HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-25 MS&WCD Ltr to OPH Re WCA Administrative AssistanceWPn,.;_iINGT0N SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1825 Curve Crest Blvd., Room 101
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 430-6820 Fax: (651) 430-6819
. TJA
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
March 25, 2002
Kris Danielson, Communit Development Director
Cit of Oak Park Hei
P.O. Box 2007
Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
RE,: WCA Administrative assistance
Dear Ms. Danielson:
( F0.E COPY )
EI
It was a pleasure to talk with y ou last week, to discuss assistin the Cit of Oak Park Hei with
administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). As y ou are probabl aware, the
WCA is a state law (MN Statute 103G) enacted in 1991 to protect wetlands and re g ulate impacts to them.
Authorit for administerin the law was g iven to the Local Government Unit (L U), and I understand
that the Cit accepted this authorit in the earl 1990s. The WCA has under several revisions, but a
critical addition in 2000 was the re that LGUs provide knowled and trained staff to
mana the pro or secure a q ualified dele (8420.0200 E, 8420.0260 B). The proposed 2002
revisions stren that re b addressin technical q ualifications.
The WCA provides for technical review of wetland impact proposals b desi a Technical
Evaluation Panel (TEP comprised of a representative of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil
Resources, the local soil and water conservation district, the LGU, and if needed the Corps of En
local Watershed District, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Under the WCA, submittal to
the TEP for technical review is mandator for certain impacts and the TEP can be asked for technical
findin and recommendations on other wetland issues (8420.0240). The WCA names the local SWCD
as the clearin for wetland information, and as the lead a to investi violations of the state
law.
The Washin Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) currentl assists most of the LGUs in
Washin Count to the extent that best meets the needs and desires of the local conununit Some
communities with infre wetland impacts have dele full administrative authorit to the SWCD.
Others, with wetland-specific in-house staff or q ualified en consultants, ma call upon us onl
for the mandator or extraordinar projects. Most rel on the SWCD or TEP for technical q uestions, but
retain the administrative duties.
At this time, I am aware that Oak Park Hei has development projects under review which contain
wetlands on the pro sites. I would be happ to assist in the review of these projects, to assure the
conform to the WCA. M participation could include review and approval of wetland delineations, as
well as review and recommendations on proposed wetland impacts. If the Cit currentl covers these
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNiTY EMPLOYER
March 25, 2002
Pa 2
RE: Wetland/WCA issues
reviews throu staff or consultin firms, an involvement would be supplementar providin a count
wide perspective. If y ou have q uestions about how the SWCD fits into this process, y ou mi want to
contact the cities of Forest Lake, Woodbur and Afton, for their comments.
I would be happ to meet with y ou and/or other cit officials to discuss this issue further.
In the short term, I have been asked b local residents to become involved in the review of the Boutwells
Landin next phases, as it relates to wetland impacts. Therefore, I re that a cop of the concept or
preliminar plan be submitted to me, when it is available. If y ou prefer, y ou could, ask the developer to
contact me directl about suppl the wetland information.
Feel free to call me if y ou have q uestions about this letter. I can be reached at 651-430-6828.
Sincerel
y neen Thatcher
'r e
Wetland Specialist
cc: Dave Beaudet, Ma Oak Park Hei
L Peterson BWSR