Central Middle School Swale Restoration
Lambert Creek discharges into Vadnais Lake, the final impoundment reservoir containing the potable water supply for the city of St. Paul and eight nearby suburbs. Monitoring data indicates high nutrient levels and the creek is listed by the State as having high bacterial levels. In-stream work along Lambert Creek has been maximized with restoration improvements achieving nutrient load reduction. The next step to further improve water quality is to concentrate on restoration efforts on a subwatershed level. A 2010 subwatershed retrofit study was conducted and targeted the most cost-effective means to reduce excess phosphorus levels.
As a result of the assessment, the restoration of the Central Middle School swale was identified as a priority. The swale currently is not functioning as intended and has limited water quality treatment benefits. In addition to providing water quality treatment, this project will also provide educational opportunities for students and staff at the school.
The 20-member BWSR board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. Members are appointed by the governor of the state of Minnesota consistent with Minnesota Statutes 103B.101. Board members at the time the grant was made were: County Commissioner Appointees: Quentin Fairbanks; Tom Loveall; Brian Napstad; Soil and Water Conservation District Appointees: Paul Langseth, Louise Smallidge and Bob Burandt; Watershed District or Watershed Management Organization Appointees: Gene Tiedemann, LuAnn Tolliver and Todd Foster; Citizen Appointees: Paul Brutlag ; Gerald Van Amburg; John Meyer; Cities & Townships: Sandy Hooker -Township; Christy Jo Fogarty -Metro City; Keith Mykleseth -Non-Metro City; Agency: Chris Elvrum - Minnesota Department of Health; Rebecca Flood - Pollution Control Agency; Tom Landwehr - Department of Natural Resources; Matt Wohlman - Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Faye Sleeper - Minnesota Extension Service;
Wayne Zellmer -BWSR Grants Coordinator; Matt Drewitz -BWSR South Region Clean Water Specialist; Art Persons -MDH Planning Supervisor Drinking Water Protection; Jeff Hrubes -BWSR North Region Clean Water Specialist; Marcey Westrick -BWSR Metro Clean Water Specialist; Julie Westerlund -DNR Clean Water Coordinator; Robert L. Sip -MDA Environmental Policy Specialist; Anna Kerr -MPCA -Stormwater / TMDL Coordinator; Nick Proulx -DNR Central Region Clean Water Legacy Specialist; Karen Evens - MPCA -Watershed Projects Manager; Joshua Stamper -MDA Research Scientist, Pesticide & Fertilizer Management; Norman R. Mofjeld -MDA Hydrologist P.G. Well Management Section;
Nicole Clapp
(a) $13,750,000 the first year and $13,750,000 the second year are for pollution reduction and restoration grants to local government units and joint powers organizations of local government units to protect surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) projects and stream bank, stream channel, and shoreline restoration projects. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans.
Central Middle School Swale Installation - Lambert Creek Proposed Reductions: 3 acre-feet Hydrology , 2 lbs/year Phospohrus and ~1 ton/year Sediment
A swale, approximately 350 long, was re-engineered to function more effectively. In order to allow for more stormwater infiltration, an underground storage chamber was installed in the northern half of the swale and a large pre-treatment basin was installed at the northern end as well. Additional smaller pre-treatment catch basins were installed via curb cuts along the western side of the swale. Compacted soils were removed throughout the entire swale area and it was then regraded. Compost and mulch were installed along with Minnesota native plants. Two pathways were put in place to keep people from trampling the plants (and this seems to be working well). Maintenance is provided by the initial contractor for the first two years and the School District has been extremely helpful and eager to keep this project looking good and functioning well. The City of White Bear Lake has agreed to vacuum out the storage chamber as needed. Thus, this project has been a great cooperative effort and arrangement between VLAWMO, the White Bear Lake School District, and the City of White Bear Lake. An educational sign was installed this year at the site and VLAWMO staff will coordinate with the school to provide educational opportunities for the students about the project and water resource protection.
The source of additional funds varies from project to project, but generally consists of federal, local and non-public sources.