HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-30 NSP Ltr to City Re Restoration of Coal Slag Site 21 f/ --r- 4
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May 30, 1996 Ales
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Mr. Michael Robertson I
City Administrator - Oak Park Heights
14168 North 57th Street •
Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-2007
RE: RESTORATION OF NSP'S COAL SLAG SITE (JUNKER SITE)
CITY FILE NO. 798.02-95.11
Dear Mike;
NSP has completed removal of coal slag from the former landfill site on
Stagecoach Trail that NSP refers to as the "Junker Site". There are a few clean-up
activities that remain to be accomplished, but rough grades and pond dimensions have
been established. NSP has contracted with Prairie Restorations, Inc. of Princeton to
start vegetation of the site during the week of June 10.
Vegetation objectives are to develop prairie upland grass and prairie wetland
environments. Wild flowers will be part of the plantings. This should blend well with
the DNR wetland and Valley View Park setting to the west. NSP will contract to
maintain this prairie environment, but it may take a few years to get the prairie setting
well established. It must be understood that NSP does not intend to provide a mowed-
grass, park area.
The attached plan shows NSP's proposed grades and trail alignment. Plans are
for the path to enter the area on the west side from 56th Street. Fifth-Sixth Street
transitions to the dike structure going across the wetland to the west. At the Junker
Site, the path would swing around the west and south sides of the new pond. It would
exit onto Stagecoach Trail via an existing curb cut located about 250 feet south of the
intersection with 56th Street. This appears to be a relatively safe place to bring the
bike and pedestrian traffic out onto the public road.
The major challenge in the proposed trail route is the entry from 56th Street on
the west side. I believe this is the best location, given the proximity to the local
residents. However, it will require some tree removal and fill to provide safe grades
and curves in the path. (Proposed grades will not exceed 15%.) The proposed route
also avoids the northeast quadrant of the site, which is owned by the County.
Mr. Michael Robertson
May 30, 1996
Page 2
The Conditional Use Permit received by NSP last July required the following
regarding the trail:
A 25 foot wide easement be dedicated, at no cost to the City, for an east-
west trail through the site. Final location of the trail to be determined
jointly between NSP and the City. NSP to pay a cash dedication in lieu of
a mining fee to the City equal to the cost of construction and
improvements of the trail through the site.
NSP would like to enter into a 25-foot wide easement agreement along the
proposed route. However, as an alternative to the cash dedication specified in the
Permit, NSP is proposing to construct the trail at its cost. This would allow NSP to
coordinate trail construction with the site's final grading and vegetation activities. The
easement would be dedicated to the City with a constructed trail.
Please let me know as soon as possible if this alternative approach to providing
the trail is suitable to the City. My urgency is motivated by the need to adjust
vegetation activities if it becomes necessary to postpone alignment, grades and
construction of the trail.
Sincerely,
Michael Thomes
Fuel Resources Department
330-7657
cc. Don Wisniewski, P.E. Washington County