Administration 20975 ‐ Aldine Operations 20976 ‐ 1736 Thomas Operations 19978 ‐ MAWD 00000 ‐ Administration Allocation

JOB COST #/NAME

YEAR‐TO‐DATE EXPENDITURES 17,985.91 179,064.71 13,514.65 1,514.72 1,843.03 ‐ $213,923.02 31.00

2,509.60 14,402.78 58,000.45 30,877.43 57,054.62 50,337.85 2,717.21 1,332.09 3,006.48 5,790.46 $226,059.97 ‐ 10,606.24 21,481.62 12,758.54 ‐ 27,812.20 806.40 17,912.39 30,883.91 17,715.74 $139,977.04 $579,960.03 9,435.38 3,607.68 2,263.66 59.45

‐ 28,720.23 7,116.09 3,501.08 $54,703.57 776,721.88 $776,721.88

BALANCE OF BUDGET REMAINING (17,985.91) 543,635.29 50,485.35 54,285.28 3,156.97 (357,670.00) $275,906.98 236,031.00 5,770.40 (1,652.78) 332,789.55 755,932.57 600,775.38 497,922.15 63,012.79 119,737.91 47,383.52 30,209.54 $2,687,912.03 121,608.00 (2,606.24) 92,058.38 55,961.46 49,880.00 382,547.80 28,053.60 367,207.61 124,626.09 81,334.26 $1,300,670.96 $4,264,489.97 1,438,174.62 751,932.32 11,276.34 566,190.55 30,000.00 1,315,929.77 1,670,583.91 46,498.92 $5,830,586.43 280,521.12 $280,521.12

% OF BUDGET EXPENDED ‐‐‐ 24.78% 21.12% 2.71% 36.86% 0.00% 43.67% 0.01% 30.31% ‐‐‐ 14.84% 3.92% 8.67% 9.18% 4.13% 1.10% 5.97% 16.08% 7.76% 0.00% 132.58% 18.92% 18.57% 0.00% 6.78% 2.79% 4.65% 19.86% 17.89% 9.72% 11.97% 0.65% 0.48% 16.72% 0.01% 0.00% 2.14% 0.42% 7.00% 0.93% 73.47% 73.47%

Page 1 of 7

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHE DISTRICT JOB COST DETAIL FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ‐ FEBRUARY 29, 2020

2020 ANNUAL BUDGET ‐ 722,700.00 64,000.00 55,800.00 5,000.00 (357,670.00) TOTAL GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: $489,830.00 20000 ‐ Administration Allocation 236,062.00 19000 ‐ District Permit Program ‐ 20099 ‐ District Permit Program 191,540.00 20101 ‐ Permit Tracking & Database Management 14,850.00 19102 ‐ Construction Inspection ‐ 20102 ‐ Construction Inspection 148,650.00 19103 ‐ Permit Closure & Post Construction Inspection/Maintenance ‐ 20103 ‐ Closure & Post Construction Inspection 35,750.00 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐ Permits ‐ 19120 ‐ Evaluate Rules/TAC Meetings ‐ 20120 ‐ Evaluate Rules/Hold TAC Meetings 12,750.00 19130 ‐ Groundwater Protection ‐ Well Sealing ‐ 20130 ‐ Groundwater Protection ‐ Well Sealing 8,280.00 19143 ‐ Stewardship Grants ‐ 20143 ‐ Stewardship Grants 432,450.00 19144 ‐ Partner Grants ‐ 20144 ‐ Partner Grants 130,200.00 20145 ‐ Inspiring Communities Program 20,540.00 20146 ‐ SPS Rain Garden Projects 20,150.00 16147 ‐ TWP Blvd. Rain Gardens 183,470.00 19200 ‐ Baseline Monitoring & Data Collection ‐ 20200 ‐ Baseline Monitoring Data Collection 327,070.00 19205 ‐ Lake Monitoring & Data Collection ‐ 20205 ‐ Lake Monitoring & Data Collection 105,190.00 19210 ‐ Villa Park Monitoring & Data Collection ‐ 20210 ‐ Villa Park Monitoring & Data Collection 32,900.00 19215 ‐ Wetland Bio‐Monitoring ‐ 20215 ‐ Wetland Bio‐Monitoring 20,050.00 20220 ‐ WISKI Database Website 57,480.00 20225 ‐ Remote Data Access & Set Up 14,680.00 19230 ‐ BMP Monitoring ‐ 20230 ‐ BMP Monitoring 50,050.00 15231 ‐ AHUG Exfiltration Monitoring 20,360.00 17232 ‐ Midway Office WH Monitoring 30,050.00 19250 ‐ General Outreach & Communications ‐

19970 ‐ General Administration 20970 ‐ General Administration 20975 ‐ Aldine Operations 20976 ‐ 1736 Thomas Operations 20978 ‐ MAWD 10000 ‐ Administration Allocation

JOB COST #/NAME

CURRENT MONTH EXPENDITURES 1,020.00 86,451.39 6,643.25 716.44 1,804.28 ‐ $96,635.36 16.93 0.00 9,796.06 ‐ ‐ 152.36 ‐ 1,017.63 17,474.36 ‐ 3,737.22 1,500.00 120.11 ‐ 5,656.65 ‐ 1,261.88 ‐ 674.06 1,433.80 103.50 26,625.85 ‐ 438.20 ‐ 30.70 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 293.89 ‐ ‐ ‐

YEAR‐TO‐DATE BALANCE OF EXPENDITURES BUDGET REMAINING 17,985.91 (17,985.91) 179,064.71 543,635.29 13,514.65 50,485.35 1,514.72 54,285.28 1,843.03 3,156.97 ‐ (357,670.00) $213,923.02 $275,906.98 31.00 236,031.00 8,744.23 (8,744.23) 21,452.65 170,087.35 ‐ 14,850.00 76.18 (76.18) 337.93 148,312.07 479.66 (479.66) 1,314.11 34,435.89 25,595.69 (25,595.69) 511.08 (511.08) 13,891.70 (1,141.70) 2,267.25 (2,267.25) 242.35 8,037.65 12,395.84 (12,395.84) 11,384.06 421,065.94 983.80 (983.80) 2,745.89 127,454.11 ‐ 20,540.00 674.06 19,475.94 2,693.78 180,776.22 13,327.76 (13,327.76) 41,976.23 285,093.77 234.60 (234.60) 823.11 104,366.89 14.02 (14.02) 58.74 32,841.26 131.35 (131.35) ‐ 20,050.00 ‐ 57,480.00 ‐ 14,680.00 74.89 (74.89) 413.92 49,636.08 ‐ 20,360.00 ‐ 30,050.00 10,607.96 (10,607.96)

% OF BUDGET EXPENDED ‐‐‐ 24.78% 21.12% 2.71% 36.86% 0.00% 43.67% 0.01% ‐‐‐ 11.20% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 0.23% ‐‐‐ 3.68% ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ 108.95% ‐‐‐ 2.93% ‐‐‐ 2.63% ‐‐‐ 2.11% 0.00% 3.35% 1.47% ‐‐‐ 12.83% ‐‐‐ 0.78% ‐‐‐ 0.18% ‐‐‐ 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 0.83% 0.00% 0.00% ‐‐‐

Page 2 of 7

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHE DISTRICT JOB COST DETAIL FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ‐ FEBRUARY 29, 2020

JOB COST #/NAME 20250 ‐ General Outreach & Communications 20255 ‐ Leaf & Litter Clean Ups 20260 ‐ Municipal Training 19262 ‐ Youth Outreach 20262 ‐ Youth Outreach 20263 ‐ Communications Training 19265 ‐ Sponsorships & Partnerships 20265 ‐ Sponsorships & Partnerships 19268 ‐ Adopt A Drain 20268 ‐ Adopt A Drain 19270 ‐ Website & Social Media 20270 ‐ Website 19271 ‐ Master Water Stewards 20271 ‐ Master Water Stewards 17274 ‐ TWP Communications 19275 ‐ Events 20275 ‐ Events 16277 ‐ TWP ‐ Adopt a Drain 16278 ‐ TWP Leaf & Litter Clean Ups 19279 ‐ Social Media 20279 ‐ Social Media 20280 ‐ 595 Aldine Education & Outreach 19285 ‐ Awards & Recognition Programs 20285 ‐ Awards Program 20300 ‐ Plan Review & Tech Committee 19303 ‐ BMP Database Maintenance/Updates 20303 ‐ BMP Database 20330 ‐ District Research Program 19333 ‐ Public Art Program 20333 ‐ Public Art Program 20334 ‐ 595 Aldine Art 20335 ‐ Diversity & Inclusion 20336 ‐ Climate Change Impacts ‐ Research and Action 19370 ‐ GIS Program Development 20370 ‐ GIS Program Development 19390 ‐ Safety Training 20390 ‐ Safety Training 19395 ‐ Safety Program Updates/Audits 20395 ‐ Safety Program Updates/Audits 20396 ‐ Safety Equipment

2020 ANNUAL BUDGET 259,510.00 10,460.00 14,820.00 ‐ 10,870.00 10,070.00 ‐ 28,420.00 ‐ 18,530.00 ‐ 24,990.00 ‐ 30,840.00 7,140.00 ‐ 15,060.00 4,460.00 6,460.00 ‐ 7,530.00 85,000.00 ‐ 14,100.00 15,050.00 ‐ 50,680.00 50,850.00 ‐ 29,560.00 10,640.00 10,000.00 20,020.00 ‐ 50,390.00 ‐ 13,430.00 10,630.00 ‐ 11,940.00 TOTAL PROGRAMS: $2,913,972.00

CURRENT MONTH EXPENDITURES 14,118.37 69.14 ‐ ‐ 553.12 ‐ ‐ 479.76 2,386.54 69.14 ‐ 774.42 ‐ 103.72 ‐ ‐ 772.54 ‐ ‐ ‐ 688.64 ‐ 162.30 ‐ ‐ ‐ 885.58 193.86 ‐ 311.13 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 2,407.09 ‐ 225.82 ‐ 2,275.98 352.90 $97,163.25

YEAR‐TO‐DATE BALANCE OF EXPENDITURES BUDGET REMAINING 23,198.62 236,311.38 69.14 10,390.86 ‐ 14,820.00 34.57 (34.57) 1,046.88 9,823.12 ‐ 10,070.00 189.93 (189.93) 1,946.77 26,473.23 2,386.54 (2,386.54) 69.14 18,460.86 223.58 (223.58) 1,256.84 23,733.16 34.57 (34.57) 275.40 30,564.60 ‐ 7,140.00 189.81 (189.81) 840.83 14,219.17 ‐ 4,460.00 ‐ 6,460.00 99.15 (99.15) 970.03 6,559.97 ‐ 85,000.00 6,830.20 (6,830.20) 67.89 14,032.11 ‐ 15,050.00 553.54 (553.54) 2,163.67 48,516.33 581.59 50,268.41 172.43 (172.43) 510.20 29,049.80 ‐ 10,640.00 67.87 9,932.13 ‐ 20,020.00 158.29 (158.29) 2,848.19 47,541.81 108.47 (108.47) 276.15 13,153.85 109.47 10,520.53 3,823.76 (3,823.76) 1,472.61 10,467.39 226,059.97 $2,687,912.03

% OF BUDGET EXPENDED 8.94% 0.66% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 9.63% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 6.85% ‐‐‐ 0.37% ‐‐‐ 5.03% ‐‐‐ 0.89% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 5.58% 0.00% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 12.88% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 0.48% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 4.27% 1.14% ‐‐‐ 1.73% 0.00% 0.68% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 5.65% ‐‐‐ 2.06% 1.03% ‐‐‐ 12.33% 7.76%

Page 3 of 7

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHE DISTRICT JOB COST DETAIL FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ‐ FEBRUARY 29, 2020

JOB COST #/NAME 30000 ‐ Administration Allocation 20405 ‐ St. Paul Natural Resources Intern Program 19605 ‐ Lower Phalen Creek/Rush Line 19421 ‐ Como BMP Maintenance & Inspection 20421 ‐ Como BMP Maintenance 20424 ‐ Como Lake Aquatic Plant Management 20425 ‐ Como Pond Optic RTC O & M 18427 ‐ Como Lake Management Plan 20427 ‐ Como Lake Shoreline Management 19428 ‐ Como Lake Aquatic Plant Management 19470 ‐ AIS Management 18476 ‐ Upper Villa Maintenance 19476 ‐ Upper Villa Maintenance 19477 ‐ TWP ‐ Lake McCarron's Management Plan 20477 ‐ Parkview O & M 20478 ‐ Williams St. Pond O & M 20510 ‐ Willow Reserve Management 19550 ‐ Inspection & Annual Maintenance 20550 ‐ TBI Inspection and Maintenance 14552 ‐ TBI Easement Verification & Documentation 20560 ‐ TBI Subwatershed Study 20570 ‐ NPDES MS4 Stormwater Program 18575 ‐ Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Program 20575 ‐ Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination 20620 ‐ Green Infrastructure for Innovation Districts 19621 ‐ Snelling Midway Redevelopment O & M 18622 ‐ Ford Site Planning 18623 ‐ Ford Site Area C 19624 ‐ Green Line BMP Maintenance 20624 ‐ Geenn Line BMP Maintenance 20625 ‐ Snelling Midway Site 19631 ‐ Highland Ravine Maintenance 20631 ‐ Highland Ravine BMP Maintenance 18650 ‐ 2020 Watershed Management Plan 19660 ‐ Special Grants ‐ Project Development 20660 ‐ Special Grants ‐ Project Development 19662 ‐ 1919 University Avenue 19665 ‐ Science Museum Feasibility

2020 ANNUAL BUDGET 121,608.00 8,000.00 ‐ ‐ 26,120.00 45,400.00 9,800.00 ‐ 32,220.00 ‐ 14,100.00 29,160.00 ‐ 10,700.00 9,800.00 4,960.00 49,880.00 ‐ 180,000.00 150,250.00 50,050.00 10,060.00 ‐ 20,000.00 75,070.00 49,570.00 150,900.00 31,300.00 ‐ 34,530.00 43,750.00 ‐ 28,860.00 155,510.00 ‐ 99,050.00 ‐ ‐ TOTAL PROJECTS: $1,440,648.00 TOTAL OPERATING FUND: $4,844,450.00

CURRENT MONTH EXPENDITURES ‐ ‐ 10,400.09 ‐ 447.64 166.17 ‐ 866.13 ‐ 18,720.35 ‐ ‐ ‐ 11,397.62 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 8,670.82 ‐ 148.21 ‐ ‐ 81.96 ‐ ‐ 1,096.39 2,293.29 ‐ 988.94 ‐ ‐ 273.52 19,161.17 6,658.99 2,367.60 ‐ 421.41 $84,160.30 $277,958.91

YEAR‐TO‐DATE BALANCE OF EXPENDITURES BUDGET REMAINING ‐ 121,608.00 ‐ 8,000.00 10,606.24 (10,606.24) 416.30 (416.30) 1,146.50 24,973.50 221.56 45,178.44 ‐ 9,800.00 866.13 (866.13) ‐ 32,220.00 18,831.13 (18,831.13) ‐ 14,100.00 ‐ 29,160.00 18.81 (18.81) 12,739.73 (2,039.73) ‐ 9,800.00 ‐ 4,960.00 ‐ 49,880.00 1,898.49 (1,898.49) 25,474.46 154,525.54 ‐ 150,250.00 148.21 49,901.79 ‐ 10,060.00 209.08 (209.08) 81.96 19,918.04 ‐ 75,070.00 ‐ 49,570.00 10,573.29 140,326.71 4,370.37 26,929.63 357.87 (357.87) 2,610.86 31,919.14 ‐ 43,750.00 168.56 (168.56) 637.84 28,222.16 30,883.91 124,626.09 6,701.33 (6,701.33) 4,995.96 94,054.04 125.02 (125.02) 5,893.43 (5,893.43) 139,977.04 $1,300,670.96 $579,960.03 $4,264,489.97

% OF BUDGET EXPENDED 0.00% 0.00% ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ 4.39% 0.49% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 0.00% ‐‐‐ 0.00% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 119.06% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 14.15% 0.00% 0.30% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 0.41% 0.00% 0.00% 7.01% 13.96% ‐‐‐ 7.56% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 2.21% 19.86% ‐‐‐ 5.04% ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ 9.72% 11.97%

Page 4 of 7

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHE DISTRICT JOB COST DETAIL FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ‐ FEBRUARY 29, 2020

JOB COST #/NAME 20702 ‐ Como Lake BMP Engineering 19703 ‐ Como Lake In‐Lake Management 16705 ‐ TWP Como BMP McMurray 19706 ‐ Como Lake Alum Treatment 16720 ‐ Willow Reserve Restoration Project 16752 ‐ TWP ‐ McCarrons BMP ‐ Parkview 19790 ‐ Loeb Lake Shoreline Restoration 16815 ‐ TBI Repairs ‐ St. 0+00 ‐ 28+49 20820 ‐ TBI Repair ‐ Station 28+65 ‐ 50+72 19850 ‐ Land Conservation Funding 16881 ‐ Green Line Redevelopment BMP's 16886 ‐ Lauderdale Subwatershed Stormwater Improvement Project 19890 ‐ Midway Peace Park 20891 ‐ Ford Site 20892 ‐ Science Museum of Minnesota 19910 ‐ Special Grants 20913 ‐ Project Initiatives 16917 ‐ Swede Hollow Construction 16920 ‐ TWP Grant Administration 19925 ‐ Springboard for the Arts Headquarters 17929 ‐ Wilder Square Condo 16950 ‐ New Office Facility TOTAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: 14960 ‐ Debt & Loan Service TOTAL DEBT SERVICES:

2020 ANNUAL BUDGET 149,840.00 357,550.00 940,220.00 ‐ ‐ 755,540.00 13,540.00 ‐ 566,250.00 30,000.00 0.00 500,250.00 20,000.00 749,600.00 74,800.00 402,900.00 1,270,000.00 ‐ 4,800.00 ‐ ‐ 50,000.00 $5,885,290.00 1,057,243.00 $1,057,243.00

CURRENT MONTH EXPENDITURES ‐ 886.20 2,462.64 4,604.13 1,073.29 1,783.67 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 678.54 14,335.52 678.71 ‐ ‐ 541.03 ‐ 40.57 88.97 42.34 84.68 3,358.65 $30,658.94 ‐ ‐

TOTAL ALL FUNDS:

$11,786,983.00

$308,617.85

YEAR‐TO‐DATE BALANCE OF EXPENDITURES BUDGET REMAINING ‐ 149,840.00 1,412.39 356,137.61 3,335.78 936,884.22 4,687.21 (4,687.21) 2,263.66 (2,263.66) 3,607.68 751,932.32 ‐ 13,540.00 59.45 (59.45) ‐ 566,250.00 ‐ 30,000.00 678.54 (678.54) 26,736.96 473,513.04 1,304.73 18,695.27 ‐ 749,600.00 ‐ 74,800.00 6,332.25 396,567.75 ‐ 1,270,000.00 40.57 (40.57) 616.25 4,183.75 42.34 (42.34) 84.68 (84.68) 3,501.08 46,498.92 $54,703.57 $5,830,586.43 776,721.88 280,521.12 $776,721.88 $280,521.12 $1,411,385.48

$10,375,597.52

% OF BUDGET EXPENDED 0.00% 0.40% 0.35% ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ 0.48% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 0.00% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 5.34% 6.52% 0.00% 0.00% 1.57% 0.00% ‐‐‐ 12.84% ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ 7.00% 0.93% 73.47% 73.47% 11.97%

Page 5 of 7

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT PERMITS FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ‐ FEBRUARY 29, 2020 PERMIT NUMBER 9017 10009 11008 11014 11017 12017 12023 14025 14029 16012 16019 16021 16024 16025 16028 16032 16033 17002 17003 17008 17014 17015 17018 17022 17023 17024 18004 18007 18008 18009 18011 18013 18014 18016 18017 18018 18020 18023 19004

PERMIT NAME Knapp‐Raymond Como Park HS Total Tool Supply AGAPE School Hmongtown Market Cayuga Ford Site Demo E. 7th Mississippi Market St. Agnes School St. Paul Police Facility Roselawn Cemetary 2300 Territorial Apartments Hmong Academy Expansion Snelling Midway Adams School SPJCC Addition AET Campus Expansion Highland Park Elementary Como Park Sr. High School SPA Expansion Residence Inn Grand Avenue Wheelock Dale Victoria Exchange Street Apartments Regions Birth Center Weyerhaeuser Apts.

St. Catherine Library Lot Como Paving 2018 Woodlawn Jefferson Vomela Beacon Bluff Seal Island at Como Zoo Hendrickson Apartments Beacon Bluff Opus Morning Star O'Gara's Mixed Use Cathedral Hill Payne Building Development Albion Senior Community Roseville Aldi Wheelock 4, Western to Rice

PERMITTING BUDGET ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

CURRENT MONTH EXPENDITURES

YEAR‐TO‐DATE EXPENDITURES

330.00 234.80 724.70 956.60 64.80 75.60 6,224.04 226.80 59.40 190.20 ‐ 27.32 48.00 ‐ 75.60 ‐ 75.60 27.32 57.14 ‐ 425.90 144.60 646.50 284.63 284.63 ‐ ‐ 318.49 13.66 284.63 81.96 ‐ 284.63 68.30 54.64 ‐ 81.95 423.12 ‐

330.00 234.80 761.75 956.60 64.80 75.60 7,176.21 226.80 59.40 190.20 52.73 256.82 506.50 314.00 75.60 229.50 75.60 27.32 95.23 229.50 425.90 144.60 646.50 569.26 556.96 229.50 229.50 332.15 13.66 556.96 160.86 241.50 556.96 129.77 107.37 39.55 136.59 554.90 65.91

BALANCE OF PERMIT BUDGET REMAINING

% OF PERMIT BUDGET EXPENDED

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

Page 6 of 7

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT PERMITS FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 2020 ‐ FEBRUARY 29, 2020 PERMIT NUMBER 19006 19009 19010 19011 19012 19013 19015 19017 19020 19023 19024 19026 19028 19029 19030 20001 20002 20003

20000

PERMIT NAME McCarrons Hill St. Thomas Iverson Center Raymond Station Summit Avenue Bridge Reconstruction UST 2nd Year Housing St. Paul Gateway Mixed Use Waterford Bay Urban Academy Addition Harambee Elementary School Audit AgroPur 2019 Lexington Parkway Realingment Tumble Fresh Coin Operated Laundry Hidden Falls Flood Clean Up Como Avenue Trail Project Five Star Storage Dickerman Park Site Improvements Tedesco St. Paving Project SPPS Service Facility Addition

Sub‐Total: Permits General Permitting TOTAL PERMITS:

PERMITTING BUDGET ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 191,540.00

CURRENT MONTH EXPENDITURES 398.25 95.22 68.30 136.60 57.14 122.87 143.43 54.64 68.30 40.98 1,232.19 1,053.75 54.64 ‐ ‐ ‐ 38.09 1,114.40

YEAR‐TO‐DATE EXPENDITURES

398.25 226.48 148.35 136.60 151.33 149.22 225.39 109.28 143.43 102.45 1,232.19 1,053.75 180.19 584.10 504.83 857.30 640.79 1,114.40

17,474.36 25,595.69 9,796.06 30,196.88 27,270.42 55,792.57

BALANCE OF PERMIT BUDGET REMAINING

% OF PERMIT BUDGET EXPENDED

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

‐ ‐ $135,747.43

‐ ‐ 29.13%

Page 7 of 7

March 19, 2020 Board Meeting V. Action Items - D) Updated Safety Program (Eleria)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

March 12, 2020 CRWD Board of Managers Anna Eleria, Division Manager Adopt Updated Safety Program

Background CRWD has a comprehensive safety program to maintain safe conditions in the workplace, minimize the frequency and severity of hazards, and prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries. Every five years, CRWD conducts an audit of its safety program to evaluate the written and observed safety practices and procedures and determine updates and changes to the program to maintain compliance with federal and state OSHA standards and adoption of best practices.

Issues In late spring 2019, CRWD hired ATC Group Services, a local environmental health and safety company, to conduct an audit of CRWD’s safety measures, practices and procedures in the new office and in the field. In addition, ATC reviewed the safety program manual which was last updated in 2014.

ATC made a handful of recommendations for our office, shop and garage spaces, field operations, and safety program manual. CRWD staff have addressed ATC recommendations in the workplace and the safety program manual. Enclosed are the safety program audit report and the updated safety program manual. Staff will highlight the updates to the safety program and seek Board comment and adoption of the updated program at the March 19th meeting.

Action Requested Adopt the updated CRWD Safety Program Enc.

CRWD Safety Program Audit Report w/o Appendices dated June 14, 2019 (electronic only) Draft CRWD Safety Program Manual version 4.0 w/o Appendices (electronic only)

W:\07 Programs\Safety Program\Board Memos\BM Updated Safety Program 03-19-2020 .docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

CRWD Safety Program Manual

Version 4.0 Capitol Region Watershed District Saint Paul, MN March 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0

Background 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

2.0

Fire Severe Weather Violence in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Emergency Medical Emergency

8 9 9 10 10

Responsibilities Best Practices and Good Housekeeping Hazardous Substances Security Tools and Equipment

11 11 12 13 13

Motor Vehicle Safety 5.1 5.2 5.3

6.0

4 4 5 5 7

Office and Shop Safety 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

5.0

Hepatitis B Vaccination First Aid/CPR/AED Medical Attention Reporting and Compensation Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomics

Other Hazards 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

4.0

1 2 3 3

Accidents/Incidents 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

3.0

Employee Right to Know/Hazard Communication Safety Program Responsibilities Safety Training Safety Meetings

Driver’s License Requirements Use of District Vehicles Vehicle Accident Reporting

16 16 17

Field Safety 6.1 6.2 6.3

General Field Safety Stormwater Monitoring Lake, Pond and River Monitoring

17 18 19

6.4 6.5 6.6 7.0

Roadway Work Construction Sites Work Within or Adjacent to BNSF ROW

20 21 22

General Safety Rules 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11

Barricades Confined Space Entry Electrical Work Emergency Equipment Fall Protection Lockout Tagout Personal Hygiene Walking & Working Surfaces Contractors Wildlife Encounters Poisonous Plants

22 22 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26

Employee Guidelines for Safety Training

28

CRWD Emergency Meeting Location & Office Plan

29

TABLE Table 1 FIGURES Figure 1

APPENDICES Appendix A1 Appendix A2 Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G1 Appendix G2 Appendix G3 Appendix H1 Appendix H2 Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K

Employee Right to Know/Hazard Communication Program Exposure Control Plan Important Phone Numbers and List of Hospitals and Clinics Hepatitis B Form CRWD Accident/Incident Report Form Worker’s Compensation First Report of Injury Form Weather Related Stress Confined Space Entry Program Confined Space Entry Monitoring Program SOP Confined Space Entry Permit Fall Protection Program Plan Retractable Lifeline Routine Test SOP Emergency Action Plan for CRWD-Owned/Operated Infrastructure Lockout-Tagout SOP Safety Equipment Inspection, Maintenance, and Recertification

30 37 44 46 48 50 53 57 73 82 85 96 99 134 137

1.0

BACKGROUND

The nature of some of the work and operations at the Capitol Region Watershed District (District) involves entry into storm sewers, work in roadways, inspection of construction sites, and operation of hand and power tools. The District strives for the highest safety standards for its employees through a comprehensive safety program. The purpose of the program manual is to outline the policies, procedures, and operations in the office, shop, garage, field, and confined spaces that shall assist in maintaining safe conditions in the workplace, minimize the frequency and severity of hazards for its employees, and prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.

On a five-year cycle, the District’s Safety Program is audited by an outside consultant to evaluate the written and observed procedures of the safety program, maintain compliance with federal and Minnesota OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards and other guideline setting bodies, and make recommendations for meeting standards and/or best practices. The last safety program audit was conducted in spring 2019 and changes have been made to the program to reflect the audit recommendations and be fully compliant with OSHA requirements and follow best practices for safety and health. The Safety Program Manual has been subsequently updated to reflect program changes. The next audit is anticipated for 2024 1.1

Employee Right-to-Know/Hazard Communication Program

Note: See Appendix A1 and Appendix A2 for further details.

The District complies with the Minnesota OSHA Employee Right-to-Know standard by providing employees with training and information on the hazardous materials, harmful physical agents, and infectious agents they are exposed to on the job. The program is outlined in the District’s Employee Right-to-Know (ERTK)/Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program Manual (Appendix A1). The manual lists the hazardous chemicals used in the District and includes Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for these chemicals. CRWD maintains that chemical containers are properly labeled. The District has also compiled reference materials on harmful physical agents employees may be exposed to, including but not limited to, heat, cold, and noise. Information on infectious agents and bloodborne pathogens is provided in the District Infectious Agents Exposure Control Plan, which is a component of the ERTK/HazCom Manual.

The ERTK/HazCom program applies to all District employees as they may be exposed to hazardous substances, harmful physical agents, or infectious agents under normal working conditions or during an emergency situation. Employees are informed of the Employee Right-toKnow/Hazard Communication standard, the hazardous properties of the chemicals they work with, and safe handling procedures and measures to take to protect themselves from these chemicals.

Employees are also informed of the hazards associated with non-routine tasks and the hazards associated with chemicals in unlabeled pipes (if any). When District employees are assigned to work on multi-employer worksites, they are to be informed of any hazards created by other employers and their employees working in the same area.

All District employees work with or are potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals, harmful physical agents, or infectious agents and shall receive initial training about the ERTK/HazCom 1

standard and the safe use of those chemicals or agents prior to work assignment. Whenever a new hazard is introduced, additional training will be provided. Refresher training will be performed annually, and brief summaries of information may be included from previous training sessions.

1.2

Safety Program Responsibilities

The District has established the Safety Program Officer role for implementing the District’s health and safety program and assigned it to the division manager position. The Safety Program Officer has the following duties: • • •

• • • • • • •

communicate to all employees the importance of worker safety and health; develop and implement the safety program; review program and make recommendations on improvements to office, shop, and field procedures, equipment, and personal protective equipment and review any recommendations from the District employees and an outside health and safety compliance officer; incorporate appropriate revisions to the program; discuss any safety issues and address safety concerns raised by staff; identify and analyze hazards in the workplace; review all accident/incident reports with affected employee and Administrator; conduct annual confined space entry, first aid, CPR, and other safety-related trainings; establish a staff safety program committee and hold regular meetings; and perform audit of program with outside consultant every five years.

The Safety Program Officer reports to the District’s Administrator who: • • •

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implements the safety program to meet OSHA requirements and carried out as defined in the District Safety Program Manual; communicates to all employees the importance of worker safety and health; reviews program and make recommendations on improvements to office, shop, and field procedures, equipment, and personal protective equipment and review any recommendations from the District employees and a health and safety compliance officer; and allocates resources for the safety program.

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining a safe workplace. All employees have the following duties: • • • • •

awareness of the safety rules and compliance with them; proper use of required safety devices and personal protective equipment; report accidents and injuries to safety officer and supervisor immediately; discuss any safety and health hazards and make recommendations on improvements to program; participate in safety-related trainings and audits; and 2

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administer first aid/CPR/AED to other staff members.

The District has established a safety program committee that is comprised of a minimum of three staff members: the Safety Program Officer, the Office Manager, and the Monitoring Coordinator.

The purpose of the safety program committee is to discuss safety related policies, practices, training and issues as they arise and make program recommendations to the Administrator and/or Board of Managers. Meetings will be held periodically as the need arises. Each committee member is responsible for carrying out changes or updates to safety-related activities, materials, equipment, etc. in their program area.

1.3

Safety Training

The District provides its employees with the proper training necessary to perform their jobs without placing themselves or others at risk of injury. All employees shall receive a copy of this District Safety Program Manual and initial, comprehensive training on office safety, ERTK/HazCom program, fire extinguisher use, first aid/CPR/AED, bloodborne pathogen protection, and defensive driving. In addition, employees shall receive work program specific training, which may include confined space entry, personal protective equipment (PPE), fall protection, lockout/tagout, and railroad contractor safety orientation. On an annual basis, employees shall receive refresher training courses to remind employees of safe practices and procedures and any changes to the training course. Table 1 indicates the mandatory and discretionary training courses for different District job classifications. This table will be modified as needed based on the input of the employee and the Administrator. Employees are required to attend the mandatory training courses for their job classification and implement the knowledge and skills received from the training to their respective work assignments. The Safety Program Officer will record training courses taken by District employees and maintain this record on the District fileserver.

1.4

Safety Meetings

Safety meetings are an important component of the overall safety program and will be held as part of the periodic staff meetings since all employees are involved in carrying out the safety program.

The purpose of the safety meetings is to discuss updates to the safety program, recent safety issues and recommended changes for addressing the issues, introduce and review new safety procedures, and present safety-related topics. The safety meetings will provide staff the opportunity to discuss ideas and exchange information on safety that may be applicable to other employees.

2.0

ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS

One of the primary goals of the District’s Safety Program is to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring while on the job. However, despite the establishment and implementation of procedures and operations that minimizes dangers and unsafe conditions, accidents or injuries may still occur in the office or in the field. The District offers information and training to staff on first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED). Every employee is expected to apply all reasonable care and assistance to injured fellow employees.

Information about hepatitis B vaccination, first aid/CPR/AED, receiving medical attention, 3

accident reporting, and compensation for injuries incurred while performing a work-related duty are provided below. Appendix B lists emergency phone numbers including poison control center and nearby hospitals and clinics.

2.1

Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a pathogenic microorganism that can cause potentially life-threatening disease in humans. HBV infection is transmitted through exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), as defined in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. District employees may come in contact with blood or OPIM during application of first aid to a fellow employee, work in the field, or cleanup of blood or OPIM. Any employee who has reasonably anticipated contact with blood or OPIM during performance of their job is considered to have occupational exposure and to be at risk of being infected.

The District has developed an exposure control plan and implemented use of universal precautions and control measures to protect all employees from occupational exposure. The exposure control plan is located in Appendix A2. One of the universal precautions is a hepatitis B vaccination, which is available, free of cost to all District employees. Staff may elect to not receive a hepatitis B vaccination from the District for the following reasons: previously received the vaccine series, antibody testing has revealed that the employee is immune, the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons, or contrary to personal or religious beliefs. A Hepatitis B form must be completed and signed by each employee (Appendix C). More information about the Hepatitis B vaccine is available from OSHA https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_BloodborneFacts/bbfact05.pdf.

2.2

First Aid/CPR/AED

First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. First aid kits are located in the District lobby, pantry, and shop area. First aid kits are inspected periodically by the District’s Safety Program Officer or Office Manager. See Figure 1 for the exact locations of the first aid kits in the District office.

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency lifesaving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This may happen after an electric shock, heart attack, or drowning. CPR comprises chest compressions to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing until the heartbeat and breathing can be restored and, in some instances, rescue breathing to provide oxygen to the lungs.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm. If needed, it can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). See Figure 1 for the location of the AED in the District’s lobby area.

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The District offers initial training and refresher training on first aid, CPR and use of AEDs to all employees and it is expected that every employee will apply first aid, CPR, or an AED to injured fellow employees. If the accident requires professional medical attention, 911 must be called immediately. If multiple employees are helping assist with the injured employee, one should call 911 while the other begins administering first aid, CPR, or an AED. If only one uninjured employee(s) is available to assist, they must call 911 prior to administering first aid, CPR or an AED. See instructions below for seeking medical attention.

2.3

Medical Attention

When an accident has occurred and professional medical treatment is immediately necessary, 911 must be called by the employee or a co-worker. Emergencies must always be handled by trained professionals.

If an injured employee needs medical care but it does not require medical professionals to provide care at or transportation from the site of the injury, the employee should seek medical care at the nearest or their preferred hospital or health clinic.

2.4

Reporting and Compensation

All injuries, even those of a seemingly minor nature like a scratched finger or a bumped knee, must be officially reported. The injured employee must immediately notify their supervisor, the Administrator and the Safety Program Officer of the incident. The incident shall be reported in writing on the following forms: 1) District’s Accident Report/Incident Report (Appendix D) and 2) Worker’s Compensation First Report of Injury (Appendix E). The District’s accident report form must be completed for all accidents and injuries whether or not medical attention is needed.

If medical attention is required and/or the affected employee misses work because of the incident, the First Report of Injury form must also be completed and submitted. If the accident occurs while driving the District vehicle, the vehicle accident report form found in the glove compartment box of each CRWD vehicle must be completed and submitted. See below for details on accident reporting.

CRWD’s Accident Report Form All accidents and injuries, including minor ones, must be documented on the District’s accident report form as soon as possible. If the injured employee is unable to complete the form in a timely manner, a witness to the accident must fill out the form. Details about the accident or incident including date/time, location, description and cause of accident, nature of injury, and recommended corrective actions to prevent future similar accidents must be provided on the form.

Upon completion of the form, the Safety Program Officer will review it and make recommendations on additions and/or changes to the form. Any additions or changes shall be reviewed and approved by the injured employee. Upon acceptance of the completed form by both the affected employee and the Safety Program Officer, the form will be signed and forwarded to the Administrator for their review. The Safety Program Officer and Administrator are responsible for implementing corrective actions to the safety program and assuring that future similar accidents are prevented or minimized.

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Worker’s Compensation First Report of Injury Workers' Compensation as its name implies, provides compensation, both medical and monetary, for any employee who sustains an injury in the performance of duty. Under the law, an injured employee is entitled to immediate first aid and complete medical care. The only recourse an employee has for medical or monetary compensation in a work-related incident is Worker's Compensation.

What to Report Workers' Compensation procedures suggest that all injuries, even those of a seemingly minor nature like a scratched finger or a bumped knee, should be officially reported. Sometimes the socalled minor injury develops into a serious, complicated condition. Any work-related injury which requires a physician's attention and/or caused absence from work must be officially reported by submitting the First Report of Injury form.

Report Immediately In the event of an on-the-job accident, the injured party should obtain first aid as needed and notify the Administrator of the incident as soon as practicable, the Administrator will notify League of Minnesota Insurance Trust if the incident results in lost time or requires medical treatment as soon as possible.

Forms Notice of an accident must be sent to League of Minnesota Insurance Trust. The Administrator will review forms of the injured employee for proper completion and prompt submittal to League of Minnesota Insurance Trust.

Doctor’s Release If an employee loses time from work (other than for immediate medical attention) as a result of an on-the-job accident, a written doctor's release is required before this person is allowed to return to work. The release must indicate any work limitations imposed on the individual as a result of the injury (e.g. restrictions against lifting in a back-injury case). If the employee's return is on a restricted basis, a written schedule of duties and hours, if appreciably altered, must be prepared by the immediate supervisor and signed by both the employee and the immediate supervisor. Upon receiving the written release along with the statement of restricted duties, if necessary, it must then be forwarded to League of Minnesota Insurance Trust. If, upon returning to work, the injured employee requires further medical attention as a result of the original on-the-job accident, the employee must notify the Administrator and obtain authorization for this additional treatment from League of Minnesota Insurance Trust.

OSHA Recordkeeping of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Under the OSHA Recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR 1904), covered employers are required to prepare and maintain records of serious occupational injuries and illnesses, using the OSHA 300 Log and OSHA 300A Summary Form. This information is important for employers, workers and OSHA in evaluating the safety of a workplace, understanding industry hazards, and implementing worker protections to reduce and eliminate hazards. The Log is used to classify work-related injuries and illnesses and to note the extent and severity of each case. The summary form shows 6

the totals for each year in each category. At the end of the year, the Summary Form must be posted from February 1st to April 30th in a visible location so that employees are aware of the injuries and illnesses occurring in their workplace. An injury or illness is considered work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment caused or contributed to the condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing condition. Work-related injuries that result in death, loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work activity or job transfer, or medical treatment beyond first aid must be recorded. See the OSHA regulation for other criteria on which workrelated injuries and illnesses to record.

2.5

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal disorders affect the muscles, nerves and tendons (including those of the neck, upper extremities and low back) and if left untreated, it could lead to injury and illness. The District employees are exposed to several risk factors in the office or field, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented.

Ergonomics is the scientific study of people at work. The goal of ergonomics is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. This is accomplished by designing tasks, workspaces, controls, displays, tools, lighting, and equipment to fit the employee´s physical capabilities and limitations.

The District has established an ergonomic program to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The ergonomic program involves: • • • •

3.0

annual training to make employees aware of ergonomics and its benefits, become informed about ergonomics related concerns in the workplace, and understand the importance of reporting early symptoms of the disorders; identification and assessment of problems early before they result in disorders; implementation of solutions to reduce, control or eliminate disorders; and evaluation of progress to assess the effectiveness of the ergonomic solutions and implement corrective actions if necessary.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Note: Emergency phone numbers and a list of hospitals and clinics is provided in Appendix B. Please see Emergency Action Plan for CRWD-Owned/Operated Infrastructure in Appendix I for further details.

An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written document required by OSHA standards [29 CFR 1910.38(a)]. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. Examples of workplace emergencies that warrant an evacuation may include, but are not limited to: fire, explosion, chemical spill or toxic material release, civil disturbance and workplace violence.

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In the event of an emergency such as a fire, explosion or toxic material release, all employees and visitors may be required to evacuate the building. Figure 1 identifies the egress and access locations in the District office. In the case of minor fire, any employee may use an extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire before evacuating the office if they have been trained and can do so safely.

Employees are notified of the emergency by verbal announcement, intercom system announcement, or mobile CrisisGo app made by the Administrator, Safety Program Officer or other employee. Employees shall evacuate the building by means of the nearest available marked exit and meet in the sidewalk area just west of the west parking lot (Figure 1). The Administrator or Safety Program Officer is responsible for checking the office before being the last person to exit the office and helping employees and visitors move from danger to safe area. They shall be responsible for taking a head count of all employees and visitors who were present in the building prior to the emergency. First aid or other medical service must be provided to injured employees once they have been evacuated from the building.

Reporting of the emergency by dialing 911 shall be made by an employee who has safely evacuated building and is located in a safe area. Notification of those employees not in the office during the time of emergency shall be made by employee after 911 call has been made.

3.1

Fire

Within District’s work areas of the office, shop, vehicles and field, there are potential fire hazards.

Examples of fire hazards include paper, plastic, electrical, flammable, and combustible liquids.

Good housekeeping practices for preventing fires include: • • • •

discarding paper and plastic waste on a weekly basis; quarterly inspections of outlets and multiple outlet strips; storage of flammable/combustible liquids in approved flammable storage cabinet; and quarterly inspections of appliances and tools.

Other safe work practices include: • • • •

Flammable and combustible items, including data sheets, books, rags, clothing, flammable liquids, or trash, shall not be placed or stored near heaters or their vents, any electrical appliance or other potential sources of ignition.

Sources of actual or potential heat, such as portable heaters, hot plates, or electrical coffee pots, shall not be placed near flammable or combustible materials.

Care must be taken not to block potential escape routes, particularly with flammable or combustible materials.

Each staff member is responsible for assuring that extension cords and multiple plugs are in good condition. Cords that are missing the grounding prong, are spliced together, or that are missing their protective sheath shall not be used.

The District’s office and shop areas have building sprinkler system and fire alarm system that is monitored and inspected on an annual basis by the District’s Facility Manager. In addition, fire extinguishers have been installed in six locations in the office, shop, and garage areas. Please see Figure 1 for exact locations. The fire extinguishers are multi-purpose extinguishers (Class A, B, 8

and C) that contain a dry chemical extinguishing agent propelled by a non-flammable, compressed gas. Class A covers ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, office garbage, etc., Class B covers flammable liquids like gasoline, grease, oil, etc., and Class C covers fires that are started or fed with electricity like fires in electrical panels or in case of an electrical short in wiring. There are also small multi-purpose extinguishers placed in each District vehicle. The extinguishers are visually inspected monthly by the District’s Facility Manager. The office and shop extinguishers are serviced on a yearly basis by Simplex Grinnell located in Plymouth, MN. District staff are trained annually on use of fire extinguishers. Trained staff members may attempt to extinguish incipient fires with fire extinguishers after other employees are alerted of the fire.

The Emergency Action Plan below provides instructions on evacuating the building for fire-related reasons or other workplace emergencies.

3.2

Severe Weather

The National Weather Service issues various types of weather warnings via tv, radio, and Internet alerts to warn the public of weather-related danger. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are the most common types of severe weather warnings in the District. These warnings are normally issued by geographic county and sometimes at the city level. The storms may develop or change quickly with little or no warning. The District is located within Ramsey County boundaries and primarily within City of Saint Paul. The District’s MRM Division monitors the National Weather Service radio for weather warnings. When a warning is sounded for the area, staff will check local radio, news stations or online services to obtain more detailed information on the storm warning.

Based on that information, they will activate the appropriate message(s) to the entire office.

Severe Weather Warning Actions: Staff conducting outdoor activities must be prepared to move indoors or immediately move indoors if threatening weather is in the immediate area. Staff in the office or shop must move to office areas providing the most cover, including the restrooms, wellness room, or locker rooms (Figure 1).

Tornado Warning Actions: Immediately move indoors to shelter. In the office, move to areas providing the most cover, including the restrooms, wellness room, or locker rooms (Figure 1).

Stay as far away from heavy items such as bookcases that may fall. Close all doors to the hallway for greater protection. If possible, get under something sturdy like a heavy table. Protect yourself from flying debris with heavy coats, blankets, or tarps. Use hard hats to protect your head. If outdoors, find shelter in a ditch or remain in your vehicle with seat belt on and cover your head for protection. Do not take shelter under a highway overpass, where wind speeds can increase due to a tunneling effect.

3.3

Violence in the Workplace

All District employees will be treated with dignity and respect. Acts of violence will not be tolerated. Violence includes verbal threats of violence as well as intimidation or use of physical means to intimidate. This includes outbursts of anger, loss of temper, or throwing/pushing objects.

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Any instances of violence must be reported immediately to the District Administrator. All complaints will be fully investigated. The District will promptly respond to any incident or suggestion of violence. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge.

All employees who seek or are the subject of a protective or restraining order which lists District premises as being protected areas must provide the District Administrator with a copy of the petition and declarations used to seek the order, a copy of any temporary order which is granted, and a copy of any order which is made permanent. This policy on Workplace Violence is also outlined in the District Personnel Policy Manual.

3.4

Hazardous Materials Emergency

The Safety Program Officer maintains emergency equipment, spill supplies, and personal protection for safe cleanup and disposal of minor leaks and spills. The Safety Program Officer will guide the clean-up of minor spills following precautions and procedures found in the applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

In case of a minor leak or spill, employees are to notify the Safety Program Officer for assistance. The Safety Program Officer will determine whether the spill can be safely cleaned up by staff with available supplies, equipment, and training. Following cleanup, the Safety Program Officer oversees proper management of the wastes from the spill and reports spill to appropriate authorities if the spill impacts the environment.

In case of a major chemical leak or spill of (for example, an amount greater than the contents of 1 quart-sized container), employees are to: • •

Evacuate the area, and restrict access to the area.

Notify the District Administrator and the Safety Program Officer to evaluate need for building evacuation. The Safety Program Officer will communicate with 911 Emergency Responders (if needed).

If you can do so safely, take immediate action to prevent spills from entering storm drains.

3.5

Medical Emergency

The Safety Program Officer maintains first aid kits, emergency eye wash, and an automated electronic defibrillator (AED) for emergency use. First aid kits are also available in vehicles.

In case of a medical emergency, you have the authority and duty to call 911 Emergency Responders. A certified first aid provider will render first aid until they arrive.

When possible, call your manager/supervisor or the Safety Program Officer before going to the clinic or doctor.

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4.0

OFFICE and SHOP SAFETY

4.1

Responsibility •

Employees shall follow safe office procedures as outlined in the CRWD Safety Program Manual.

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Employees will immediately report any unsafe conditions or defective equipment to their supervisors.

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No one shall use equipment for other than its intended purpose. Improper use may result in accident, injuries, or maintenance problems.

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If any injury should occur, employees will notify their supervisor immediately, and in no case later than the end of their work shift on the day of the accident. Accidents or other incidents must be recorded on accident/incident report form(s) (See Section 2.4).

4.2

Good Housekeeping and Best Practices •

Good housekeeping is a sign of good workmanship and provides safe working conditions.

Good housekeeping will prevent accidents caused by tripping, stumbling, slipping, stepping on, or bumping into equipment, materials, or other objects.

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Water, oil, or other liquids or excessive dust, dirt, or any other debris spilled on floors represents a serious hazard and shall be cleaned up immediately upon observation.

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Broken glass, sharp objects, and pressurized containers require special handling and disposal. They shall not be put in wastebaskets. Broken glass and sharp objects shall be placed in a separate plastic bag, tied up, and immediately placed in the outdoor trash container. Once emptied, pressurized calibration gas cylinders should be de-valved and recycled.

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Offices shall be arranged to allow ample passageways with no exposed cords or outlets, and furniture or fixtures should not be placed near entryways or around corners.

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Paper cutters shall have a guard and shall be kept in the locked down position when not in use.

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Desk or file drawers should not be left open.

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Adequate care should be used in opening file cabinet drawers. More than one drawer should not be opened at a time.

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Avoid stringing cords for electrical equipment across walkways or aisles where people may trip over them. If unavoidable, eliminate tripping hazards by rearranging furniture and covering cords.

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Cords for electrical equipment shall be inspected periodically and replaced if frayed or if they show broken insulation.

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Extension cords may be used for temporary purposes only and should not replace permanent wiring.

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Power strips (moveable power taps) are allowed for use indoors, provided that the individual power strips are plugged directly into an outlet, are of the polarized or grounded type, are equipment with overcurrent protection, and are listed.

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The refrigerators in the shop area should be used for storage of laboratory samples only.

Storage of food is prohibited in the shop refrigerator.

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Employees should use proper lifting techniques when moving boxes, office machines, or any objects from one part of the office to another location.

4.3

Hazardous Substances •

There are a number of hazardous substances used by the District including denatured alcohol, insecticides, pesticides, fuel stabilizer, gasoline, industrial grade cleaners, monitoring equipment standards, etc. The District’s Employee Right-to-Know/Hazard Communication Program Plan (Appendix A1) has a complete inventory of hazardous substances used by District employees.

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Employees handling flammable liquids, chemicals, or other hazardous substances are to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and to comply with safety instructions on the containers. PPE may include googles or other safety eyeglasses, gloves, and/or disposable dust masks.

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Flammable or combustible liquids should be stored in the flammable cabinet located in the Shop. Liquids less than 5 gallons (i.e., gasoline) may be stored in approved safety cans that have flash arresting screen, spring closing lid, and spout cover.

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Chemicals and materials with toxic fumes are to be used only in well-ventilated areas.

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The safety data sheets (SDS) for the hazardous substances used by the District are kept in the shop and are available electronically on the District’s file server. The SDSs outline the procedures for handling or working with hazardous substances.

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Hazardous waste including aqueous solutions of denatured alcohol must be managed properly and placed in designated hazardous waste containers that are closed and labeled.

Labeling should include a clear description of waste and accumulation start date. Disposal of hazardous waste must follow State and County guidelines.

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4.4

Security •

Offices must be locked whenever the last employee leaves, even if he/she will be gone only a few minutes. See the District’s Office and Administrative Procedures Manual for office locking procedures.

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Purses, wallets, and other valuables should be kept in a secure container such as a locked desk or filing cabinet.

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Employees should avoid working alone at night. All outside doors must be kept locked if working alone at night.

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If an employee is entrusted with a key card to the office, the key should never be loaned to anyone. The District’s Office Manager keeps track of who receives an office key card.

Any lost key card should be reported to the Office Manager immediately.

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The District’s Office and Administrative Procedures and Personnel Policy Manuals have additional information pertaining to office security.

4.5

Tools and Equipment

Hand Tools • Experience shows that many accidents are caused by the employees' improper use of tools and by the use of defective tools and equipment. Employees shall use only tools and equipment that are in good condition. Tools shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed.

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It shall be the responsibility of each employee to make frequent inspections of tools and other equipment used to maintain tools and equipment in good physical condition.

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Tools and equipment with the following common defects must be eliminated to prevent accidents: o handles which are cracked, split, broken or loose, in hammers, shovels, sledges, axes, etc; o mushroom heads on chisels, impact drill, etc; o wrenches that fit poorly, open-end wrenches, and adjustable wrenches with spread jaws, or pipe wrenches that do not hold; or o rubber protective devices having cracked, cut, or otherwise defective rubber.

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Defective tools shall either be recycled or disposed of properly. No employee is allowed to take the defective tools home for their personal use.

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When not in use, sharp-edged tools shall be protected or stored in such a manner as to prevent injury to employees at all times.

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When using hand tools, an employee shall place himself/herself in such a position that injury will be avoided if the tool slips.

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A machinist's (ball peen) hammer shall not be used to drive nails; a carpenter's (claw) hammer will be used.

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Pipe wrench jaws must be clean before being used.

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Shims must never be used to make a wrench fit.

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Worn or dull jaws on pipe wrenches must be replaced before being used.

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All files, rasps, and other hand tools that have a sharp tang must be equipped with approved handles.

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Tools not in use must be placed where they will not create a tripping or stumbling hazards, even during construction or overhaul periods.

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Shovels, picks, or digging bars shall be stored in a manner not to create stumbling hazards.

They must be cleaned of accumulated clay, mud, etc., before storing.

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Cutting and digging tools are safest to use when they are kept sharp and in good condition.

They must be stored so they will not be a hazard to a person accidentally coming in contact with them.

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Wheelbarrows must be maintained in good working condition with adequately inflated the tires. Use caution and a small amount of pressurized air to fill tires. Inflating the small wheelbarrow tires requires much less air than vehicle tires.

Handling of Pointed Tools • Pointed tools must never be carried edge or point up in a worker's pocket. They must be carried in a toolbox, carrying belt, pouch, or in the hand, points and cutting edges away from the body.

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Tools must be handed from one worker to another, never thrown. Edged or pointed tools must be passed with the handle toward the receiver.

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For confined entry work, tools must be secured and lowered or removed from the space only when requested by the attendant.

Power Tools • Wear eye protection at all times.

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Only use the power tool for designated uses.

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Check cords for damage.

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Must use extension cords that have proper gauge and rating.

Ladders • Employees should not stand on boxes, chairs, or other makeshift platforms to reach objects overhead. A ladder or stool designed for the purpose must be used.

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Ladders must be visually inspected prior to use on each work shift and inspected annually for defects using a ladder inspection form. Any defective ladder should be removed from use immediately and disposed of properly.

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Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces must be secured and stabilized.

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Ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface must extend 3 feet above the point of contact.

•

Portable ladders must have nonconductive side rails if used by employees working where they might contact exposed energized circuit parts. See additional requirements for work near exposed energized circuit parts under OSHA electrical safety standards.

•

Ladders with the following common defects must be eliminated: o o o o o o

broken, loose, or missing rungs; cracked, bent, split, or frayed rails; missing or illegible labels; worn, broken, or missing rubber shoes; cracked loose or missing tops, if applicable; or rust, corrosion, or loose ladder components.

Care of Tools • Tools and equipment must be kept in proper operating condition and used only for the purpose for which they were designed. If proper and safe tools are unavailable, it must be reported to the supervisor.

•

All tools must be inspected at regular intervals, and any tool that develops defects while in use shall be taken away from service, tagged and not used again until restored to proper working condition.

•

Hammers and similar tools must be kept in good condition and must not be used if the handles are loose, cracked, or splintered.

15

•

Wrenches must be kept in good condition. Defective wrenches such as open-end, box-end, socket, and adjustable wrenches with spread jaws, or pipe wrenches with dull teeth, might slip.

Training • Employees who use tools, ladders and other equipment will receive initial and annual training on proper use and safety measures.

5.0

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

5.1

Driver's License Requirements •

5.2

No employee of the District shall be permitted to operate a District vehicle unless he/she possesses a valid driver's license and has been approved by the district insurance company.

If an employee who is required to drive a district vehicle has had driving privileges suspended or license revoked, the employee must report this condition to the Administrator immediately.

Use of District Vehicles

•

The District owns five vehicles.

•

All vehicles will be fueled at Holiday gas stations. Payment should be made using the District gasoline card found in the glove compartment of each vehicle.

•

Midway Ford provides maintenance and repair and picks up vehicles for service. The Midway Ford Service Department phone number is (651) 636-8200.

•

Employees have the responsibility to always operate a District vehicle in conformance with the applicable motor vehicle laws, all local ordinances, and within the guidelines of this section of the District Safety Manual.

•

It is the driver's basic responsibility to check that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before starting each trip. The employee shall check all lights, horn, windshield wipers, and washers, brakes, tires, gas, rearview and side view mirrors, seat belts, and windows for clear visibility. In winter, a windshield scraper will be available.

•

Seat belts and shoulder harnesses shall be worn by the driver and all passengers in District vehicles whenever the vehicle is in motion. Employees who drive their personal vehicles for District business or who are passengers in personal vehicles being used for District business shall also wear seat belts and shoulder harnesses. Its MN State Law.

•

Employees should always operate vehicles in a manner that is considered lawful and safe.

An emergency call does not permit the driver to disregard traffic laws and regulations.

16

•

CRWD prohibits cell phone usage, whether hand-held or hands-free, while driving. If utilizing the GPS navigation on a cell phone, enter destination information prior to driving or while parked. Employees driving should not read/compose/send text messages and emails, or access the Internet using a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. This includes while stopped in traffic or at a traffic light. This is MN State Law.

•

Avoid other activities while driving that are distracting including but not limited to, eating or drinking, or adjusting radio, mirrors, or other controls.

•

The number of passengers in a District vehicle must not exceed the designed capacity of the vehicle. The number of passengers should be considered in determining an appropriate load and excessive loading must be avoided.

•

When the office is closed including during inclement weather, District vehicles are not available for use.

•

Drivers must report needed repairs or suspected problems to the District Office Manager.

•

Vehicle keys are stored in the shop area. Spare keys will be kept by the District Office Manager.

•

An annual defensive driver training class will be held for all employees.

5.3

Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting •

Any accident, regardless of the extent of damage, occurring while at work, must be investigated by a Police Officer with jurisdiction in the area. Call 911 and if no injuries occurred during the car accident, inform the dispatcher that it is a non-emergency situation.

The Office Manager, Administrator and Safety Officer must also be informed of any accident.

•

Accident/incident report form(s) must be filled out as soon as possible (Appendices C and D). See Section 2.4 for more information about the forms to be completed.

6.0

FIELD SAFETY

6.1

General Field Safety •

Field staff will be required to conduct field activities throughout the watershed district.

Field staff must make every effort to work in a safe and timely manner.

•

It is important that field staff inform a staff member in the office where they will be working and when they will be expected to be back. Field staff must use the current calendar system to sign in and out.

17

•

Field staff must make every effort to use District vehicles when conducting field activities.

Field staff must use the current calendar system to sign vehicles in and out.

•

Field work in the District requires staff to work in grassland and wooded areas where ticks may be found. Ticks may carry disease and staff should take necessary precautions to prevent tick bites. Field staff should consider wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks and applying an insect repellent to clothing and/or exposed skin. After field work, staff should check their entire body for ticks including the hair, around the waist, in and around the ears, and the back of legs and arms.

•

Field work is conducted year-round in the District. CRWD staff may be exposed to heatrelated or cold-related stress while working outdoors. See Appendix F for more information about weather-related stress and the precautions staff should take to prevent it.

•

Accidents and injuries must be reported to the Safety Program Officer and Administrator as soon as possible. In case of an emergency, call 911. Any accident or injury must be recorded on CRWD’s accident report form and if necessary, the Worker’s Compensation First Report of Injury Form. See Section 2.4 for more information.

6.2

Stormwater Monitoring •

CRWD operates and maintains numerous monitoring stations throughout the watershed district. These stations require work in different environments such as storm sewers, storm ponds, roadways, lakes, and rivers and in different weather conditions from hot, humid days to cold, light rain days. Each of these has different challenges and hazards that require planning.

•

It is the responsibility of each employee to familiarize themselves with these sites and feel comfortable working in these environments.

•

A minimum of two employees is required when conducting the following field activities: o site visits to remote or secluded monitoring stations; o entry into a storm sewer, storm pond, outfall, culvert, lake or river for any purpose; o when working within six feet of storm sewer, storm pond, outfall, culvert, lake, or river for any purpose; or o when working in street or roadway.

•

At a minimum, one employee must possess a cell phone and it must be readily available in case of an emergency.

•

Confined space entry procedures must be followed when entering storm sewers or other confined spaces (See Section 8.0 - Confined Space Entry Program).

18

•

Employees must not enter storm sewers during rainfall events. After the event has finished, employees may enter storm sewers once there is no flow or flows have returned to baseflow.

•

At minimum, personal protective equipment, such as hard hat, gloves, safety vests, and hip boots or waders, will be required when entering storm sewers.

•

Protective eyewear must be worn in the sewer when using tools or removing debris from the sewer.

•

Ear protection (i.e., ear plugs or ear muffs) must be worn when noise levels are greater than 85 decibels, which typically occurs when power tools are used in the sewer.

•

Orange safety vests must be worn if monitoring or other field activity takes place in railroad right-of-way.

•

Personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are U.S. Coast Guard approved are required for work in storm sewers where PFAS equipment cannot be used or entrants need to disconnect from the system at any point during their entry.

•

Employees must wear closed-toed shoes for all monitoring activities. Safety boots are required when removing manhole covers. Winter traction devices should be considered if work occurs on icy surfaces.

•

Removal of the storm sewer cover should be minimized and never left open unattended.

•

Cones or barricades must be used to control traffic around the open storm sewer. A manhole guardrail should be placed around the storm sewer of the Como Lake outlet and other locations with heavy foot traffic.

•

Use of District vehicles is required when conducting confined space or monitoring activities.

•

When conducting monitoring activities in the street or roadway, proper precautions must be used for employee safety (See below for information on working in a roadway).

6.3

Lake, Pond and River Monitoring •

Two employees will be required when conducting work in and around lakes, ponds, and rivers.

•

At a minimum, one employee must possess a cell phone and it must be readily available in case of an emergency.

•

Employees must wear closed-toed shoes during monitoring work. Winter traction devices should be considered if work occurs on icy surfaces.

19

•

PFDs must be worn when aboard a watercraft.

•

Employees must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs when conducting field activities in or within six feet of lakes, ponds and rivers. PFDs must be worn prior to the employee conducting field activities.

•

Employees are responsible for operating watercraft in conformance with the applicable boating laws, all local ordinances, and within the guidelines of this section of the Safety Manual.

•

The number of passengers in a District watercraft must not exceed the designed capacity of the boat. The number of passengers should be considered in determining an appropriate load and excessive loading must be avoided.

6.4

Roadway Work •

Two employees are required for field activities in the street or roadway.

•

At a minimum, one employee must possess a cell phone and it must be readily available in case of an emergency.

•

Work must be completed in an efficient manner to minimize the amount of time spent in street or roadway.

•

A District vehicle must be used when conducting field activities in the street or roadway.

•

Employees must wear closed-toed shoes and high visibility safety vests when conducting field activities in the street or roadway. Safety vests must be worn prior to the employee exiting the vehicle.

•

Each District vehicle is equipped with a flashing top light. The top light and vehicle hazard lights must be engaged a minimum of 50 feet prior to stopping at work location.

•

The District vehicle must be placed in a manner that will shield employees from traffic, typically behind work conducted along roadway.

•

Traffic cones must be used to direct traffic away from work area and vehicle. A minimum of eight traffic cones must be used when controlling traffic.

•

Work in the street or roadway must be suspended if an employee feels unsafe or conditions such as rain or snow make working conditions unsafe.

•

Work on highways or freeways are prohibited unless accompanied by a MnDOT crew and proper permits are obtained.

20

6.5

Construction Sites •

District staff, particularly those involved in the District’s Regulatory and Construction Program and capital improvement projects, conduct visits to construction sites for inspection and project management.

•

District employees visiting construction sites may be exposed to a variety of hazards including but not limited to excessive noise from construction equipment or tools, dust or other air contaminants from excavation, tripping, slipping, and/or falling on wet and/or uneven surfaces, contact with hazardous materials such as equipment lubricants, curing compounds, or other liquids, head injuries from overhead equipment, machinery or materials, eye injuries from foreign objects entering the eye, and injuries from moving vehicles, equipment, or trains.

•

District employees trained and authorized to enter excavations must verify the following prior to entry: o A “Competent Person” has inspected the excavation, adjacent areas, and protective systems daily and as needed throughout the shift (e.g. after a rain event). o No water has accumulated in the excavation. o A safe means of egress (e.g. ladder) is located in excavations that are 4 feet or more in depth and means of egress are stationed no more than 25 feet apart. o No lifting or digging equipment will be in operation near or above them during entry. o Air monitoring has been completed prior to entry into excavations deeper than 4 feet with potential for hazardous atmosphere. o Protective systems (e.g. sloping, benching, trench boxes, shoring system) are in place as required by OSHA).

•

Upon driving onto a construction site, the District vehicle flashing top light must be turned on until the vehicle is stopped and parked safely away from construction equipment and activities.

•

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when entering these sites. At a minimum, a hard hat, safety vest and safety boots must be worn when visiting these sites.

Other PPE to consider includes eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and winter traction devices.

•

Always check in with the contractor’s site supervisor prior to conducting inspections or site visits.

•

The contractor’s site safety plan must be followed and additional PPE may be required.

•

District employees must check out with the contractor’s site supervisor prior to leaving the site.

21

6.6

Work Within or Adjacent to Railroad Right-of-Way •

CRWD’s field activities (monitoring and construction site visits) occasionally occurs within or adjacent to railroad right-of-way. BNSF Railway owns and operates the majority of railroad lines in the District.

•

The District requires employees working within or adjacent to railroad right-of-way to take BNSF Railway’s contractor safety orientation course on an annual basis. The online course is available at www.contractororientation.com.

•

Employees are required to carry a contractor orientation completion card with them when working within railroad right-of-way.

•

Railroad safety requirements must be adhered to including, but not limited to, wearing orange-color safety vests, hard hats, safety glasses, and safety boots while working within railroad right-of-way.

•

Work occurring within 25-feet of the railroad centerline must have a railroad flagman in attendance to warn employees of approaching trains.

7.0

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

7.1

Barricades •

Barricades must be used to identify hazards such as open pits, ditches, leaks, and other hazardous conditions. Barricading can be accomplished by use of barricade tape, temporary railings, safety cones, or fencing along with proper barricade tags.

•

Barricades are required: o o o o

to protect areas around excavations or open manhole covers; to prevent access to openings in floor or roof areas; around the perimeter of elevated work platforms posing a fall risk; and to isolate areas where there is an identified hazard that cannot be immediately corrected

• Employees onsite are responsible for erecting and maintaining necessary barricades.

• Barricades must be removed when the job is complete and the hazard has been eliminated.

7.2

Confined Space Entry •

See CRWD Confined Space Entry Program (Appendix G1) and Confined Space Entry Monitoring Program SOP (Appendix G2) for further details.

22

•

Only authorized District employees or contracted personnel shall enter confined spaces.

•

Confined spaces are those that are not designed for human occupancy, are capable of being bodily entered, or contain a potential internal hazard (chemical, oxygen deficiency, internal configuration, etc).

•

Confined spaces may be identified with a label and include but are not limited to: storm sewers, cisterns, manholes, infiltration chambers, tanks, storage bins, electric vaults, pits, or any other space meeting the definition above.

•

Entry is defined as “breaking the plane” of the opening into a confined space with any body part, including head, hands, or feet.

7.3

Electrical Work •

Live electrical work is prohibited at CRWD.

•

Lock out or tag out must be used for all electrical work.

•

A Licensed Electrician must be used for all electrical installations and repairs.

7.4

Emergency Equipment •

You must know the location of the following emergency equipment prior to starting work if applicable: o eyewashes, o evacuation alarms (pull stations), o fire extinguishers, o first aid kits/supplies, and o Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs).

•

Eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits/supplies shall have a documented monthly inspection completed so that the equipment is stocked and ready to use in an emergency.

•

Emergency equipment must not be blocked or otherwise made inaccessible.

•

Fire exits must not be blocked or otherwise made inoperable.

•

Only use a fire extinguisher if you have been trained to use one.

•

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) shall be inspected monthly to check that the battery is charged, AED pads are not expired, and the system is ready for use.

7.5

Fall Protection •

See CRWD Fall Protection Program Plan in Appendix H1 for further details.

23

•

Fall protection is required for all work performed four (4) or more feet above ground. Fall Protection could include lanyard and harness, guardrails, etc.

•

Fall protection is also required when performing work within six (6) feet of the edge of any roof (sloped or flat) that does not have an adequate guardrail.

•

Training by a qualified individual is required prior to using any fall protection equipment such as safety harnesses and lifelines.

•

Tie-off or anchor points must be defined, substantial in nature and approved by an authorized person.

•

Fall protection equipment must be inspected prior to each use by the individual using the equipment.

7.6

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) •

See Appendix J – “Lockout-Tagout SOP” for additional details.

•

Lockout/Tagout procedures safe-guard employees from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. Only trained and authorized employees may perform lockout/tagout.

•

All energy sources such as electrical, compressed air, chemical, steam, or other dangerous energy must be properly locked, tagged, and tried before servicing or maintaining machinery or equipment.

•

Tagout is accomplished by placing a tag on the energy source. The tag acts as a warning not to restore energy. It is not a substitute for a lock.

•

Only approved locks may be used for lockout and approved locks may not be used for any other purposes.

Each employee directly involved in the work must place an individual lock on the designated lock-out point. Employees involved in the work shall not remove their locks until they finish work. Only the owner of a lock may remove his or her individual lock.

Exception: If a lock is left on equipment that needs to be re-started, the manager/supervisor may remove the lock only after the employee who placed it has been located and informed that the lock is being removed.

7.7

Personal Hygiene •

Good hygiene practices (e.g. washing hands and face), should be followed prior to eating or drinking.

24

• 7.8

Food should be stored in refrigerators marked for food only.

Walking and Working Surfaces

•

Use caution when walking on slippery, uneven or gravel surfaces.

•

Use handrails when traveling up or down stairs.

•

Do not run except in life-threatening emergencies.

•

Store materials in designated areas out of aisle and stairways.

7.9

Contractors •

Store materials in designated areas out of aisle and stairways.

•

Contractors must follow all safety rules for the area they are working in.

•

Oversight of contractors is the responsibility of the employee who brought the contractor on-site.

•

Contractors must be notified regarding hazards that may be present in the areas where they will be working.

•

Contractors are prohibited from using CRWD tools or equipment except as authorized in writing by the site manager.

•

If you observe a visitor or contractor violating EHS requirements, it is your responsibility to stop the activity and notify the Safety Program Officer and/or the employee responsible for the contractor.

•

Assist in maintaining that your contractor is licensed or certified for the work that is going to be performed, if required.

•

If an outside contractor must enter a confined space, they may only do so under a Confined Space Permit in accordance with their Confined Space Policy, which must address the following requirements: o Only trained employees may enter a confined space. o A designated rescue team is required with appropriate retrieval devices prior to starting a confined space entry. o All energy and chemical sources must be locked out/tagged out and isolated or disconnected prior to beginning confined space entry. o During entry, a trained standby person must be assigned to the confined space. o The standby person is responsible for ensuring the ongoing safety of work in the confined space and surrounding area for the duration of the job, and to sound an 25

alarm if assistance is required. They must not leave the space unless relieved by another trained employee. o Standby personnel are only allowed to perform non-entry rescue. If an emergency occurs, standby personnel shall call 911 to initiate response by local Emergency Services.

7.10

Wildlife Encounters

•

Most wildlife naturally avoids humans.

•

If you work outdoors in remote areas, watch for animal tracks and droppings on the trail so you can access what types of animals might be nearby.

•

If you come across wildlife, remain calm.

•

Always walk, don’t run. Running away from wildlife screams “prey.” You could also trip and injure yourself if you take off running in a panic.

•

Let the Safety Program Officer and a local agency know of your sighting.

•

For snakes: Keep your distance, they can strike a distance of half their own length. Keep in mind when they are coiled up you often can’t see their full length so STAY BACK. Locate the snake visually and back away from the snake to give it the opportunity to move along. Among all the wildlife encounters possible, snakes generally are ones to give a fairly loud warning to unwelcome visitors. Poisonous snakes are not native to the Twin Cities area.

•

For wild animals (coyotes, bobcats, cougars, bears): Wild animals are typically elusive and rarely make themselves known to humans. You should be loud and appear as big as you can. If you are in a group, stand together to make yourselves appear larger. Make sure the animal doesn’t feel trapped and has a way to move away from you. Make lots of noise and maintain eye contact.

7.11

Poisonous Plants

•

Wear long sleeves shirts and long pants.

•

“Leaves of three stay away from me!” This little rhyme helps identify poison ivy.

•

Avoid any plant life with resinous or waxy appearance on the leaves.

•

Poison sumac appears as shrubs or small trees. There will be 7 to 13 leaves arranged in pairs on each branch.

•

Wild Parsnips (poison parsnips), a flower type plant similar to Queen Anne’s Lace, may cause rashes and blisters if the skin is exposed to sap from the plant and sun light.

26

•

Wash the skin with soap and cool water as soon as possible after exposure and repeat the process after two or three hours.

•

Avoid scratching the area as you will only make the oil residue spread even more inside the skin.

•

The rash will go away after a week or so, but if you have a serious reaction, you need to see a doctor.

27

March 19, 2020 Board Meeting V. Action Items - E) BMP Maintenance Service Agreement (Eleria)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

March 11, 2020 CRWD Board of Managers Anna Eleria, Division Manager Approve 2020 BMP Maintenance Service Agreement

Background For over ten years, CRWD staff have been coordinating the inspection and maintenance of District-owned best management practices (BMPs) by landscape contractors. Projects include the Arlington-Pascal rain gardens, Green Line raingardens and stormwater planters, and Highland Ravine stabilization practices. In the past, one contractor has been responsible for the Arlington-Pascal and Green Line BMPs and another contractor has been responsible for the Highland Ravine practices.

Issues For 2020, CRWD staff seek to consolidate maintenance activities of the three projects with one contractor and have distributed a request for quotes to landscaping companies including disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). Eight contractors, four of them DBEs, submitted quotes for routine maintenance work, such as trash, sediment and weed removal, and unit cost estimates for non-routine activities, such as plant replacement, watering, and tree removal.

CRWD staff is recommending the Board approve Inhabit Landscapes, a DBE, as the 2020 contractor for the BMP Maintenance Program. Inhabit Landscapes submitted the lowest quote for the routine and nonroutine maintenance activities anticipated in 2020. Also three references spoke highly of Inhabit’s staff and work. See the table below for summary of quotes. Enclosed are the detailed contractor quotes for anticipated 2020 maintenance activities.

ALOHA

INHABIT

LANDBRIDGE

METRO BLOOMS

MN NATIVE LANDSCAPE

MORNING DEW

OUTDOOR LAB

SANDSTROM

$ 150,274

$ 35,345

$ 53,055

$ 98,480

$ 72,603

$ 44,450

$ 35,465

$ 57,748

Action Requested Approve Inhabit Landscape as the contractor for 2020 BMP maintenance services and authorize the Administrator to execute an agreement with Inhabit Landscapes for an amount up to $36,000 subject to review and approval by the Ramsey County Attorney.

Enc.

2020 BMP Maintenance Services Quotes

W:\07 Programs\BMP Maintenance\Board Memo\2020\BM 2020 BMP Maintenance Services 03-19-2020.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

2020 BMP Maintenance Services Quotes

14

occurrences ANNUAL COST (April‐Nov, 2 site visits/month)

REGULAR TASKS SITE

ALOHA*

FREQUENCY

TASKS Weeding

2 occurrences / month

Sediment Removal

Every other week occurrences

Green Line 14 total BMPs 14 BMPs Trash Removal Vandalism Removal Data Collection Spring Cleanup includes 1 Occurrence / year tasks above plus duff removal 2 occurrences / month Weeding Arlington‐ Sediment Removal Every other week occurrences Pascal 7 total BMPs Trash Removal 7 BMPs Vandalism Removal Data Collection Spring Cleanup includes 1 Occurrence / year tasks above plus duff removal TASKS SITE Inspection (seasonal site walk with CRWD staff) Highland Invasive Vegetation Management ‐ (see Exhibit C for target Species) Ravine Mechanical removal or Cut and stump treat invasive tree saplings Sediment Removal and On‐Site Dispersal Trash Removal (site walk to collect trash; < one bag) Maintenance Report (online report form for each of 4 key locations) ANNUAL TOTAL Routine Tasks ADDITIONAL TASKS AS NEEDED Perennial Plant (#1 container) Seeding ‐ Native Seed Mix (please see Exhibit C, Sec 5.0) Non‐Woven ECB Cat 3 Type Straw 2S (No Poly Netting) Coir Logs (Cat G) Remove & Disperse Fallen Tree (large tree >6" radius) Hourly Labor Rate for Additional Tasks as Needed Per Occurrence Rate for Watering as Needed ‐ Green Line

UNIT EA SY SY LF EA HR EA TOTAL Additional Task Scenario GRAND TOTAL

INHABIT*

Morning Dew

Landbridge*

Outdoor Lab

Sandstrom

MNL

Metro Blooms*

$ 37,492.00 $ 11,968.04 $ 14,700.00 $ 16,310.00

$ 9,800.00 $ 16,534.00 $ 17,500.00 $ 28,560.00

$ 6,694.00

$ 1,091.15

$ 1,750.00

$ 1,500.00

$ 4,726.40

$ 27,076.00

$ 9,660.00 $ 14,700.00 $ 11,550.00

$ 9,100.00

$ 8,271.20 $ 12,600.00 $ 35,700.00

$ 4,835.00

$ 926.00

$ 1,600.00

$ 1,275.00

$ 1,500.00

$ 2,363.20

$ 16,065.00

$ 5,182.26

$ 7,200.00

$ 9,750.00

$ 4,200.00 $ 12,153.60

$ 1,600.00

$ 3,140.00

$ 2,200.00

$ 2,295.00

$ 2,805.00

$ 6,900.00 $ 12,240.00

$ 92,162.00 $ 28,827.45 $ 39,800.00 $ 40,635.00 $ 26,100.00 $ 44,048.40 $ 42,340.00 $ 81,600.00

$ 1,550.00 $ 200.00 $ 400.00 $ 220.00 $ 960.00 $ 3,140.00 $ 51,642.00

$ 1,352.00 $ 375.00 $ 180.00 $ 75.00 $ 350.00 $ 300.00 $ 240.00 $ 200.00 $ 1,413.00 $ 1,800.00 $ 1,570.00 $ 1,300.00 $ 1,413.00 $ 600.00

$ 58,112.00

$ 6,518.00

ADDITIONAL COST SCENARIO $ 925.00 $ 1,050.00 $ 125.00 $ 165.00 $ 350.00 $ 350.00 $ 370.00 $ 900.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 3,600.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 3,150.00 $ 1,800.00

$ 4,650.00 $ 12,420.00

$ 900.00 $ 1,362.50 $ 900.00 $ 600.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 50.00 $ 300.00 $ 700.00 $ 250.00 $ 300.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 180.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 12,900.00 $ 10,800.00 $ 1,700.00 $ 2,300.00 $ 1,700.00 $ 900.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 3,000.00

$ 9,365.00 $ 13,700.00 $ 30,262.50 $ 16,880.00

$ 150,274.00 $ 35,345.45 $ 44,450.00 $ 53,055.00 $ 35,465.00 $ 57,748.40 $ 72,602.50 $ 98,480.00

50 100 100 20 6 20 6

#1 containers SY seed SY erosion matting coir logs fallen trees hours services months of watering (1 visit/month)

March 19, 2020 Board Meeting V. F. Action Itemsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Adopt Como Lake Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan (Belden)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

March 12, 2020 CRWD Board of Managers Britta Belden, Water Resource Project Manager Adopt Como Lake Long-term Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan

Background The Como Lake Management Plan (CLMP) was adopted by the Board of Managers on May 15, 2019. The CLMP presents an adaptive management plan framework for achieving water quality goals for Como Lake through in-lake, watershed, and community actions over the next 20 years. As part of the CLMP, several actions for aquatic vegetation management (Actions L5-L7) and fisheries management (Actions L8-L9) were recommended to work toward an ecologically healthy Como Lake (Goal 1).

Management of the aquatic plants in Como Lake is recommended because of the dominance of the invasive curly-leaf pondweed, which has caused significant imbalance in the native plant community. Curly-leaf pondweed has choked out the native plants and is also a significant driver of internal phosphorus loading because of its unique life cycle.

Wenck was hired in September 2019 to develop a long-term aquatic plant management plan for Como Lake as well as specifications for a curly-leaf pondweed herbicide treatment plan. Both plans are intended to work together to support the restoration of Como Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native aquatic plant community over the long-term.

Issues Wenck developed a draft Como Lake Long-term Vegetation Management Plan (enclosed). The goal of the plan is to establish an adaptive management approach for restoring and enhancing the aquatic vegetation community in Como Lake. The plan specifies a first 5-years implementation cycle for managing the plant community in Como Lake with emphasis on native plant succession following curly-leaf pondweed control. The plan then provides appropriate tools to manage the plant community in the long-term depending on multiple outcomes from the first 5-years of management.

Requested Action Adopt the Como Lake Long-term Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan. enc: Como Lake Long-term Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan (3/12/20) \\crwd01-dc01\Company\06 Projects\Como Lake Projects\Aquatic Vegetation Mgmt\2019_Como Lake Veg & FIsheries Mgmt Plans\Board & CAC\Brd Memo_Como Long-term Veg MP_312-20.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

Como Lake Long-Term Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan Capitol Region Watershed District Saint Paul, MN March 12, 2020 Prepared by: Wenck Associates

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................. 1 1.0

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 1.2 1.3

2.0

COMO LAKE VEGETATION COMMUNITY ....................................................... 2-1 2.1 2.2 2.3

2.4 3.0

Purpose ............................................................................................. 1-1 The Importance of Macrophytes in Shallow Lakes .................................... 1-1 Summary of Issues and Objectives ........................................................ 1-1

Introduction ....................................................................................... 2-1 Available Data .................................................................................... 2-1 Current Vegetation Conditions .............................................................. 2-2 2.3.1 Vegetation Summary ............................................................... 2-2 2.3.2 Curly-Leaf Pondweed ............................................................... 2-2 2.3.3 Native Vegetation .................................................................... 2-3 Current Vegetation Management ........................................................... 2-8 2.4.1 Harvesting for Recreational Access ............................................ 2-8

AQUATIC VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ........................................................ 3-1 3.1 3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6 3.7

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Managing Vegetation in Shallow Lakes ................................................... 3-1 Aquatic Vegetation Stressors ................................................................ 3-2 3.2.1 Curly-leaf Pondweed ................................................................ 3-3 3.2.2 Eutrophication and Watershed Disturbance ................................. 3-3 3.2.3 Roughfish ............................................................................... 3-3 3.2.4 Salinity .................................................................................. 3-3 3.2.5 Altered Hydrology and Lake Sediments ...................................... 3-3 Management Zones and Reference Vegetation Communities ..................... 3-4 3.3.1 Management Zones ................................................................. 3-4 3.3.2 Reference Vegetation Communities ........................................... 3-5 3.3.3 Restoration Goals for Como Lake Aquatic Vegetation ................... 3-7 Vegetation Management Tools .............................................................. 3-8 3.4.1 Herbicides ............................................................................ 3-10 3.4.2 Mechanical/Hand Harvesting ................................................... 3-11 3.4.3 Whole and Partial Lake Drawdown ........................................... 3-12 3.4.4 Soil Engineering and Vegetation Establishment ......................... 3-12 Como Lake Aquatic Vegetation Restoration and Management .................. 3-12 3.5.1 Cycle 1 Vegetation Management Activities ................................ 3-14 3.5.1.1 Curly-leaf Pondweed Control ...................................... 3-14 3.5.1.2 Native Vegetation Establishment and Diversification ..... 3-17 3.5.2 Cycle 2 management and Assessment Actions .......................... 3-17 3.5.3 Recreational Access Management ............................................ 3-19 Partner Driven Adaptive Management Framework ................................. 3-20 3.6.1 Annual Como Lake Science Summit ......................................... 3-20 3.6.2 Three-year Plant Management Reviews .................................... 3-20 Monitoring ........................................................................................ 3-20 3.7.1 Point Intercept and Hydroacoustic Surveys ............................... 3-21 3.7.2 CLP Turion Density ................................................................ 3-21 3.7.3 Quantitative Nearshore Plots .................................................. 3-21

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Table of Contents (cont.)

3.8

4.0

3.7.4 Assessing Progress Toward Goals ............................................ 3-22 Studies ............................................................................................ 3-22 3.8.1 Seedbank Studies ................................................................. 3-22 3.8.2 Sediment Chemistry and Health .............................................. 3-22

REFERENCES ............................................................................................... 4-1

IN-TEXT TABLES Table 3-1. Stressors affecting the aquatic plant community in Como Lake. ..................... 3-2 Table 3-2. FQI and species richness for different zones of reference lakes. ..................... 3-7 Table 3-3. Aquatic vegetation taxa from reference lake communities grouped by the recommended management action associated with each. ................................... 3-8 Table 3-4. Aquatic vegetation management tools (derived from NALMS 2001). ............... 3-9 Table 3-5. Susceptibility of common aquatic plant species to herbicides. ...................... 3-10 Table 3-6. Aquatic plant management objectives, stressors, and management activities for Como Lake. .............................................................................. 3-13 Table 3-7. Monitoring requirements for the CLP variance (MNDNR 2019)...................... 3-21 IN-TEXT FIGURES Figure 2-1. Trends in aquatic macrophyte relative occurrence by taxa and average biomass density from 2010 to 2019. ................................................................ 2-5 Figure 2-2. Trends in lake wide aggregate floristic quality score and species richness from 2005 to 2019 in Como Lake. ................................................................... 2-6 Figure 2-3. Spring 2019 vegetation biovolume heatmap of Como lake (CRWD). .............. 2-7 Figure 2-4. Total area of Como Lake mechanical SAV harvest and the approximate biomass removed from 2005-2019. ................................................................. 2-8 Figure 2-5. Areas of Como Lake where SAV was mechanically harvested in 2018 and 2019. .......................................................................................................... 2-9 Figure 3-1. Continuum of lake vegetation conditions from best to worst. ........................ 3-2 Figure 3-2. Como Lake vegetation management zones. ............................................... 3-4 Figure 3-3. A cross section of Como Lake illustrating the expected late successional vegetation community zones (long term restoration goal). ................................. 3-5 Figure 3-4. Comparison of recent floristic quality scores and species richness of Como lake to local similar lakes (MNDNR Lake Plant Eutrophication IBI). ...................... 3-6 Figure 3-5. Historical dates of ice cover for Como Lake. Red line represents the average ice out date. ................................................................................... 3-15 Figure 3-6. Historical surface water temperature for Como Lake.................................. 3-15 Figure 3-7. Curly-leaf pondweed herbicide treatment approach for the first five-year management cycle. ..................................................................................... 3-16 Figure 3-8. Lake Como Aquatic Vegetation Management Decision Matrix. ..................... 3-18 APPENDICES A B

Aquatic Plant Management Permit Requirements Common Aquatic Herbicides

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1.0 Introduction 1.1

PURPOSE

The overarching goal in the Como Lake Management Plan is to manage the lake as an ecologically healthy, shallow lake. While this goal is rather broad, the plan further defines an ecologically healthy, shallow lake as “one where phosphorus levels are maintained at sufficiently low levels (60 µg/L or lower) to minimize algae nuisances, the rooted aquatic plant community is dominated by a diverse assemblage of native species, and a balanced aquatic food web is maintained.” The plan also recognizes the recreational uses of Como Lake and the need to maintain recreational opportunities appropriate for a shallow urban lake. The Como Lake Management Plan promotes a science-based approach using local partnerships to implement the plan (CRWD 2019).

The goal of this plan is to establish an adaptive management approach for restoring and enhancing the aquatic vegetation community in Como Lake. The plan is relatively specific for the first 5-year implementation cycle while providing the appropriate tools to manage to multiple potential outcomes. Managing aquatic vegetation in lakes requires annual evaluation of conditions and a tailored response to the conditions presented in previous years.

1.2

THE IMPORTANCE OF MACROPHYTES IN SHALLOW LAKES

Shallow lake restoration is uniquely dependent on the restoration of the aquatic plant community to restore and maintain water quality and biological diversity. Shallow lakes exist in alternative stable states where the clear, biologically diverse state is dominated by emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation and the turbid water, low diversity state is dominated by algae. Therefore, most shallow lake restoration techniques focus on establishing a robust aquatic macrophyte population. However, in high abundance and density, aquatic macrophytes can limit recreation activities, such as boating and swimming, and may reduce aesthetic values. Because aquatic plants are so critical in the health of shallow lakes, shallow lake restoration must first focus on establishing vegetation in the lake and then focus can be placed on the management of the community. While there are no established guidelines for the percentage of a shallow lake that must have aquatic plants, it can be assumed that the majority of the lake will have plants when the lake is in a healthy, plant dominated state.

1.3

SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

A water quality drivers analysis was conducted in 2017 (CRWD 2017) for Como Lake to determine the primary issues driving water quality in the urban shallow lake. Three primary issues were identified including: 1. Internal phosphorus loading 2. External phosphorus loading 3. An overabundance of the invasive plant Curly-leaf pondweed While other factors may be limiting water quality in Como lake, these three factors must be addressed first before any real progress can be made in restoring Como Lake.

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With these issues in mind, the CRWD developed a set of measurable objectives and actions for Como Lake aimed at the over-arching goal of managing Como Lake to the best ecological condition that can be supported while maintaining the recreational uses of the lake. Specifically, the goal is to manage Como Lake to an “ecologically healthy, shallow lake is one where phosphorus levels are maintained at sufficiently low levels (60 µg/L or lower) to minimize algae nuisances, the rooted aquatic plant community is dominated by a diverse assemblage of native species, and a balanced aquatic food web is maintained.”

The Goals and Objectives that are relevant to the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan include: Goal 1: Como Lake will be managed as an ecologically healthy, shallow lake.

An ecologically healthy, shallow lake is one where phosphorus levels are maintained at sufficiently low levels (60 µg/L or lower) to minimize algae nuisances, the rooted aquatic plant community is dominated by a diverse assemblage of native species, and a balanced aquatic food web is maintained.

• •

Objective 1E: Reduce CLP to < 10% Frequency of Occurrence (FOC) during period of peak abundance (typically June).

Objective 1F: Establish and maintain native aquatic vegetation to exceed these criteria: species richness > 8 with at least 3 species having FOC > 20%.

Goal 3: Maintain a variety of year-round recreational opportunities that are appropriate for a shallow urban lake.

• •

Objective 3A: Continue to provide fishing opportunities.

Objective 3B: Provide areas suitable for non-motorized boating.

Goal 5: Utilize the best science, partnerships, and resources to ensure successful implementation of the CLMP over the life of the plan (20 years).

• •

Objective 5A: Provide a structured adaptive management approach to effectively and efficiently adjust management actions through the life of the plan.

Objective 5B: Engage multiple partners and utilize funding sources to implement the CLMP.

The plan also identified some immediate, specific actions that should be pursued to begin the restoration sequence for Como Lake. These actions include: L5. Herbicide treatment to control curly-leaf pondweed.

L6. Develop and implement lake vegetation management plan to establish and maintain a healthy and diverse, native aquatic plant community. The plan should also consider strategies to keep CLP under control following initial herbicide treatments, which may also require periodic, small-scale herbicide treatments and/or mechanical harvesting.

L7. Conduct annual aquatic vegetation surveys. Conduct point-intercept surveys to measure aquatic vegetation species abundance and density 2-3 weeks following herbicide treatment (June) and late-season (late-July or early-August).

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The overall purpose and approach of the Vegetation Management Plan for Como Lake is to develop a sustainable and diverse aquatic vegetation community using the best available science, partnerships and resources to support the existing recreational uses on the lake to the maximum extent possible.

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2.0 Como Lake Vegetation Community 2.1

INTRODUCTION

Shallow lakes in Minnesota such as Como Lake support a wide diversity of aquatic vegetation taxa that perform key functions within the lake ecosystem. The taxonomic composition and spatial structure of a lake’s aquatic vegetation community varies widely through space and time in response to several abiotic and biotic factors. Describing the past and present state of the aquatic vegetation community within Como Lake is necessary to define a baseline condition prior to engaging in management efforts designed to catalyze change. Robust monitoring through time is necessary to document these changes and thus facilitate an adaptive approach to vegetation management in Como Lake.

2.2

AVAILABLE DATA

There is a large amount of high quality historical macrophyte data available for Como Lake that qualitatively and quantitatively describes the state of aquatic vegetation within Como Lake through time. Survey of the vegetation community within the lake began around 2005 and is ongoing as part of Capitol Region Watershed District’s and Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation District’s (RC-SWCD) monitoring program.

Aquatic Vegetation Surveys Following is a summary of currently available vegetation data.

Point-Intercept Method • • •

From 2005-2012, two simple point intercept surveys were conducted that provide viable taxa presence/absence information but not percent occurrence or density.

Starting in 2012 a more robust point-intercept (PI) sampling regime was adopted with 60 sample points. A single survey was performed in 2012 and two were performed in 2013.

From 2014 onward three PI surveys were performed each year, roughly falling into three seasonal categories (spring, summer, fall).

Hydroacoustic Method • •

Hydroacoustic data was collected and analyzed during each PI survey event using the CI Biobase platform (Biobase.com).

Outputs provide spatially referenced submerged macrophyte biovolume, bottom composition, and bathymetric information.

CLP Turion Density Method • •

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A survey of CLP turion density was conducted by Ramsey County SWCD staff in September of 2019 with annual surveys planned.

These surveys were performed in conjunction with PI and Hydroacoustic data collection.

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Vegetation Harvest Records of macrophyte harvest activities (area harvested, cost, vendor, dates of harvest) are available from 2003 to present, but the amount of biomass removed is only estimated from 2008-2014.

Bathymetry and Physical Lake Data Spatially referenced bathymetry data for Como Lake can be found within the MNDNRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statewide lake bathymetry dataset hosted on the MN Geospatial Commons website. Wenck will use this dataset within this vegetation management plan because it is the standard used previously by managers of Como lake.

2.3

CURRENT VEGETATION CONDITIONS

2.3.1 Vegetation Summary Como Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aquatic vegetation community is typical of similar lakes in the metro region that are affected by elevated nutrient loading and AIS. Taxonomic diversity is limited and trending downward, with only a few tolerant native taxa persisting alongside the introduced invasive curly-leaf pondweed (CLP). CLP is established throughout the entire lake and exhibits the normal life history pattern of explosive spring growth that reaches nuisance levels followed by marked early summer senescence and slow winter growth leading into the following spring. At its peak density CLP represents the vast majority (>90%) of aquatic vegetation biomass in Como Lake and forms nuisance surface mats that are a detriment to recreation and aesthetics. After CLP senescence Canada waterweed (Elodea canadensis) dominates the community, but overall submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) biomass is much lower than the spring CLP peak.

2.3.2 Curly-Leaf Pondweed Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) is present and fully established in Como Lake. Point-intercept surveys have sampled CLP every year since they were initiated in 2005 (Figure 1). Spatial occurrence rate and density of CLP has increased over time and in recent years it has become dominant throughout the entire littoral zone in the spring (100% occurrence in 2018, 91% occurrence in 2019). In 2019 CLP grew to a depth of approximately 8 feet of water (Figure 2-3). CLP drives the overall trends in SAV biomass density by an overwhelming majority. SAV biomass has remained relatively stable over time until 2019 where peak spring SAV biomass density increased markedly compared to previous years.

CLP occasionally reproduces by seed but most often by production turions which are small buds capable of growing into a complete plant. CLP turions are produced en masse by the adult plant prior to seasonal senescence in mid-summer. These turions germinate in late fall and grow slowly through the winter under the ice, ready to take advantage of early spring light availability after ice-out. This life history provides a competitive advantage over native SAV taxa because CLP has a head start on growth in the spring. This advantage often leads to dominance of CLP in many lakes where it is introduced. Survey of CLP turion density was conducted on September of 2019, where the mean turion density in littoral sediments was found to be 650.9 turions/m2. A density of 200 turions/m2 has been identified as a threshold for significant recreational impairment in Minnesota lakes infested with CLP.

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2.3.3 Native Vegetation Como Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native vegetation community is well-described by the monitoring data. Pointintercept lake vegetation surveys are conducted three times per season. The point-intercept survey is the standard method recommended by the MNDNR to survey submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) taxa, but it also effectively samples many emergent and floating leaf taxa.

Collection of PI data allows the calculation of percent occurrence (how much area is occupied) and relative biomass density (how dense the growth is) along with overall presence/absence of taxa and associated metrics such as species richness and floristic quality index (FQI). These statistics can be calculated for the entire lake, for specific depth zones, or even for specific vegetation growth type (submerged, floating leaf, or emergent) using the raw data collected by PI surveys.

PI and hydroacoustic surveys performed on Como lake reflect a relatively homogenous SAV community within the littoral zone with no sign of specific areas within the lake exhibiting significantly different diversity or structure of SAV community (Figure 2-1 and 2-3). The summer 2019 survey event detected growth of SAV (mostly Canada Waterweed) to a depth of 6.5 feet of water; with an average biovolume of 11% (proportion of water column occupied by SAV biomass) and average relative density of 0.4 (scale of 0-1). The fall 2019 survey detected growth of SAV (~50/50 Canada Waterweed and CLP) to a depth of 10 feet of water; with an average biovolume of 3.4% and an average relative density of 0.33. This contrasts with 2014 surveys (first year with 3 survey events), where average biovolume and average relative density were Species richness (SR - the integer sum number of taxa that occur) is an elementary biometric statistic that is used to track changes in taxonomic diversity. Species richness of SAV in Como lake was 6 in summer of 2005 and 6 again in summer of 2019 (Figure 2-2).

The threshold for impairment for SAV diversity is 12 (MNDNR EWR; Figure 2-2). Despite no net change in SR between 2005 and 2019, linear regression of the SR time-series suggests a slight negative trend over time (Figure 2-2). After 2016, 5 native taxa that were previously sampled were not sampled again in the lake to date (Coontail, Wild Celery, Flatstemmed Pondweed, Sago Pondweed, and Muskgrass). Of the currently present taxa (6), three out of four rooted taxa are native to MN lakes (Bushy Naiad, Leafy Pondweed, and Canadian Waterweed) and two are native floating leaf taxa (Greater and Lesser Duckweed).

Of the rooted native taxa currently present, Bushy Naiad and Canadian Waterweed are also present in one or both local lakes selected as containing appropriate reference SAV communities (Olson and Kohlman lakes; section 3.3.2).

Floristic quality index (FQI; Radomski and Perleberg 2012) is an index of biological integrity developed for assessing eutrophication stress on aquatic vegetation communities in Minnesota lakes. FQI can be used to measure changes in Como Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community in several ways. FQI score reflects the relative presence of taxa that typically are found in lakes without nutrient impairments (higher score is closer to an unimpaired community). These lake-wide aggregate FQI scores can be used to monitor SAV community change through time, can be compared to reference lake vegetation communities that we have selected to represent restoration targets (Section 3.3.2), and sub-scores can be computed for depth strata or vegetation type for similar comparisons. Historic survey data was processed to calculate whole lake aggregate FQI for each survey performed (Figure 2-1). The FQI score for summer of 2005 was 9.39, increasing to 11.43 for summer of 2019. The FQI threshold defined for nutrient impairment is 18.6 (MNDNR EWR). For context, Radomski and Perleberg (2012) measured FQI in hundreds of lakes statewide to determine reasonable FQI targets.

Based on their results, an FQI <18.7 is considered an impaired community by the Minnesota

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DNR with an FQI score greater than 32 considered an exceptional aquatic vegetation community.

FQI sub-scores by depth strata were not computed as part of this plan but can computed from raw PI data for Como and selected reference communities. These sub-scores could be used in the future to structure and monitor performance of our vegetation management approach by depth zone if whole lake aggregate scores are not sensitive enough to detect changes (see Section 3.3.1).

In addition to approaches that track taxonomic diversity and indices of biological integrity over time, relative percent occurrence and average total biomass density of SAV taxa was computed for each PI survey event. These stats were then compiled in a times series in order to provide another method for using vegetation survey information to interpret responses to management activities (Figure 2-2).

These integrative analyses highlight three trends in Como lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vegetation community; 1.)

The SAV community is significantly impaired for nutrient pollution and taxonomic diversity as measured by FQI, 2.) taxonomic diversity of aquatic vegetation has declined over the interval with which we have data (2005-2019), and 3.) CLP is fully established and outcompeting native SAV taxa.

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100%

50000

Relative Occurence

80%

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Biomass Density (lbs/acre)

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Potomogeton crispus Potamogeton pectinatus Spirodela polyriza

Elodea canadensis Lemna minor Valisneria americana

Potamogeton zosteriformis Chara sp.

Mean Biomass Density

Ceratophyllum demersum Potomogeton foliosus

Figure 2-1. Trends in aquatic macrophyte relative occurrence by taxa and average biomass density from 2010 to 2019. (point-intercept survey data).

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Figure 2-2. Trends in lake wide aggregate floristic quality score and species richness from 2005 to 2019 in Como Lake. (point-intercept survey data).

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Figure 2-3. Spring 2019 vegetation biovolume heatmap of Como lake (CRWD).

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2.4

CURRENT VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

Management of aquatic vegetation in Como lake currently consists of monitoring and annual mechanical harvesting of vegetation in June to maintain recreational navigation.

2.4.1 Harvesting for Recreational Access

600000

20 18

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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total Area Harvested

Mass Harvested (lbs)

Total Area Harvested (Acres)

Como Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aquatic vegetation biomass (majority being CLP) currently reaches nuisance density in spring and early summer which hinders recreational navigation by non-motorized watercraft available to rent from the Park facility or carried in by the public. Mechanical harvesting and removal of SAV biomass from Como Lake has been contracted since 2005 and continues annually in late June or early July. The area harvested and biomass removed has varied through time depending on contractor, current nuisance hotspots, and budget (Figure 2-4). Areas harvested included the Como Pavilion and rental boat pier, fishing pier, Duck Point, and the eastern shoreline (Figure 2-5). It should be noted that harvesting is not often a viable option for controlling CLP populations since CLP can reproduce from plant fragments and harvesting may spread turions, the primary reproductive method for CLP.

0

lbs Removed

Figure 2-4. Total area of Como Lake mechanical SAV harvest and the approximate biomass removed from 2005-2019.

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Figure 2-5. Areas of Como Lake where SAV was mechanically harvested in 2018 and 2019.

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3.0 Aquatic Vegetation Management 3.1

MANAGING VEGETATION IN SHALLOW LAKES

Aquatic plants are beneficial to lake ecosystems by providing spawning and cover for fish, habitat for macroinvertebrates, refuge for prey such as zooplankton, and stabilization of sediments. However, over-abundant aquatic plants provide poor habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates, limit recreational activities, such as boating and swimming, and may reduce aesthetic values. Excess nutrients in lakes can lead to non-native, invasive aquatic plants taking over a lake. Some exotics can lead to special problems in lakes. For example, under the right conditions, Eurasian watermilfoil can reduce plant biodiversity in a lake when it grows in great densities and out-competes all the other plants. Ultimately, this can lead to a shift in the fish community because these high densities favor panfish over large game fish.

Species such as curly-leaf pondweed can cause very specific problems by changing the dynamics of internal phosphorus loading. Curly-leaf pondweed senesces mid-summer, reducing oxygen in the lake potentially increasing sediment phosphorus loading. Ultimately, there is a delicate balance within the aquatic plant community in any lake ecosystem.

Invasive Aquatic Vegetation Because of the potential effects of invasive aquatic plants, it is important to evaluate invasive species and determine an appropriate management strategy that minimizes their impact on the ecological health of the lake. Lakes that have nuisance populations of invasive aquatic plant species must consider controlling those populations which typically involves the use of herbicides such as endothall or mechanical harvesting. Controlling the invasive species will in turn support and promote the native aquatic plant community. Defining what is possible for Como Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native plant community following herbicide treatment of CLP is the primary goal of this plan.

Native Aquatic Vegetation Managing native aquatic vegetation in Minnesota lakes is often focused on providing recreational access to the lake to support swimming and boating. Management actions to support recreation typically include removal through cutting and harvesting or reducing plant biomass using aquatic herbicides. More recently, lake managers are focusing efforts on longterm management strategies to increase the diversity of the plant community to provide important ecosystem services. However, improving the native plant community is difficult and must be approached with care. Many management techniquesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; outcomes, such as whole lake drawdown, are difficult to predict and caution is needed to protect the current plant community from harm. Furthermore, the science of managing vegetation for increased native diversity is currently limited.

Aquatic Plant Management Approach Based on this understanding, this plan focuses on techniques that can have long-term positive impacts on the diversity of the native population. The management philosophy employed in this plan recognizes that submerged aquatic vegetation is a critical part of shallow lakes and that some vegetation is better than no vegetation but that ultimately the goal is a healthy, diverse, native dominated plant population (Figure 3-1). The current state of the lake must

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first be analyzed, then appropriate management actions identified to move toward the next better state.

Diverse, native, moderately abundant plant community

Native, monotypic SAV community

Monotypic SAV Dominated by Invasive species

No Vegetation

Figure 3-1. Continuum of lake vegetation conditions from best to worst.

It is well established in the current literature that plant abundance is driven by light, carbon, temperature, nutrient availability, and sediment type. SAV get the majority of their nutrients from the sediments and are likely N limited, so managing native SAV abundance likely requires a focus on N reductions in lake sediments. It is also established in the literature that sediment bulk density and chemistry is a key factor in controlling SAV abundance although this is very difficult to manage without drastic and expensive measure such as whole lake drawdown or sediment engineering.

Since there are no clear steps to improve the current native plant conditions, there are a few scientific understandings that can be used to guide the management of vegetation in shallow lakes. These approaches recognize the need for long term changes in lake conditions and are based on the best understanding of the physical and chemical factors that control plant communities.

3.2

AQUATIC VEGETATION STRESSORS

SAV community composition is controlled by the number and extent of stressors impacting the plant community. Stressors affecting the SAV community in Como Lake include the presence of invasive aquatic vegetation, hyper-eutrophic conditions, a high abundance of rough fish, altered hydrology and loss of disturbance regimes, and increased salinity as a result of watershed chloride loading (Table 3-1). Each of these stressors may need to be addressed to improve the diversity and health of the SAV community in Como Lake.

Table 3-1. Stressors affecting the aquatic plant community in Como Lake.

Stressor

Impacts

Curly-leaf Pondweed

Curly-leaf pondweed infestations outcompete native macrophyte populations leading to a decline in biodiversity and water quality.

Eutrophication and Watershed Disturbance

Watershed disturbance and eutrophication is one of the primary factors leading to the decline of aquatic plant communities (Radomski and Perleberg 2012)

Roughfish

Common Carp have been shown to cause rapid declines in aquatic vegetation and increases in turbidity (Loughheed et al., 1998; Bajer et al., 2009). While not as damaging as common carp, black bullhead can be damaging to aquatic vegetation communities (Bajer et al. 2017).

Altered Hydrology

High, stable water levels and loss of natural winterkill can lead to stable turbid water conditions reducing aquatic plant and macroinvertebrate abundance.

Salinity

Increased salinity can cause a reduction in primary production and may select for tolerant species (Lind et al. 2018).

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3.2.1 Curly-leaf Pondweed Como Lake is dominated by CLP covering as much as 80% of Como Lake at its peak abundance. Curly-leaf pondweed is an invasive species that can easily take over a lake’s aquatic macrophyte community. It presents a unique problem because it is believed to significantly affect the in-lake availability of phosphorus, contributing to the eutrophication problem. Curly-leaf pondweed begins growing in late fall, continues growing under the ice, and dies back relatively early in summer, potentially releasing nutrients and increasing sediment anoxia into the water column as it decomposes, possibly contributing to algal blooms. Curlyleaf pondweed can also out-compete desirable native plant species that typically grow in early summer.

3.2.2 Eutrophication and Watershed Disturbance Recent research evaluating the primary stressors to SAV communities in Minnesota’s lakes established eutrophication (increased nutrient loading) and watershed disturbance as the primary factors affecting SAV community structure (Radomski and Perleberg 2012). Nutrients exhibit the greatest amount of stress on shallow lake vegetation communities creating algal dominated, low light conditions that are unfavorable to aquatic plant communities. Watershed disturbance likely contributes to increased nutrient loading but also may result in altered hydrologic regimes that can affect the plant communities through limited disturbance regimes and increased hydrologic bounce.

3.2.3 Roughfish One of the primary restoration techniques for shallow lakes is the manipulation of the fish community to support the establishment of vegetation and ultimately a healthy large bodies zooplankton community (Noonan 1998). The damaging effects of common carp infestation are well established and must be addressed before any restoration success can be expected (Loughheed et al., 1998; Bajer et al., 2009). Other roughfish such as black bullhead can also have damaging effects, although the effects aren’t as severe as common carp (Bajer et al.

2017). And finally, the present of planktivores, such as small sunfish, in high abundance can limit the amount of large bodied zooplankton potentially limiting water clarity. Sunfish are also effective insectivores and can uproot vegetation while foraging in shallow sediments. The effects of fish community structure are well documented in Como Lake (Noonan 1998). A properly structured fish community is key to establishing a healthy aquatic plant community.

3.2.4 Salinity Increased salinity can affect aquatic plant communities by limiting the establishment and growth of sensitive native species. In Europe, a target concentration below 150 mg/L chloride is often used to support native pant communities (Moss et al 1996). While there are no established thresholds for chloride to support aquatic vegetation communities, chloride loads should be minimized to support native aquatic vegetation in Como Lake. Como Lake is currently listed as impaired for chloride by the State. In 2019, the annual average chloride concentration in Como Lake was 231 mg/L, which exceeds the State standard of 230 mg/L. 3.2.5 Altered Hydrology and Lake Sediments Since it is likely that most SAV are limited by nitrogen, reducing nitrogen loading to the lake will ultimately reduce long term build up in sediments. This can be accomplished using

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woodchip bioreactors where appropriate to reduce nitrogen loading to the lake and stormwater ponds to reduce TSS and P input into the lake.

One of the key factors that determine the species present in a lake is sediment bulk density.

However, identifying the target bulk density for the desired condition is difficult and needs further research. There are a number of techniques that can be used to alter sediment bulk density including the addition of sand or engineered soils to the lake. However, this is typically infeasible due to the high cost to treat a large area of the lake and the uncertainty of the outcomes. The most common approach to altering sediment bulk density is whole or partial lake drawdown. Exposing lake sediment to the atmosphere results in sediment drying and consolidation and loss of nitrogen from increased denitrification. The downside for recreational shallow lakes is that the drawdown is typically conducted during the summer recreational season resulting in loss of recreational opportunities. There is also the potential to damage the existing lake vegetation community and shift the lake to a turbid water state. Further, the potential for conducting a drawdown on Como Lake appears low due the watershed areas, numerous stormwater inlets, and episodic flow to the lake.

3.3

MANAGEMENT ZONES AND REFERENCE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

To facilitate the management of vegetation in Como Lake, a zone-based management approach is recommended. This approach divides the lake into manageable zones that may require specific restoration techniques.

3.3.1 Management Zones There are essentially 4 management zones in shallow recreational lakes such as Lake Como including shorelands (-5 to 0 feet), emergent (0 to 5 feet), shallow submerged zone (5 to 10 feet) and deep submerged zone (10 to 25 feet; Figures 3-2 and 3-3). These zones do not have distinct boundaries as emergent, floating leaf, and submerged plants can mix in transition areas and depth of submerged vegetation growth is related to water clarity conditions through the growing season. However, these zones are useful for structuring management actions that facilitate the restoration of diverse and ecologically functional aquatic plant communities.

Figure 3-2. Como Lake vegetation management zones.

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Figure 3-3. A cross section of Como Lake illustrating the expected late successional vegetation community zones (long term restoration goal).

3.3.2 Reference Vegetation Communities A key component of the vegetation management plan for Como Lake is the assignment of appropriate and feasible plant restoration targets. To do this, we leveraged the MNDNRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lake plant IBI spatial database that contains FQI scores, species richness, and lake characteristics from over 3700 lakes in Minnesota (https://gisdata.mn.gov/dataset/env-lake-plant-ibi). We used this database to select appropriate local reference communities based on lake characteristics (Schuppâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecological lake class 40 lakes similar to Como), location within the region and relative land use within watershed (Metro east and west MNDNR Fisheries Jurisdictions). We then selected lakes with FQI scores greater than Como Lake (by MNPCA recent survey score). Twelve candidate local reference communities were identified (Figure 34).

Como Lake compared poorly to the reference lakes with about half of the species as most of the other lakes. It should be noted that the reference lakes also scored poorly compared to MNDNR recommended thresholds suggesting that reaching the established diversity targets will be challenging. Kohlman Lake is similar to Como and highly managed with a disturbed watershed. While Kohlman Lake still does not meet MNDNR guidelines, it serves as a reasonable interim target for Como Lake. Olson Lake meets MNDNR guidelines and may serve as reasonable final target for Como Lake. Further evaluation of these two lakes may help guide aquatic plant management in Como Lake.

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Figure 3-4. Comparison of recent floristic quality scores and species richness of Como lake to local similar lakes (MNDNR Lake Plant Eutrophication IBI).

Floristic quality can also be evaluated in lake zones and compared to the reference communities (Table 3-2). Como Lake demonstrated poor floristic quality even in the emergent zone where plants have a better chance of competing with invasive species. It should be noted that Como Lake did not receive a score in the shallow and deep submerged zones because only the invasive Curly-leaf pondweed was found in these zones. Management can focus on the emergent zone first where establishing plants can be more successful. Targeting 7 to 8 species in the emergent zone following CLP control similar to the reference lakes is a reasonable starting point. This can be accomplished through planting or partial lake drawdown. The submerged zones are much harder to manage and may need a monitoring approach to measure response to actions. However, the reference lakes suggest that 6 to 7 species in the submerged zone is a reasonable target for management.

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Table 3-2. FQI and species richness for different zones of reference lakes.

Emergent Zone

Lake

FQI

Shallow Submerged Zone

Species Richness

FQI

Deep Submerged Zone

Species Richness

FQI

Species Richness

Como Lake (9/10/19)

3

2

--

--

--

--

Olson Lake (6/27/19)

5.5

8

5.4

7

5

7

Kohlman Lake (9/6/18)

4.8

7

4.3

6

--

--

3.3.3 Restoration Goals for Como Lake Aquatic Vegetation The current aquatic vegetation community present in Como Lake is impaired for floristic quality and species richness, thus restorative management should aim to increase FQI score and species richness over time. There is an upper limit to what can be expected from restorative management due to factors that cannot be feasibly or quickly changed at a significant scale (watershed land use, nutrient/pollutant loads, AIS). To define this limit, we analyzed available data from lakes like Como in Minnesota to select a subset of similarly affected lakes that support SAV communities that are appropriate restoration targets. The taxonomic compositions of two reference communities identified (Olson and Kohlman Lakes) were used to compile an aggregate reference community of SAV taxa that could thrive in Como Lake (Table 3-3). These lakes were selected since they are the same Schupps lake class (similar chemistry and morphometry), have similar watersheds and have similar depth characteristics.

Table 3-3 provides a list of target species that can be considered for specific management actions or introduction based on the communities found in the reference lakes. Native taxa from this list that are currently present in Como Lake (3 taxa) should be conserved or augmented. Taxa from this list that were historically sampled in Como Lake but are not currently present (4 taxa) could likely be restored from the latent seedbank if conditions are appropriate. Taxa from this list that are known to create nuisance conditions (5 taxa) should be managed to prevent excessive abundance. Taxa from this list that were not historically sampled in Como Lake but were found in reference lakes (21 taxa) are potential candidates for re-introduction and augmentation.

Table 3-3 is meant as a guide to target the introduction, promotion, and management of native species that are likely to thrive in Como Lake. However, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide. An adaptive approach that adjusts as the plant community reacts to management actions remains the best approach is the basis of this plan.

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Table 3-3. Aquatic vegetation taxa from reference lake communities grouped by the recommended management action associated with each.

Management

Emergent Taxa

Floating Leaf Taxa

Submerged Taxa

Conserve and Augment

Canadian Waterweed Leafy Pondweed Slender Naiad

Restore from Seedbank

Wild celery Sago Pondweed Flatstem Pondweed Muskgrasses (Stoneworts)

Manage abundance

Exotic Cattails

Duckweeds Filamentous algae

Coontail Curly-leaf pondweed

Potential ReIntroduction1

Native Cattail Arrowheads Spikerushes Bulrushes Water Smartweed Canadian Reedgrass Virginia Iris

Watermeal Water Lilies Broad-leaf Pondweed Long-leaved Pondweed

Horned Pondweed Water Star Grass Guppy Grass Robbinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pondweed Lesser Pondweed Illinois Pondweed Spiny Quillwort Northern Watermilfoil White Water-Crowfoot

Taxa present in reference lakes.

1

3.4

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Aquatic vegetation management is a developing scientific field especially as it pertains to promoting native, diverse macrophyte communities. Most of the management tools available today, such as herbicides and mechanical harvesting, focus on reducing community abundance to support recreational uses. However, few prescriptive options exist for promoting ecologically healthy and diverse plant communities. The options that do exist, such as whole-lake water level drawdown, are often very difficult to implement and have significant short-term side effects on other biotic populations of organisms such as zooplankton, fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Management actions must be tailored to the existing plant community targeting specific goals while considering the tradeoff with other potential impacts.

While there are numerous tools and products on the market aimed at reducing macrophyte abundance, not all are appropriate for Como Lake. Some management actions such as rototilling, hydroraking, and benthic barriers were not considered because they are not permitted in Minnesota lakes or the side effects are too deleterious to Lake Como (or both).

Others such as soil stripping and seeding/planting, are considered, but require such a significant financial and labor investment that feasibility analysis should be considered prior to implementation. Table 3-4 contains brief descriptions of the current aquatic vegetation management tools that may be appropriate for Como Lake.

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Table 3-4. Aquatic vegetation management tools (derived from NALMS 2001).

Management Activity

Mode of Action

Advantages

Disadvantages

Mechanical Harvesting

•

Plants cut at 2-10 feet and collected for removal from lake

•

Allows large scale removal of plant material

• • • •

Limited depth of operation Leaves fragments that may re-root and spread Not selective for undesirable species Typically requires several harvest events per year

Hand Pulling

•

Plants physically removed by hand (weeding)

•

Highly selective

• • •

Difficult to cover large areas Only operate in shallower depths Labor intensive

Water Level Control

•

Lowering or raising the water level to manipulate aquatic plant community Disrupts plant life cycle by freezing, desiccation, or light limitation

•

Allows large scale manipulation of the aquatic plant community

• • • •

Impacts entire aquatic vegetation community Outcomes difficult to predict Potential flooding issues Potential temporary loss of recreation

Lowering of water level to enhance sediment and vegetation community Winter drawdown allows freezing that may reduce Curly-leaf pondweed Summer/Fall drawdown invigorates native seed bed and desiccates soil

•

Allows large scale manipulation of the aquatic plant community Provides opportunity for shoreline cleanup and stormwater repair

• • • • •

Variable species tolerance to drawdown Outcomes difficult to predict May affect overwintering reptiles and amphibians May result in short- or long-term increase in nutrient release Temporary loss of recreational uses and habitat

Liquid or pelletized herbicides applied directly to target area Contact or systemic chemicals kill plants or limit growth Typically requires application every 1 to 5 years

• •

Wide range of control is possible May be able to selectively eliminate species

• • • • •

May be toxic to non-targeted species Possible downstream or lake-wide impacts May restrict water use for some time after application May increase oxygen demand from decaying plant material May cause recycling of nutrients

Selective plants transported from other lakes and introduced in target lake Plants introduces as seeds, seedlings, cuttings or whole plants Mixed success especially in the presence of fish/roughfish Often requires exclusion to allow plant establishment Soil stripping and reintroduction of engineered soils and seed beds

• •

Can restore native species selectively Can encourage plant community most suitable for lake uses Can establish sediment conditions suitable for native plant communities

•

•

Requires exclusion from disturbance from fish or wave action until established Largely experimental with few well documented success stories Nuisance species may overcome established species through competition While soil and seedbank stripping had been successful in wetlands, few examples exist for shallow lakes Introduced species may become nuisances

Sediment is physically removed by wet or dry excavation with dewatering and sediment disposal Can be applied selectively or lake-wide Plants and seed beds are removed

• • •

• • • •

Temporarily impacts benthic macroinvertebrates May eliminate fish community May interfere with recreation or other uses during dredging Usually very expensive

•

Whole Lake Drawdown

• • •

Herbicides

• • •

Selective Planting/Engineered Soil

• • • • •

Selective Dredging or Excavation

• • •

•

•

Achieves plant removal with some flexibility Increases water depth Allows complete renovation of the aquatic ecosystem

• • •

Reference: Managing Lakes and Reservoirs, NALMS 2001; Army Corps of Engineers 2000. Activities not considered: Benthic barriers; Dyes and surface covers; Cutting; Rototilling; Hydroraking; Herbivorous fish or Insects

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3.4.1 Herbicides The use of aquatic herbicides is one of the most common and widely used plant management techniques in lakes. Herbicide use in Minnesota lakes is highly regulated by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Minnesota. MNDNR permits are required for any application of aquatic herbicides to lakes in Minnesota (Appendix A). While the use of herbicides is highly regulated, they are also one of the most effective tools available for managing aquatic plant communities, especially when invasive species are present.

No herbicide is specific to one or a few plant species, but with proper planning and application, herbicides can be safely used to target specific species. Table 3-5 from the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS 2001) highlights some of the effects of herbicides on different plant species.

Table 3-5. Susceptibility of common aquatic plant species to herbicides.

(NALMS 2001; Nichols 1986) CONTROLLED BY HERBICIDE APPLICATION DIQUAT

ENDOTHALL

2,4-D

GLYPHOSATE

FLURIDONE

EMERGENT SPECIES Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed)

Y

Dianthera americana (water willow)

Y

Glyceria borealis (mannagrass)

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Phragmites spp. (reed grass)

Y

Sagittaria spp. (arrowhead)

N

N

Y

Scirpus spp. (bulrush)

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Typha spp. (cattail)

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

FLOATING SPECIES Brasenia schrebe i (watershield)

N

Y

Y

N

Lemna spp. (duckweed)

Y

N

Y

Y

Nelumbo lutea (American lotus)

N

N

Y

N

Nuphar spp. (yellow water lily)

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Nymphaea spp. (white water lily)

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Wolfia spp. (watermeal)

Y

N

Y

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Y

CONTROLLED BY HERBICIDE APPLICATION DIQUAT

ENDOTHALL

2,4-D

GLYPHOSATE

FLURIDONE

SUBMERGED SPECIES Ceratophyllum demersum (coontail)

Y

Y

Y

Cabomba caroliniana (fanwort)

N

N

N

N

Chara spp. (stonewort)

N

N

N

N

Elodea canadensis (waterweed)

Y

Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian watermilfoil)

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Najas flexilis (bushy pondweed)

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Najas guadalupensis (southern naiad)

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y Y

Y Y

Y

N

Potamogeton amplifolius (largeleaf pondweed) Potamogeton crispus (curlyleaf pondweed)

Y

Y

N

Potamogeton diversifolius (waterthread)

N

Y

N

Potamogeton natans (floating leaf pondweed)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Potamogeton pectinatus (sago pondweed)

Y

Y

N

Y Y

Potamogeton illinoensis (Illinois pondweed) Ranunculus spp. (buttercup)

Y

Y

Adapted from Nichols, 1986. Y=Yes, N=No, blank=uncertain

3.4.2 Mechanical/Hand Harvesting Harvesting is an effective plant management tool especially for maintaining recreation access.

Harvesting is different from cutting because the cut plant material is removed from the lake and not left to decompose. The following is a brief description of two applicable plant harvesting techniques for Como Lake.

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Mechanical Harvesting Mechanical harvesting typically involves the use of a mechanical harvester designed to remove vegetation from the lake after it has been cut. The harvester typically must off load material for disposal and often requires trucking of plant material to selected disposal or compost sites.

Hand Pulling Hand pulling allows the targeting of specific species by using divers to hand pull specific species similar to weeding a garden. Divers can identify specific species for removal and target key plant beds in the lake. Hand pulling is labor intensive and difficult to accomplish in widespread areas. However, this tool can be effective in promoting diversity by supporting the introduction and propagation of sensitive, native plant species.

3.4.3 Whole and Partial Lake Drawdown One of the more common techniques for managing vegetation in shallow lakes is a growing season or winter whole lake drawdown. The purpose of a drawdown is to consolidate sediments, increase sediment nitrogen loss by increasing denitrification, and to reinvigorate the native vegetation population. This technique is most often used when vegetation are absent from a lake and the outcomes of completing a drawdown in a lake with a robust population is difficult to predict unless a seedbank study is completed or historical vegetation surveys were completed. The outcomes of the drawdown are dependent on individual species response, robustness of the seedbed, age of the remaining seeds and chemical changes in the sediments after drawdown. A lake manager must use caution when prescribing a lake drawdown due to this uncertainty. Furthermore, a drawdown often results in significant loss of recreational opportunities for one or more years depending on weather conditions. This technique may be required to make wholesale changes in the lakes plant community. In Minnesota, a whole lake drawdown requires a minimum of 75% approval by lakeshore owners.

3.4.4 Soil Engineering and Vegetation Establishment One of the likely contributors to the overabundance of native vegetation is the buildup of nitrogen in lake sediments since nitrogen is thought to be the limiting nutrient for aquatic plants. To offset these impacts, opportunities to reduce nitrogen loading to the lake should be explored. Recent technological advances in nitrogen removal such as woodchip bioreactors recently demonstrated a high potential for nitrogen removal from stormwater runoff. However, an analysis of the watershed for suitability and impact would be required.

3.5

COMO LAKE AQUATIC VEGETATION RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT

Restoring with: 1.

2.

3.

the aquatic plant community in Como Lake is primarily a three-step process starting Minimizing the Curly-leaf pondweed infestation to allow natives to thrive in the lake, Ensuring a healthy vegetation community is established in the lake, and Working to increase the biodiversity of the plant community.

The aquatic plant community is critical in maintaining a healthy shallow lake, however there are no thresholds established for the areal extent required to support good water quality. The following is a brief description of the focus for the first management cycle (5 years) and guidance for setting the approach for future management cycles (Table 3-6).

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Table 3-6. Aquatic plant management objectives, stressors, and management activities for Como Lake.

Objective

Stressor/Inhibitor

Cycle 1 (Years 1-5) Goals and Activities

Cycle 2 Goals and Activities

Management Tools

Objective 1E: Reduce CLP to < 10% Frequency of Occurrence (FOC) during period of peak abundance (typically June).

Curly Leaf Pondweed Infestation

Reduce CLP Occurrence to less than 20% • Implement whole lake fluoridone treatments

Maintain CLP Occurrence to less than 20% • Implement spot fluoridone treatments

• Whole lake herbicide application • Spot herbicide applications • Spot harvesting or hand pulling

Objective 1F: Establish and maintain native aquatic vegetation to exceed these criteria: species richness > 8 with at least 3 species having FOC > 20%.

Fisheries Impacts

Ensure roughfish are below impact thresholds and planktivorous fish are balanced with top predators through stocking • Develop fisheries management plan

Implement fisheries management plan • Maintain carp and bullheads are below water quality impact thresholds • Maintain planktivorous fish are balanced with top predators through stocking

• Stocking and harvesting • Aeration • Slot limits?

Eutrophication and Watershed Disturbance

Reduce nutrient loading to Como Lake • Implement alum treatment to minimize internal P loading • Reduce watershed P loading through watershed BMP implementation

Reduce nutrient loading to Como Lake • Reduce watershed P loading through watershed BMP implementation • Ensure internal P load control • Evaluate nitrogen impacts on lake sediment and vegetation

• Watershed BMPs • Sediment phosphorus inactivation • Monitoring

Altered Hydrology

Evaluate sediment and hydrologic impacts • Measure vegetation response to CLP treatments • Conduct hydrologic assessment of lake drawdown

Manage sediment and hydrologic impacts

• Whole or partial lake drawdown • Outlet modification • Water level manipulation

Salinity

Evaluate chloride loading and salinity impacts to Como Lake • Develop chloride impact study • Implement chloride reduction strategies

Reduce chloride loading and salinity impacts to Como Lake Implement chloride reduction strategies

• Road salt reduction BMPs

See Objective 1F

See Objective 1F

See Objective 1F

Maintain suitable recreational access for fishing and non-motorized boating.

• Conduct mechanical harvesting to maintain recreation areas

Maintain suitable recreational access for fishing and non-motorized boating.

• Conduct mechanical harvesting to maintain recreation areas

• Mechanical harvesting • Herbicide application

Objective 5A: Provide a structured adaptive management approach to effectively and efficiently adjust management actions through the life of the plan.

Implement an adaptive management approach for vegetation management • Implement cycle 1 activities

Implement an adaptive management approach for vegetation management • Complete 5-year reviews and goal setting

• Vegetation Management Plan • Five-year Reviews • Annual Lake Como Summit

Objective 5B: Engage multiple partners and utilize funding sources to implement the CLMP.

Conduct annual reviews of activities • Hold an annual Como Lake summit to bring managers together and discuss outcomes and review approach

Conduct annual reviews of activities • Hold an annual Como Lake summit to bring managers together and discuss outcomes and review approach • Complete 5-year reviews and goal setting • Identify and pursue grant opportunities

• Partnerships with other agencies • Grants • Annual Como Lake Summit • Five-year Reviews

Objective 3A: Continue to provide fishing opportunities.

Objective 3B: Provide areas suitable for nonmotorized boating.

Overabundance of aquatic vegetation

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3.5.1 Cycle 1 Vegetation Management Activities The primary goal in the first management cycle is to set lake conditions to support a healthy, native aquatic plant community. The first step is to reduce the CLP population to less than 20% occurrence to allow native vegetation to establish in the lake (see goal 1E; Table 3.6). Concurrently, an alum treatment will occur to improve light conditions, limit algal growth in both the short and long term, and provide ideal conditions for native vegetation to thrive. The goal is to significantly reduce the curly-leaf pondweed population and replace it with native vegetation.

During this first management cycle, there will also be a focus on understanding and managing other potential stressors including fisheries, eutrophication, increased salinity, and altered hydrology. Some of these management actions, such as BMPs to address nutrient loading, are already addressed in the overall Como Lake Management Plan.

3.5.1.1 Curly-leaf Pondweed Control The first step in restoring vegetation in Como Lake is to reduce the curly-leaf pondweed population that currently dominates the plant community in the lake. Recent research and experience suggest that best method to get the curly-leaf pondweed infestation under control is a lakewide application of an herbicide to reduce the standing biomass of CLP and to reduce turions and limit reproduction long term. CRWD was issued a MNDNR variance to complete whole lake herbicide treatments between 2019 and 2026. Variances are required for herbicide use within a natural environment lake and if treating above 15% of the littoral acreage (MNDNR 2019; Appendix B). This variance allows CRWD to reduce CLP lakewide, improve water clarity and increase the native plant community. The implementation of a LVMP will allow MNDNR and CRWD to document the efficacy of low-dose herbicide applications. The MNDNR stated goals in the Como Lake LVMP variance are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Maintain CLP below 45% FOO annually (pretreatment delineation) Reduce CLP to <10% FOO at completion of LVMP - 7 years Reduce turion density based off year-1 densities Increase native submersed species richness to >6 species

During the seven-year period, the variance allows for treatment of CLP at a baywide or lakewide level with a selective herbicide. The CLP treatment shall occur in the early spring (water temperatures; 50-60 °F) when CLP is actively growing, and native plants are still dormant so as to minimize non-target effects.

Recent research demonstrates that low dose, early season, whole lake endothall or fluridone treatments are effective at selectively reducing CLP in Minnesota lakes (Poovey et al. 2002, Skokerboe et al. 2008). These treatments typically occur in the early Spring when water temperatures are between 10 and 15 Ë&#x161;C to minimize effects on native plants. Whole lake endothall treatments are demonstrated to reduce both CLP standing biomass and turion production in the treatment season (Johnson et al. 2012) with minimal impacts to native vegetation (Jones et al. 2012). Fluridone treatments have been shown to be effective for CLP control but requires lakewide exposure and long contact time (around 60 days). Long term control may be more difficult to achieve since turions already present in the sediments can remain even after three or more years of treatment (Johnson et al. 2012). Spot treatments with aquatic herbicides will likely be needed for many years after CLP is reduced to the specified target levels.

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Low dose endothall or fluridone treatments should be applied to Como Lake lakewide for three years starting in Spring 2020. Treatments should occur in the Spring once water temperatures reach 50 degrees F. Based on recent ice out (Figure 3-5) and water temperatures in Como Lake (Figure 3-6), the application period will likely be from mid-April through the end of May. Doses should follow product label guidelines and be applied by a licensed contractor with experience in the State of Minnesota. At least 3 consecutive years of whole treatments should occur to reduce the standing biomass of CLP and reduce turion production (Figure 3-7). Following the first three-year application period, application areas should be determined by annual point intercept monitoring. Once CLP occurrence is less than 20%, spot treatments can be considered.

Figure 3-5. Historical dates of ice cover for Como Lake. Red line represents the average ice out date.

35 30

T (C)

25 20 15 10 5 0 16-Mar

5-Apr

25-Apr 15-May

4-Jun

24-Jun

14-Jul

3-Aug

23-Aug 12-Sep

2-Oct

22-Oct

Figure 3-6. Historical surface water temperature for Como Lake.

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Figure 3-7. Curly-leaf pondweed herbicide treatment approach for the first five-year management cycle.

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3.5.1.2 Native Vegetation Establishment and Diversification For the native plant community to establish and thrive, there are several stressors that should be further evaluated or managed appropriately (Table 3.1). Actions include: • • • • •

Assess chloride impacts and manage watershed chloride loads to minimize effects on native aquatic vegetation Reduce eutrophication impacts to improve light conditions and promote intolerant natives Manage fish populations to minimize adverse effects on the submerged plant community as outlined in the Como Lake Fisheries Management Plan Evaluate ability to conduct partial or whole lake drawdown through outlet modification or temporary hydrologic alteration (coffer dam and pumping) Evaluate the role of nitrogen management in supporting a diverse, native aquatic vegetation community

3.5.2 Cycle 2 management and Assessment Actions Cycle 2 Management and Assessment actions will be highly dependent on the potential outcomes of the Cycle 1 management actions. While it is difficult to predict the outcomes of the whole lake CLP treatments, a number of potential outcomes were hypothesized to guide planning potential management actions (Figure 3-8). The primary goal of reducing CLP is likely to be achieved in the first five-year management cycle. However, the response of the native plant population is much harder to predict.

Scenario 1 and 2 CLP <20% FOO and Minimal Native Establishment If the treatments result in the eradication of CLP but natives do not respond, the focus will need to be on ensuring a stable clear lake state by establishing native vegetation.

Management actions in this scenario include whole or partial lake drawdown or plant introductions making it one of the more difficult scenarios to successfully mitigate. In this scenario, it may be wise to pursue a partial lake drawdown to promote native aquatic vegetation in the emergent zone to establish vegetation in the lake. Whole lake drawdown will promote native aquatic vegetation in the emergent and submerged zone but is much more difficult to achieve and dependent on the outcomes of the hydrologic and feasibility study completed during the first management cycle.

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Figure 3-8. Lake Como Aquatic Vegetation Management Decision Matrix.

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Scenario 3 and 4 CLP <20% FOO with Native Establishment A second set of scenarios could present themselves following the initial three-year cycle of whole lake herbicide treats to control CLP. These scenarios are when CLP is controlled (<20% FOO) followed by relatively robust native plant establishment. Aquatic plants that do respond in this scenario are likely to be tolerant and dominate the plant community (i.e.

Coontail, Elodea). As plant establishment activities are considered, specific management of these species should be considered to allow less tolerant native plants to stablish and increase the diversity of the plant community. Management actions may include targeted harvesting or hand pulling.

Based on recent plant surveys, it is possible that following CLP control a relatively diverse population of natives respond in the lake. In this scenario, management actions should focus on allowing the more diverse population to spread throughout the lake and minimizing the potential of elodea of Coontail dominating the aquatic plant community. Management actions will include monitoring and some targeted plant management (Coontail or Elodea) which may include harvesting or hand pulling.

Scenario 5 and 6 CLP >20% FOO and Minimal Native Establishment The final scenarios include limited control of CLP in the lake after the first 5-year cycle of CLP control. Under this scenario, CLP control efforts will remain the highest priority with either continued whole lake CLP treatments or aggressive spot CLP treatments to control the CLP population. Response of the native population will need to be monitored closely with the primary goal of promoting a diverse native community guiding management action.

3.5.3 Recreational Access Management One of the primary goals of the Como Lake Management Plan is to provide access for nonmotorized boating activity. Current management efforts include harvesting around the fishing pier to enhance fishing opportunities and maintenance of open water areas and their access. Under all of the potential scenarios and outcomes in this plan, these activities will have to continue to maintain recreational access to the lake. The fishing pier resides in the emergent and submerged transition zone of the lake which will have a robust population of native aquatic vegetation when the lake is in a healthy, plant dominated state. Therefore, some level of harvesting will be required to maintain fishing access.

Maintenance of recreational, non-motorized boating will continue to require harvesting to maintain access to open water areas. As the lake is manipulated to improve the aquatic vegetation community, there is potential for any current open water areas to be taken over by aquatic vegetation. The goal of this plan is to target vegetation in the deeper areas of the lake that still provide a recreational water volume above the maximum height of the aquatic plant stand. This approach is difficult to accomplish because selectively allowing only specific plants to thrive is poorly understood. However, selective harvesting, hand pulling, and planting might all be effective at accomplishing this goal.

Management for recreational access needs to be planned year by year dependent on that yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plant community, location of required access and required open water areas. Each yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach should be based on the previous yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survey, recreational needs, and permit requirements.

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It should be mentioned that some efficiencies exist in the management of the overall aquatic vegetation community and recreational management. If a harvester is planned on the lake to maintain recreational uses, it may be prudent to select harvesting as a tool to selectively remove CLP or help enhance native communities by targeting aggressive native plants.

3.6

PARTNER DRIVEN ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

The final two objectives focus on providing a partner-driven, structured adaptive management framework to effectively implement the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan.

Following are some recommendations for developing and implementing a partner driven adaptive management approach for vegetation Management in Como Lake.

3.6.1 Annual Como Lake Science Summit Because the management of Como Lake is complex, relies on numerous agencies and experts, and needs to be implemented adaptively, we recommend the District host an annual summit of these experts and partners to discuss progress in the plan and develop an annual action plan for managing the lake (see the Como Lake Management Plan Action C23). This approach has been effectively utilized by the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District to manage a complex chain of lakes where numerous partners are involved in their management. The Summit provides context for decision making by the regulatory agency as well as the particular technical experts. The Summits focus on the results of plans management actions, a discussion of future actions, and input on the actions for a given year.

Following the Como Lake Science Summit, a brief plan should be developed outlining that yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, goals and responsible parties. The approach should be based on the discussions and outcomes of the Summit.

3.6.2 Three-year Plant Management Reviews The Como Lake Management Plan establishes an adaptive management framework using three-year management cycles. At the end of each management cycle, a three-year review should be completed that outlines past management activities and results. The management approach can then be developed for the next three-year cycle based on the outcomes of the previous management cycle.

3.7

MONITORING

Continuation of point-intercept and hydroacoustic surveys three times per year and CLP turion density survey once per year using existing methods is recommended (Table 3-7).

We also recommend that the addition of a quantitative nearshore survey (annual in fall) be considered to add information about the shoreland and emergent vegetation zones.

The current MNDNR variance requires the following monitoring: 1. Spring delineation and summer point-intercept survey to measure reductions in CLP (peak growth and post treatment) 2. Turion sampling to show CLP reductions over time 3. Late season point-intercept survey to track native plant community changes

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Table 3-7. Monitoring requirements for the CLP variance (MNDNR 2019).

3.7.1 Point Intercept and Hydroacoustic Surveys CRWD/RC-SWCD’s monitoring program that has been conducted since 2014 has utilized robust methods that follow MNDNR guidelines in all ways except that the number of sample points within the point-intercept (PI) survey was only 26% of the recommended minimum amount for statistical confidence in not missing rarely occurring taxa (60/225). While this lowers the statistical power and certainty of inferences drawn from each survey and overall trend analysis, we feel it is an acceptable compromise with staff time and budget constraints of RC-SWCD. Nonetheless there is opportunity to improve the PI survey methods by adding sampling effort in the form of more sample points. An alternative method to fill this deficiency is presented in Section 4.2.3. The hydroacoustic (HA) survey method is complementary to the PI survey and adds valuable integrative information with little extra effort. Continuation of the current PI and HA sampling protocol is recommended as the primary component of monitoring Como Lake’s aquatic vegetation community.

Downward trends in CLP frequency of occurrence and density would indicate success of direct CLP management actions. Upward trends in FQI scores and species richness would indicate success in restoration of the aquatic vegetation community’s ecological health.

3.7.2 CLP Turion Density The density of CLP turions was estimated for the littoral area of Como Lake in September of 2019. Continuation of this survey method annually in September going forward is recommended by Wenck and required by the MNDNR as part of the LVMP. CLP turion density is an indicator of the density of CLP growth that can be expected in the lake, with established impairment thresholds for recreational navigation. A downward trend in CLP density would signal success of direct CLP management actions.

3.7.3 Quantitative Nearshore Plots The addition of annual quantitative nearshore plot (QNP) survey to the monitoring program is recommended to fill a data gap that exists in describing the extent of vegetative diversity in the shoreland and emergent zones. Methods should follow MNDNR guidelines outlined in version 4 of the Minnesota lake plant survey manual. The transitional area between shoreland and emergent zones often contains the highest diversity of aquatic vegetation in MN lakes but is often under sampled by PI and HA methods. Addition of this survey method

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will allow changes in those zones to be tracked through time with more certainty without altering existing PI survey protocol.

3.7.4 Assessing Progress Toward Goals A number of metrics are proposed for measuring success of the management efforts in Como Lake including: 1. CLP Frequency of Occurrence <20% 2. Decreasing year to year trend in turion density 3. Increasing trend in FQI or Species Richness a. FQI <18.7 is considered an impaired community by the Minnesota DNR (Radomski and Perleberg 2012) 4. Increasing trend in Frequency of Occurrence in intolerant, native species An annual update of trends is recommended in order to provide a quantitative assessment of progress that can effectively guide an adaptive management approach. It is important to note that species richness and FQI do not account for the frequency of occurrence of the native species. So, a lake may have a high species richness or FQI but the desirable native species occur infrequently throughout the lake. Therefore, it is important to consider the spatial extent of the desirable native species as well as species richness and FQI. 3.8

STUDIES

A number of studies could add to the understanding of the plant community and effective management actions in Como Lake. Following are some brief descriptions of these studies.

3.8.1 Seedbank Studies Study of Como Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aquatic vegetation seedbank is an optional monitoring component that could add significant value for a relatively low cost. The potential aquatic vegetation taxa that could be restored from the latent seedbank (see section 3.3.3) can be refined by artificially germinating seed within lake bottom sediments in a controlled laboratory setting.

This method would elevate the certainty of which taxa still have viable latent seedbank present in Como Lake beyond inference made from historic occurrence records. The study would not need to be repeated until there is further uncertainty about presence of viable seedbank. Taxa with an existing viable seedbank could be restored by providing suitable conditions for growth and limiting competition from CLP without the need for re-introduction.

3.8.2 Sediment Chemistry and Health Sediment chemistry and health is highly critical for aquatic plants to establish and grow in lakes. Sediments in shallow water that are highly unconsolidated are susceptible to movement by wind limiting an aquatic plants ability to root and establish. Further, sediments high in nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) may select for more tolerant native or invasive species. While lake managers recognize the importance of sediment chemistry and health, there are few if any guidelines currently to assess the health of the lake sediments or its ability to support less tolerant native vegetation. However, a baseline sediment physical property and chemistry assessment would be useful as management actions occur to better understand current sediment conditions and possible limiting aspects of the sediment. Parameters would be monitored through sediment sampling (coring or other appropriate) sampling techniques and include parameters such as bulk density, organic content, nutrient content and micronutrients.

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4.0 References Bajer, P.G., M. W. Beck, and P. J. Hundt. 2017. Effect of non-native invaders on macrophyte richness: are carp and bullheads ecological proxies? Hydrobiologia.

Bajer PG, Sullivan G, Sorensen PW (2009) Effects of a rapidly increasing population of common carp on vegetative cover and waterfowl in a recently restored Mid-western shallow lake. Hydrobiologia,632, 235–245.

Capitol Region Watershed District. “Curly-leaf pondweed Turion Survey 9/10/2019.” Ramsey County – Parks & Recreation, Soil and Water Conservation Division, 2019.

Capitol Region Watershed District. Historical Como Lake Aquatic Vegetation Survey Data.

Ramsey County – Parks & Recreation, Soil and Water Conservation Division, 20052019.

Lind, Lovisa, et al. "Salty fertile lakes: how salinization and eutrophication alter the structure of freshwater communities." Ecosphere 9.9 (2018): e02383.

Johnson, J.A., A.R. Jones & R.M. Newman (2012): Evaluation of lakewide, early season herbicide treatments for controlling invasive curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) in Minnesota lakes, Lake and Reservoir Management, 28:4, 346-363 Jones, A.R., J.A. Johnson and R.M. Newman. 2012. Effects of repeated, early season, herbicide treatments of curlyleaf pondweed on native macrophyte assemblages in Minnesota lakes. Lake and Reservoir Management 28(4): 364-374.

Lougheed, V.L., Crosbie, B., and Chow-Fraser, P. 1998. Predic-tions on the effect of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exclusionon water quality, zooplankton, and submergent macrophytes in aGreat Lakes wetland. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci.55: 1189–1197.

Moss, B., J. Madgwick, and G. Phillips. 1996. A Guide to the Restoration of Nutrient-enriched Shallow Lakes. Broads Authority, 0 – 180.

Noonan, T. A. "Como Lake, Minnesota: the long-term response of a shallow urban lake to biomanipulation." Lake and Reservoir Management 14.1 (1998): 92-109.

Poovey AG, Skogerboe JG, Owens CS. 2002. Spring treatments of diquat and endothall for curlyleaf pondweed control. J. Aquat. Plant Manage.40:63–67.

Radomski, Paul, and Donna Perleberg. 2012. "Application of a versatile aquatic macrophyte integrity index for Minnesota lakes." Ecological indicators 20 (2012): 252-268.

Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. “Kohlman Lake Aquatic Management Plan.”

Barr Engineering, 2008.

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Skogerboe JG, Poovey AG, Getsinger KD, Crowell W, Macbeth E. 2008. Earlyseason, low dose applications of endothall to selectively controlcurlyleaf pondweed in Minnesota lakes. Aquatic Plant Control ResearchProgram Technical Notes Collection (ERDC/TN APCRP-CC-08), U.S.Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. Valley Branch Watershed District. “2018 Point-Intercept Plant Surveys.” Barr Engineering, 2018.

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Appendix A

4.1

Aquatic Plant Management Permit Requirements

The management of aquatic plants in Minnesota is regulated by Minnesota Statute, Section 103G.615, Chapter 6280 and is enforced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Aquatic plant management activities may or may not require an Aquatic Plant Management (APM) permit, based on the nature of the activity.

APM permits may be issued to provide riparian access, enhance recreational use, control invasive aquatic plants, manage water levels, and protect or improve habitat. Separate permits are required for controlling natives for recreational access and controlling aquatic invasive species. A specific list of criteria is considered to determine if a permit should be granted. A permit will not be issued to improve the appearance of undeveloped shoreline or for aesthetic reasons alone. A permit also cannot be issued in areas given special designations, such as Scientific and Natural Areas or in areas posted as protected fish spawning areas. Permits are required for the control of invasive species and recreational access.

There are a number of permit fees associated with the control of vegetation in Minnesota lakes. For recreational access, the fee for offshore (>150 feet from shore) mechanical control of submerged aquatic vegetation is $35.00 for the first acre, plus $2.00 for each additional acre up to a maximum fee of $2,500.00. The fee for offshore mechanical control of rooted vegetation on lakes 20 acres or less in size is $17.50 for the first acre plus $1.00 per acres for each additional acre. To control rooted aquatic vegetation with pesticides, the fee is $35 for each contiguous parcel of shoreline up to a maximum of $2,500. If multiple methods are used, only the larger of the fees applies. There is typically no fee for a permit to control aquatic invasive species.

4.1.1 Activities not Requiring a Permit Chapter 6280.0250 allows certain activities without an Aquatic Plant Management ( APM) permit. Specifically, mechanical control of submersed aquatic plants is allowed by individual property owners in an area not to extend along more than 50 feet or one-half the length of the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total shoreline, whichever is less, and not to exceed 2,500 sq. ft. plus the area needed to extend a channel no wider than 15 feet to open water.

These rules also allow for the mechanical control of floating-leaf aquatic plants to obtain a channel extending to open water with the provisions that the channel is no more than 15 feet wide and follows the most direct route to open water, the channel is maintained by cutting or pulling, and the channel remains in the same location from year to year.

The skimming of duckweed or filamentous algae off of the surface of a water body is also allowed without a permit.

4.1.2 Activities Requiring a Permit An APM permit is required for all other activities below the Ordinary High Water (OHW) level not mentioned above, including all herbicide control of aquatic plants, relocating or

removing bogs, and installing or operating an automated aquatic plant control device (weed harvester).

4.1.3 Types of Aquatic Plant Management Control Mechanical Control Mechanical control of aquatic vegetation typically involves the cutting, pulling, raking or otherwise removing or altering aquatic plants by physical means. Removal can occur as frequently as the applicant desires, however the frequency must be approved by the DNR. Some of the conditions of permitted mechanical control of aquatic plants include: • • • •

the vegetation must be immediately and permanently removed from the water; the mechanical control may not exceed 50% of the total littoral area of the lake on an annual basis but may be harvested multiple times throughout the year; control methods must not change the course of the water; and mechanical control for recreational access must be conducted in the same location year after year; locations can vary year to year for invasive control based on precontrol surveys.

Herbicide Control A permit is required for all chemical control of aquatic plants. Herbicide control of aquatic plants is limited to an area that does not exceed 15% of the littoral area of a lake (16.5 acres on Red Rock Lake). Only specific pesticides that are labeled for use in aquatic sites can be used, and they must be applied according to the label instructions. Removal can occur as frequently as the applicant desires, however the frequency must be approved by the DNR. 4.1.4 Permit Requirements A riparian lakeshore owner, lake association, or government agency may apply for an APM permit. Before the permit is issued, it is necessary to obtain the permission and signature of all landowners whose shorelines will be treated.

Applications for permits must be submitted by August 1 of each year. An APM permit is valid for one growing season and expires on December 31 of the year that it is issued.

Appendix B

Management Activity

Forms of Endothall

Mode of Action • • • •

Contact herbicide with limited translocation potential Membrane-active chemical that inhibits protein synthesis Causes structural deterioration Applied as liquid or granules

Advantages •

• • • •

Forms of Diquat

• • • •

Contact herbicide Absorbed by foliage but not roots Strong oxidant; disrupts most cellular functions Applied as a liquid

•

• • •

Exerts moderate control of some immersed plant species, moderately to highly effective control of floating and submersed species Has limited toxicity to fish at recommended dosages Acts rapidly, short contact time (8days) Effective for CLP management Low temperatures, low dose, application while natives are gone Exerts moderate control of some immersed plant species, moderately to highly effective control of floating and submersed species Has limited toxicity to fish at recommended dosages Acts rapidly Effective for CLP management

Disadvantages • • • • •

• • • • •

Non-selective in treated area May be toxic to aquatic fauna (varying degrees by formulation) Time delays necessary on use for water supply agriculture, and contact recreation Requires multiple year applications, Some success for turion inactivation

Non-selective in treated area Sometimes toxic to zooplankton at recommended dosage Inactivated by suspended particles; ineffective in muddy waters Time delays necessary on use for water supply, agriculture, and contact recreation Application in higher temperatures

Management Activity

Forms of Glyphosate

Mode of Action • • •

Contact herbicide Absorbed through foliage; disrupts enzyme formation and function in uncertain manner Applied as a liquid spray

Advantages • • • • •

Forms of 2,4-D

• • •

•

Forms of Fluridone

• • •

Systemic herbicide Readily absorbed and translocation throughout plant Inhibits cell division in new tissue, stimulates growth in older tissue, resulting in gradual cell disruption Applied as liquid or granules, frequently as part of more complex formulations, preferably during early growth phase of plants Systemic herbicide Inhibits carotenoid pigment synthesis and impacts photosynthesis Best applied as liquid or granules during early growth phase of plants

•

•

• • •

• •

Disadvantages

Exerts moderate to highly effective of floating and submersed species Can be used selectively, based on application to individual plants Acts rapidly Low toxicity to aquatic fauna at recommended dosages No time delays needed for use of treated water

• •

Moderately to highly effective control of a variety of immersed, floating and submersed plants Can achieve some selectivity through application timing and concentration Fairly fast action

•

Can be used selectively, based on concentration Gradual deterioration of affected plants limits impact on oxygen level (BOD) Effective against several difficult-to-control species Low toxicity to aquatic fauna

•

•

•

•

• •

Non-selective in treated area Inactivated by suspended particles; ineffective in muddy waters Highly corrosive; storage precautions necessary

Has variable toxicity to aquatic fauna, depending upon formulation and ambient water chemistry Time delays necessary for use of treated water for agriculture and contact recreation Not for use in water supplies

Impacts on non-target plant species possible at higher doses Extremely soluble and mixable; difficult to perform partial lake treatments Requires extended contact time (40-60 days recommended)

Management Activity

Mode of Action

Advantages

Disadvantages • •

Forms of Triclopyr

•

• • •

Systemic herbicide, registered for experimental aquatic use by cooperators in selected areas only at this time Readily absorbed by foliage, translocation throughout plant Disrupts enzyme systems specific to plants Applied as liquid spray or subsurface inject liquid

• •

• • •

Effectively controls many floating and submersed plant species Can be used selectively; more effective against dicot plant species, including many nuisance forms Effective against several difficult to control species Low toxicity to aquatic fauna Acts rapidly

Reference: Managing Lakes and Reservoirs, NALMS 2001; Army Corps of Engineers 2000.

• • • •

Must be applied during stratification Applied when plants are fully grown so plant material will remain in the lake which can contribute to P release inhibits native plant growth Impacts on non-target plant species possible at higher doses Current time delay of 30 days on consumption of fish from treated areas Necessary restrictions on use of treated water for supply or contact recreation not yet certain

Toll Free: 800-472-2232

Email: wenckmp@wenck.com

Web: wenck.com

March 19, 2020 Board Meeting

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

March 12, 2020 CRWD Board of Managers Britta Belden, Water Resource Project Manager Authorize Bidding for Como Lake Alum Treatment Project

V. G. Action Items—Authorize Como Lake Alum Treatment Project (Belden)

Background The Como Lake Management Plan (CLMP) was adopted by the Board of Managers on May 15, 2019. The CLMP presents an adaptive management plan framework for achieving water quality goals for Como Lake through in-lake, watershed, and community actions over the next 20 years.

As part of the CLMP, an alum treatment was recommended (Action L2) to inactivate sediment phosphorus, which is the most significant source of internal phosphorus loading in the lake. An alum treatment is a non-toxic method that involves the application of aluminum sulfate to the lake surface by boat. Following application, the alum moves through the water column to the lake bottom where it chemically reacts with the lake bottom sediments to “lock up” phosphorus so it is not available for algae to consume.

Staff have worked with LimnoTech to develop an alum dosing plan, bidding documents and specifications for Como Lake. The project went out to bid on February 14, 2020.

Issues Bids for the Como Lake Alum Treatment were opened on March 6, 2020. One bid was received from HAB Aquatic Solutions. LimnoTech has determined that HAB Aquatic Solutions is the lowest, responsible, qualified bidder per the bidding documents for the project. The LimnoTech’s Engineers Recommendation is enclosed.

Staff will review the recommendation with the Board.

Requested Action Authorize Como Lake Alum Treatment project and award the base bid to HAB Aquatic Solutions for an amount not to exceed $152,263.76.

Authorize the Board President and Administrator to execute a Notice of Award and an Agreement with HAB Aquatic Solutions for the Como Lake Alum Treatment subject to the review and approval of the Ramsey County Attorney. Authorize Administrator to execute change orders not to exceed $15,000.00. enc:

Engineers Recommendation for Como Lake Alum Treatment Project

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Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

March 10, 2020 Board of Managers Capitol Region Watershed District 595 Aldine Street St. Paul, MN 55104 RE: Como Lake Alum Application Project No. 405-19703 Dear CRWD Board of Managers: One sealed bid was received for the Como Lake Alum Application Project by the bid closing date of March 6, 2020 at 1:00 pm CST. The single bidder was HAB Aquatic Solutions. The bid has been reviewed and checked for consistency with the responsible bidder requirements for this project.

The bidder’s qualifications for this type of project have been received and reviewed.

HAB Aquatic Solutions’ total bid was $152,263.76. After reviewing the bid documents and the contractor’s qualifications, we recommend awarding the contract to HAB Aquatic Solutions.

Sincerely, LimnoTech

Hans Holmberg, P.E. Associate Vice President

Dendy Lofton, PhD, CLM Limnologist

March 19, 2020 Board Meeting V. Action Items H) Approve Consultant Agreement for BMP Database Management (Zwonitzer)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

March 10, 2020 CRWD Board of Managers Nate Zwonitzer, Water Resource Project Manager Approve Consultant Master Services Agreement with Houston Engineering for ongoing BMP Database Management

Background For the past six years CRWD has been contracting with Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) to host and implement a customized web-based BMP database to track projects in its permit, grant, and capital improvement programs. The database allows access to project information from anywhere that has an internet connection. It is used to track project progress and maintenance activities, generate maps, and summarize CRWD activities and associated environmental benefits.

Issues To streamline administration and services for this ongoing technology, staff recommend approving a consultant master services agreement with HEI. This agreement would cover annual database webhosting, maintenance, enhancements, GIS support, and programming updates to modernize security and data management as needed. Similar to the agreement with Barr Engineering for general engineering services related to the Trout Brook Interceptor, the HEI contract would renew each year for a maximum contract amount of $25,000 for general database management tasks and expenses as described in the attached draft agreement. Staff recommend approving the agreement for up to $25,000 per year through the dedicated BMP Database fund which has a budget of $50,000 in 2020 (#225-20303).

Requested Actions Approve consultant master services agreement with Houston Engineering Inc. for up to $25,000 per year for CRWDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BMP Database and authorize the Administrator to execute the agreement subject to the review and approval by Ramsey County Attorney.

enc:

Draft Consultant Master Services Agreement

W:\06 Projects\BMP Database\Contracts\BMP Database - 2020 Hosting & Maintenance\Board Memo 2020 BMP Database v2.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

Project Name: Budget: Fund: Deadline: Agreement #:

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT [PROJECT/SERVICE NAME] CONSULTANT MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT The following is an agreement between [Consultant Name] ("CONTRACTOR") and Capitol Region Watershed District (“DISTRICT”) for [service description].

1. Scope of Services All professional Services provided by CONTRACTOR under this Agreement shall be provided pursuant to ADDENDUM I, ADDENDUM II, and any written orders signed by the DISTRICT and the CONTRACTOR detailing the specific project to be completed and Services to be provided (each a “Work Order”.) in ADDENDUM III, all attached hereto and made part of this Agreement.

The CONTRACTOR shall appoint a “CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE” and the DISTRICT shall appoint a “DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE” to coordinate provisions of the Services on any Work Order.

CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIVE shall be authorized to act on CONTRACTOR’S behalf, and DISTRICT’S REPRESENTATIVE shall be authorized to act on DISTRICT’S behalf to bind CONTRACTOR and DISTRICT and shall be available at reasonable times during the term of the Agreement to coordinate provisions of the Services. CONTRACTOR and DISTRICT reserve the right to change the REPRESENTATIVE upon written notice. The CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE and DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE shall be designated in ADDENDUM II. 2. Time The services specified in ADDENDUM I will be delivered by the CONTRACTOR on an annual basis. The services identified in a Work Order will be delivered as specified in the Work Order itself.

3. Payment The cost of services shall be based on time and materials as provided in ADDENDUM II at the time the services are performed, and the total annual contract payment shall not exceed [Contract Amount] unless modified by a Work Order. Payment will be made within 35 days of receipt of a detailed invoice and approval by the DISTRICT Board of Managers. Interest accrual and disputes regarding payment shall be governed by the provision of Minn. Stat. Section 471.425.

CONTRACTOR reserves the right to change the fee schedule in ADDENDUM II not more often than once annually. CONTRACTOR shall notify CRWD of changes in the fee schedule before such changes become effective.

4. Work Orders Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

A Work Order will be required for any services not identified in ADDENDUM I and shall be attached to this agreement in ADDENDUM III. Work Orders may set maximum compensation as an amount not to be exceeded without additional authorization. The assumptions that form the basis for a compensation limit (“Service Assumptions”) shall be described in a Work Order. If the service assumptions do not reflect Contractor’s actual effort, the parties agree that compensation shall be reviewed and may be adjusted as is equitable to reflect actual effort. Work Orders may be in the form of a proposal by CONTRACTOR countersigned by DISTRICT or in the form of a proposal

by DISTRICT countersigned by CONTRACTOR, and the other Party agrees to accept or reject within 10 days of receipt of the proposal. If a proposed Work Order is rejected, neither Party shall have further responsibility with respect to the content of the Work Order. The Services described in any Work Order may be modified from time to time with the mutual approval of DISTRICT and CONTRACTOR. Such modifications shall be summarized in a modified Work Order and shall include equitable modification to any maximum compensation limits or schedules.

4. Independent Contractor Status It is agreed that nothing contained in this Agreement is intended or should be construed as creating the relationship of agents, contractor, joint venturers, or associates between the parties hereto or as constituting CONTRACTOR as the employee of the DISTRICT for any purpose or in any manner whatsoever. The CONTRACTOR is an independent contractor and neither it, its employees, agents nor representatives are employees of the DISTRICT. From any amounts due the CONTRACTOR, there will be no deductions for federal income tax or FICA payments, nor for any state income tax, nor for any other purposes which are associated with an employer-employee relationship unless required by law. Payment of federal income tax, FICA payments, and state income tax are the responsibility of the CONTRACTOR. 5. Indemnification CONTRACTOR shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the DISTRICT, its officials, employees, and agents from any and all liability, loss, costs, damages, expenses, claims or actions, including attorney’s fees, which the DISTRICT, its officials, employees, and agents may hereafter sustain, incur or be required to pay, arising out of or by reason of any negligent act or omission or breach of this Agreement.

6. Insurance CONTRACTOR shall purchase and maintain such insurance as will protect the DISTRICT from claims which may arise out of or result from operations of the CONTRACTOR including but not limited to the following: General Liability – A minimum of $1,500,000 per occurrence and $1,500,000 aggregate. Such coverage shall include contractual liability insurance either specifically naming this agreement, or on a blanket basis the DISTRICT, its officials, and its employees shall be named as additional insured, with a cross-suits endorsement in favor of the DISTRICT. Auto Liability - $1,500,000 per occurrence and $1,500,000 aggregate. Require “hired and owned” and “hired and non-owned” auto insurance.

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Workers Compensation - As required by MN statute.

Professional Liability – A minimum of $1,500,000 per claim and $1,500,000 aggregate. The CONTRACTOR will need to evidence continuation of this insurance at the required limits for at least five years after the project is completed.

The CONTRACTOR shall not commence work until the CONTRACTOR has obtained and filed an acceptable certificate of insurance with the DISTRICT. 7. Conflicts of Interest CONTRACTOR shall disclose this Agreement and CONTRACTOR funding provided under this Agreement to any client of CONTRACTOR’S that may appear to constitute a conflict of interest.

CONTRACTOR shall discuss with the DISTRICT any current or new obligations, which may directly conflict with the firm’s ongoing work under its agreement for consulting services with DISTRICT as soon as it becomes aware of a conflict.

8. Audits and Record Keeping CONTRACTOR shall maintain for at least six (6) years upon completion of services all books, records, documents and other evidence directly related to the performance of this Agreement in accordance with general accepted accounting principles and practices of governmental entities.

Upon request and reasonable notice, CONTRACTOR shall permit the DISTRICT to examine and copy the books, records, documents, and other evidence maintained by CONTRACTOR. 9. Termination DISTRICT and CONTRACTOR shall each have the right to terminate its participation in this agreement at any time without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. In the event the DISTRICT terminates the agreement, the DISTRICT will pay the costs of the services satisfactorily performed prior to the date of termination, as determined by the DISTRICT. DISTRICT shall have the right to receive, use, and (subject to the provisions of the Minnesota Date Practices Act) distribute copies of all materials, work products, reports and documents prepared by CONTRACTOR, pursuant to the agreement with DISTRICT, if such materials, work products, reports and documents were prepared prior to the termination of this Agreement.

10. Merger Agreement It is understood and agreed that the entire Agreement between the Parties is contained herein and that this Agreement supercedes all oral agreements and negotiations between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof. All items in this Agreement, which are incorporated or attached, are deemed part of the Agreement. Any alterations, variations, modifications or waivers of provisions of this Agreement shall only be valid when they have been reduced to writing as an amendment to this Agreement and signed by the Parties.

11. Governing Law

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This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Minnesota.

Venue shall be in the state and federal courts of Minnesota.

12. Amendments, Waiver and Contract Complete 12.1 Amendments. Any amendment to this agreement must be in writing and will not be effective until it has been executed and approved by the same parties who executed and approved the original agreement, or their successors in office. In case of any inconsistency or ambiguity between the provisions of a Work Order and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of the Work Order shall prevail.

12.2 Waiver. If DISTRICT fails to enforce any provision of this agreement, that failure does not waive the provision or its right to enforce it.

13. Audit Until the expiration of three years after the furnishing of services pursuant to this Agreement, the CONTRACTOR, upon written request, shall make available to the DISTRICT, the State Auditor, or the DISTRICT'S ultimate funding source, a copy of this Agreement, and the books, documents, records, and accounting procedures and practices of the CONTRACTOR relating to this Agreement.

14. Non-Discrimination CONTRACTOR agrees that in the hiring of all labor for the performance of any work under this Agreement, that it will not by reason of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, sexual preference or disability, discriminate against any person who is a citizen of the United States and who qualifies and is available to perform the work to which such employment relates. CONTRACTOR agrees to comply with all Federal, State, and local non-discrimination laws and ordinances, in particular the applicable provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972. The CONTRACTOR agrees to have in effect an affirmative action program and shall furnish a certificate of compliance with this requirement to the DISTRICT, upon request.

15. Data Practices All data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated for any purposes in the course of the CONTRACTOR's performance of this Agreement is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. 13.01 et seq. or any other applicable state statutes, any state rules adopted to implement the Act and statutes, as well as federal laws and regulations on data practices.

The CONTRACTOR agrees to abide strictly by these statutes, rules and regulations. The work products produced under this Contract will be the sole property of the DISTRICT and shall not be used by the CONTRACTOR for any purpose other than the performance of this agreement or as authorized in writing by the DISTRICT. Use of a brief (e.g. less than one printed page) general description of the work and associated graphics as examples of CONTRACTORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work for marketing purposes is acceptable.

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16. Non-Assignability The CONTRACTOR shall not assign any interest in this Agreement and shall not transfer any interest in the same, whether by subcontract, assignment or novation, without the prior written consent of the DISTRICT. 17. Unavailability of Funding The purchase of services from the DISTRICT under this Agreement may be subject to the availability and provision of funding from the United States, the State of Minnesota, or other funding sources. The DISTRICT may immediately cancel this Agreement, or a portion of the services to be provided under this Agreement, if the funding for the services is no longer available to the DISTRICT. Upon receipt of the DISTRICTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice of cancellation of the Agreement, or of a portion of the services to be provided under this Agreement, the CONTRACTOR shall take all actions necessary to discontinue further commitments of funds to the extent they relate to the Agreement or the portions of this Agreement for which funding has become unavailable.

18. Contract Documents The Contract Documents include this document and documents described in it, Work Orders issued under this Agreement, Addendums, and any other documents described in an exhibit to this Agreement or in a Work Order.

This agreement is duly executed this _____ day of ____________ 2020.

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT

[CONSULTANT NAME]

By: _____________________________

By: _____________________________

Its: _____________________________

Its: _____________________________

Dated: __________________________

Dated: __________________________

W:\06 Projects\BMP Database\Contracts\BMP Database - 2020 Hosting & Maintenance\TEMPLATE_Consultant Services Agreement.docx

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ADDENDUM I CONTRACTOR SERVICES FOR BMP DATABASE MANAGEMENT MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT Applicable to Agreement Dated _________, 20__

1. Scope Language The DISTRICT requests that CONTRACTOR perform the work described below in accordance with the terms of the above reference Agreement.

The DISTRICT desires professional consulting services for the overall management of the DISTRICT’S electronic BMP database (“Database”). This scope identifies the annual consulting services, on an as needed basis, to assist the DISTRICT with hosting, maintaining, and enhancing the Database. The following tasks are included in the scope of work for general technical assistance and shall be performed as directed by the DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE identified in ADDENDUM II: 1. General day-to-day consulting, planning and communications with DISTRICT including but not limited to telephone calls, email, and web meetings.

2. Attendance at meetings and preparation of meeting materials.

3. Prepare letters, memorandums, programming concepts and written descriptions of the Database.

4. Assist the DISTRICT to determine the general scope, extent and character of Database projects and enhancements.

5. Advise the DISTRICT if additional data or professional services are necessary, and assist CRTWD in obtaining any such data and services 6. Evaluate and discuss with the DISTRICT various alternative solutions and approaches available.

7. Preparation of opinion of probable costs for proposed projects.

8. Other tasks as requested by the DISTRICT. 9. Annual web hosting and subscription for the Database that includes debugging and defect fixes for the Database and customizations developed by CONTRACTOR. 10. GIS support in the form of answering DISTRICT questions, training/education, map creation, data creation, app creation, and integration of GIS data and other products (maps, apps) with the Database.

11. Programming for revisions, feature enhancements, configuration changes and data updates.

12. Data importing, revisions, feature enhancements, and configuration changes.

13. Upgrades to modernize programming, data management, and security including migrating data to new database platforms.

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2. Compensation Compensation shall be on a time and expenses basis in accordance to the Agreement. The cost of services shall not exceed the amount identified in the Agreement without prior approval by CRWD. 3. Schedule Schedule shall be coordinated between CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE and DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE as identified in ADDENDUM II.

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ADDENDUM II REPRESENTATIVES AND FEE SCHEDULE FOR BMP DATABASE MANAGEMENT MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT Applicable to Agreement Dated _________, 20__ 1. Designated Representatives Designated Representatives for the CONTRACTOR and the DISTRICT are responsible for and authorized to coordinate provisions of the Agreement and any Work Orders as described in the Agreement. CONTRACTOR and DISTRICT reserve the right to change the REPRESENTATIVE upon written notice. The CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE and DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE shall be designated as follows: DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Nate Zwonitzer, Water Resource Project Manager Capitol Region Watershed District 595 Aldine Street Saint Paul, MN 55104 651-644-8888 nzwonitzer@capitolregionwd.org

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE Brian Fischer, Project Manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GIS, Vice President Houston Engineering Inc. 7550 Meridian Circle North, Suite 120 Maple Grove, MN 55369 763-493-6664 bfischer@houstoneng.com 2. Fee Schedule The following fee schedule applies to all work performed by CONTRACTOR under this Agreement. CONTRACTOR reserves the right to change the fee schedule once annually.

CONTRACTOR shall notify CRWD of changes in the fee schedule before such changes become effective.

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Database Hosting and Maintenance

$4,000/yr

GIS Analyst I

$93/hr

GIS Analyst II

$108/hr

GIS Analyst III

$125/hr

Sr GIS Analyst

$143/hr

Project Manager – GIS

$157/hr

Sr Project Manager – GIS

$184/hr

Software Engineer I

$108/hr

Software Engineer II

$125/hr

Software Engineer III

$143/hr

Sr Software Engineer

$157/hr

Communications Specialist

$85/hr

Sr Communications Specialist

$95/hr

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ADDENDUM III APPROVED WORK ORDERS FOR BMP DATABASE MANAGEMENT MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT Applicable to Agreement Dated _________, 20__ 1. Work Orders A Work Order will be required for any services not identified in ADDENDUM I. Work Orders must be approved by the DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE and the CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE and shall be attached to this agreement following this page.

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March 19, 2020 V. Action Items I) Adopt MN 2020-2021 GreenCorps Resolution (Bromelkamp) DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

March 11, 2020 Board of Managers Jessica Bromelkamp Adopt MN 2020-2021 GreenCorps Resolution

Background Minnesota GreenCorps is a statewide program designed to help preserve and protect Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals. This program places AmeriCorps members with local governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations around Minnesota, where they will serve for 11 months on focused environmental projects. The program is coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and funding is provided through a grant from ServeMinnesota and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

CRWD has hosted three GreenCorps Members including: Megan Frisvold in the Communications and Engagement, Stewardship and Partner Grant Programs (2018-2019); Steven Yang in the Stewardship Grant Program (2017-2018); and Kat McCarthy as a Living Green Outreach Member (2010-2011).

Megan Frisvold helped CRWD expand and adapt our Communications and Engagement Program to better serve diverse audiences. She researched best practices for working with diverse audiences and worked with staff to implement those strategies as part of stakeholder engagement for the 2020 Watershed Management Plan. Megan coordinated development of an artistic display called H2O on the Go that will be used at cultural and community events. She also helped expand relationships with community organizations serving diverse audiences.

Steven Yang updated the District's BMP GIS Database. He also developed and implemented a survey with a 35% response rate to better understand the experiences of Stewardship Grantees and resources needed to maintain rain garden projects. Mr. Yang created maintenance materials and a workshop in response to survey feedback.

Kat McCarthy designed evaluation tools for the Stop the Rain Drain program, developed roof run-off calculations for small-scale residential stormwater projects and participated in a KAP study work group for Como Lake residents.

Issues CRWD proposes to host a GreenCorps Member in 2020-2021 under the Green Infrastructure Stormwater Track. The GreenCorps member will be involved in three key areas: Communications and Engagement, Stewardship and Partner Grant Programs. The member will work closely with Communications and Engagement staff to develop and/or deepen relationships with diverse communities by attending cultural and community events, developing culturally appropriate resources, and engaging community organizations and schools in hands-on learning about water resource protection. As part of this work, the member will help promote the Stewardship Grant Program Equity Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

Bonus to expand Best Management Practices in communities where participation has been low. These projects will serve as demonstration sites for the larger community. Lastly, the member will develop opportunities to connect residents to existing BMPs and water resources in the District.

Action Requested Adopt a resolution supporting a Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application and authorize CRWD staff to submit the application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for the 2020-2021 program year. enc:

Draft Board Resolution supporting CRWDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application for GreenCorps member

"W:\08 Orgs-Cities-Agencies\MPCA\GreenCorps Application\2020\2020-2021 GC App Board Memo.docx"

Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

Resolution

Resolution # ______ Date Adopted: March 19, 2020

Capitol Region Watershed District In the matter pertaining to: 2020-2021 Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application.

Board Member ______ introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Board Member ______.

WHEREAS, Capitol Region Watershed District has applied to host an AmeriCorps member from the Minnesota GreenCorps, a program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), for the 2020-2021 program year; and WHEREAS, if the MPCA selects Capitol Region Watershed District, the organization is committed to implementing the proposed project as described in the host site application, and in accordance with pre-scoped position description; and WHEREAS, the MPCA requires that Capitol Region Watershed District enter into a host site agreement with the MPCA that identifies the terms, conditions, roles and responsibilities; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Capitol Region Watershed District hereby agrees to enter into and sign a host site agreement with the MPCA to carry out the member activities specified therein and to comply with all of the terms, conditions, and matching provisions of the host site agreement and authorizes and directs Mark Doneux to sign the grant agreement on its behalf.

Requested By: Recommended for Approval: Approved by Attorney: Funding Approved: Vote: Approved/Denied Manager Yeas* Nays Collins Jones Reider Sanders Texer TOTAL

Mark Doneux N/A N/A

Absent

Abstain

*Approval must receive minimum of 3 Yeas Resolution Adoption Certified By the Board of Managers: By: _____________________________________________

Date: March 19, 2020

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