Wetlands

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rainforests and coral reefs. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals can be part of a wetland ecosystem.  One of the most effective ways to protect a wetland is to establish and maintain a vegetative buffer around it!

Wetland Buffers

A wetland buffer is an un-mowed and naturally vegetated area adjacent to a wetland that protects the wetland from the effects of nearby development. They provide the initial filtering and natural treatment of sediment and other pollutants from runoff of rainwater and snow melt to keep streams, rivers, and lakes cleaner. Buffers can also be used to link wetlands, providing habitat connectors for wildlife to move safely from one habitat to another. In addition, healthy buffers add aesthetic value to your landscape.

Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)

BMPs are control measures taken to address changes to the quantity and quality of urban water runoff that result from land use changes. Increased hard cover (e.g. parking lots, rooftops, roads) causes stormwater runoff to increase and allows stormwater to carry more pollutants to our lakes and rivers. BMPs, such as stormwater ponds, raingardens, and green roofs, reduce the risk of flooding by reducing the rate at which stormwater enters our storm sewer system and surface waters. BMPs also reduce pollutant levels in our water bodies by allowing pollutant-carrying sediments to settle out of the water and by removing excess nutrients through biological processes.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District regulates stormwater management for redevelopment and  new development projects through the MCWD Stormwater Managment Rule.  For many projects, permanent BMP's are required  to be installed and maintained.

On April 5, 2010, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) put into effect the Industrial Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit.  It requires facilities with Narrative Activities and Primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes that fall under any of the 29 sectors of industrial activity summarized below (and in Table 5 of Appendix D of the General Permit) to obtain permit coverage or certify a condition of No Exposure.  Eligibility for this permit is limited to facilities with an industrial activity (SIC code(s) or narrative