Overview

The City of Blaine's land area lies within two watershed districts - the Coon Creek Watershed District and the Rice Creek Watershed District. Each district manages water resources through conservation and restoration efforts. Similarly, the City of Blaine has a Water Resources Manager in its Engineering Department who manages and coordinates the best use of water resources within the city.

Between the City of Blaine and the Coon Creek and Rice Creek Watershed districts, an abundance of water-related information is available on this site.

Goal

The goal of Municipal Stormwater Management is to decrease the pollutants carried to waters of the state through City owned and operated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s).

The Stormwater Utility must be managed in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and with the terms and conditions of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (PDF), issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

The City's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) (PDF) was written in 2003 with Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to meet the requirements of the MS4 General Permit and reduce the discharge of pollutants from the City's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP).

These BMPs include education programs, practices for the management of construction sites, and recommendations on how residents can contribute to reducing pollution in stormwater runoff.

Public Comment & Feedback

As a result of changes to the permit program, all MS4s were required to reapply for the general permit as of June 1, 2006. A complete version of the new Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (PDF) with updated BMPs is available for review and comment. Copies are also available for review during business hours at the Engineering Department in city hall.

Comments will be considered in making revisions to the city plan and will be included in the annual report to the city council and the MPCA.

If you have any questions about the program, would like to discuss any concerns you may have or want to submit comments regarding the MS4 SWPPP, please email Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager or reach her by phone at 763-785-6188. Additionally, you may email City Engineer Jean Keely or call 763-785-6171.