| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| March 26, 1999 | Eric Lochen (651-296-9895) |
ST. PAUL State Representative Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan) has authored legislation for Scott County that would facilitate the operation of a permanent groundwater relief system at the Blue Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant.
"In order to properly control water levels and provide a valuable service to the surrounding area, I am seeking legislative approval for this project," Buesgens said. "It is a project that will not cost the state a dime, is very much needed, and I am happy to introduce the legislation for it."
The plant, located on the Minnesota River floodplain, serves the Lake Minnetonka, Shakopee, Savage and Prior Lake areas and is operated by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). In operation since 1971, the plant meets advanced treatment standards and discharges to the Minnesota River.
Dewatering volumes of more than 2 million gallons per day of water for more than 30 days require legislative approval. The Blue Lake project, which would be used only at times of flooding, involves installing 21 shallow (20 feet to 50 feet deep) dewatering wells with pumps and discharge piping. Dewatered water would be discharged via pipeline to Blue Lake or a spillway over the dike during periods of peak flooding, which the existing system is unable to do.
The $1.7 million capital and the $73,000 annual operation and maintenance cost of the project are covered in the MCES capital budget.
Buesgens' bill, House File 1403, was approved by the Environment & Natural Resources Committee and sent to the House floor.
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