St. Cloud Stormwater Treatment Project

This project targets an older residential area that does not have permanent water quality practices. Storm water presently runs directly to the Mississippi River using out of date and under-sized infrastructure. Expanding upon a very successful pilot program for retro-fitting storm water treatment practices in residential neighborhoods, rain gardens will be strategically placed to maximize water quality benefits for each dollar spent. Each rain garden will have a pre-treatment device to help achieve the cost-effective long-term water quality goals of the City.
Homeowners will match a portion of the cost by donating a portion of their property that falls within the right-of-way for the installation of rain gardens. They are also responsible for planting, mulching and maintaining the plants until established. The City designs, oversees construction, and commits to long-term maintenance of the rain gardens. The Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District will work with the landowner on design, plant selection, practice certification, and grant administration. In addition to reducing the amount of sediment and phosphorous reaching the Mississippi River, rain gardens in residential areas improve pollination habitat, visual interest, and neighborliness. The process will also have a civic engagement focus before, during, and after the project.