Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program

Cook County Water Plan Initiatives

Dave Stark – Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District -Water Plan Coordinator

Date of Completion: December 31, 2007

Project No. 306-04-08 Contract No. A92530

This project was funded in part under the Coastal Zone Management Act, by

NOAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, in cooperation with Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program. This project was also made possible by a grant provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Additional cash and staff contributions were provided

by Cook County and the Soil and Water Conservation District.

Soil & Water Conservation District

Cook County

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Introduction The Cook County Local Water Management plan outlines a number of goals, objectives and initiatives to protect and enhance water resources in Cook County. The plan calls for continued leadership in the area of water quality monitoring. This project provided funding to continue this water quality data collection and prioritize water bodies for sampling, provided outreach and education on septic systems, research into possible stormwater modeling tools, strategies to solve issues related to erosion on county roads and how to more effectively manage wetlands. Work Completed Task 1 – Lake Monitoring The grant was initiated on September 15, 2006 and included water quality monitoring during 2007 on the lakes identified above. Dave Stark coordinated the volunteers and oversaw all sampling activities. ERA Laboratories, Inc. was contracted to perform laboratory analyses on lake samples and provided the required bottles. Lake laboratory analyses were performed for total and ortho-phosphorous, pheophytin and chlorophyll-a. Samples were obtained utilizing an integrated sampler (0-2 meters) when depth permitted; otherwise grab samples were taken. A hydro lab multi-meter was used to record epilimnion and hypolimnion field parameters including temperature, depth, pH, specific conductivity and dissolved oxygen. Sampling occurred at six sites and included:

1. Agnes Lake (Lake ID16-359; 1 site -201) 2. Deeryard Lake (Lake ID 16-0253; 2 sites – 201, 202) 3. Ward (Lake ID 16-248; 1 site - 201) 4. Pike (Lake ID 16-0252; 2 sites – 101, 201)

The laboratory analysis data has been transferred to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Environmental Data Access (EDA) database and will be utilized for education and outreach at next summer’s lake association training events and meetings. An electronic copy of the results in the MPCA database format is included on the electronic submittal for this report and a shortcut to this data exists in Appendix A, Lakes Water Quality Monitoring Results. Citizen volunteers were contacted and provided training on sampling protocols similar to the MPCA Citizen Lake Monitoring Plus (CLMP+) program. Information on this program can be found at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/clmp.html Volunteers provided canoes for sampling activities. The volunteer monitors that participated in lake sampling included:

• Kate and Steve Surbaugh (Pike Lake); • John Oberholtzer (Deeryard and Ward Lakes); • Agnes (Tristan Beaster).

Monthly sampling occurred from May through September during the 2007 season. Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff attended the Caribou, and Hungry Jack lake association meetings in the summer of 2007. Information on water quality and steps that landowners could take to improve lake management was shared.

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Associated Water Quality (Education, Training and Monitoring Activities) Dave Stark assisted the Cook County Coalition of Lake Association in organizing a volunteer lake monitoring training event for 8 participants on Poplar Lake. This training was in addition to the individual training with the citizen monitors mentioned above. At a previous lake association meeting, Dave had the good fortune of meeting Bob Carlson, an internationally renowned expert in limnology and Cook County summer resident. Bob attended the Poplar Lake training and provided information on detection limits and methodology for sampling. RMBEL Laboratories was utilized for this sampling, which was not charged to the grant. Various lake associations started working with this laboratory, due in part to their web based interface to Citizen Lake monitoring data and services for submitting data to STORET. Information can be found at http://www.rmbel.info Cook County currently partners with six organizations on water monitoring programs. These include the Cook County Planning and Zoning department, MPCA, the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), the Flute Reed Partnership and the Cook County Coalition of Lake Associations (CCCOLA). Other significant monitoring beyond this grant included involvement with the MPCA Beach Monitoring Program and sampling associated with the Poplar River TMDL study. 16.04 inland lake shoreline miles were monitored for this grant. A prioritized list of lakes and streams in the Coastal Zone of Cook County are included in Appendix B. Various documents, plans and personal judgments were made in compiling this list. These included, but were not limited to the Cook County Water Management Plan, the North Shore Loading Study, the Lake Superior Basin Plan, MPCA 303-d lists as well as waters deemed to be “un-assessed” by the MPCA. The vast majority of sampling that is required in Cook County is for the purposes of establishing baseline and trend water quality information. In general, lakes should be monitored for chlorophyll a, total phosphorous and secchi depth to establish a baseline. If additional concerns exist on lakes (i.e. failing septic systems) additional parameters could be added to better characterize the system. Some of the general threats to water quality and some sampling parameters are listed below: Septic System Impacts-Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity and Biological Oxygen Demand Road Impacts – Chloride, Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids Runoff Impacts – Phosphorous, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity Field parameters of Temperature, Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity and Dissolved Oxygen should be recorded. For streams the primary threats are related to runoff from developments, road building activities and increased temperature due-to removal of trees in the riparian zones of rivers. Primary parameters include Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids, Temperature and Chloride. This should not be considered an exhaustive list. It should be noted that each individual water body would require a certain level of evaluation in terms of what scientific

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questions are trying to be answered and funding available/required to complete the monitoring. Village Ditch Review The grant called for review and interpretation of data collected for the Village Ditch stormwater project. A review of Village Ditch paper and electronic files was completed and it was determined that the quantity or documentation related to the files was not sufficient for interpretation. Some water quantity information in the form of water level log information was obtained, but locations and scales were not clearly recorded. No water quality information was discovered for the project. As an alternative to graphing and interpreting data, a number of other activities occurred. Dave Stark, the current Water Plan Coordinator, interviewed Planning and Zoning, NRRI, MPCA and Barr Engineering staff to determine what had been completed with an ISCO sampling device and water level loggers. . ISCO samplers are typically used in stormwater sampling activities. The devices can be set up to trigger a “grab sample” after a significant rainfall. Various attempts were apparently made to deploy the ISCO samplers but they were not successful in recording a full data set that was sufficient for use in calibrating the SWMM stormwater model. Dave instructed and set up Planning and Zoning staff with T-tube and water quality bottles for taking Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Turbidity measurements and instructed Bill Lane of Planning and Zoning, to collect samples, if he felt they would be helpful in any regulatory actions in the Business Development Park. No samples were taken in 2007. A meeting was held with Joint Power’s Engineer, Keith Anderson, and the following items were listed as steps for 2008.

• Walk the village ditch to identify erosion areas and check on previous repairs; • Evaluate existing stormwater ponds for retention and hydrology; • Review previous modeling efforts and note strengths/weaknesses; • Interview previous consultants regarding modeling and ability or need to upgrade

or improve the model; • Investigate the location, design and function of the BDA ponds; • Provide value engineering and review of Grand Marais - Stormwater Management

Plan (SWMP) project recommendations; • Continue to complete and update list of projects in Grand Marais SWMP; • If specific needs for water quality or quantity information are identified, develop a

monitoring and deployment strategy that documents the goals, outcomes and steps in the process.

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Task 2 – Individual Sewage Treatment System (ISTS) Outreach The Agricultural Best Management Practices (AgBMP) individual sewage treatment system (ISTS) brochure for the county loan program was updated. An outreach strategy was completed and is in the process of being implemented. One major mailing occurred where specific information on ISTS systems in Cook County was developed and mailed to residents in the Coastal Zone. The mailing also included copies of specific information from the Property Owner’s Resource Guide and the document Septic System Owners Guide produced by the University of Minnesota extension program. A copy of these materials are included in Appendix C, ISTS Updated Brochure, Education Materials and Outreach Plan. Other activities related to ISTS systems included attending meetings at the Tofte Schroeder Sanitary Sewer District (TSSSD), applying for grants for inspections, updates, GIS projects and management plans. Additional educational materials on rainwater, greywater and blackwater solutions were provided as requested by citizens.

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Task 3 – Road Construction and Stormwater Modeling Recommendations The following persons were involved with consultation on stormwater modeling needs for Cook County:

• Bill Lane (Cook County Planning and Zoning Department); • Keith Anderson (Joint Powers Board Engineer); • Shae Kosmalski (Cook County – Highway Engineer); • Jim Dexter (MPCA Stormwater Division); and, • Colby Manwaring (Environmental Modeling Systems, Inc.)

Dave Stark held meetings with various departments and discussed the need for stormwater modeling in plat and design review. The biggest obstacle is the level of training and expertise needed in modeling and need for a Professional Engineer (P.E.) to sign off on evaluations. Most comments indicated that the developer is usually in charge of the modeling for design purposes and not much review of the model takes place. My recommendations include providing training to Bill Lane and Shae Kosmalski in the areas of Stormwater, Hydraulic and Hydrologic modeling. The highway department currently utilizes a variety of techniques to size structures and implementation of consistent modeling could lead to better sizing of structures. As the GIS capabilities of the county increase, these tools can be used to more effectively evaluate impacts and to size structures appropriately which will lead to less erosion and capital costs. Another major limitation within the county is high resolution Landuse, Soils and Elevation data. Projects to encourage the acquisition of this data should be encouraged. Having a WMS model assembled for the county could drastically reduce the amount of time and expenses paid to consultants doing watershed based analysis. The county should continue to partner with research institutions like the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) on projects that are evaluating cumulative impacts of watershed development. Most of this work is beyond the scope of work for county employees and most do not have the expertise to make a formal evaluation of these impacts. These are difficult questions and involvement in the Poplar River TMDL study will provide some of these types of answers, but not all. I recommend building a stormwater modeling GIS package for the entire county with WMS and adding better, consistent high-resolution data to it as it is received. A powerpoint presentation with links to the three recommended software/internet stormwater modeling packages is included on the CD for this report. The three main software packages are described below: Summary of Software Recommendations:

1. Watershed Modeling System (WMS) 2. Hydrocad 3. LMNO Engineering Online Calculators

Watershed Modeling System (www.emsi.com/WMS) The Watershed Modeling System (WMS) is a comprehensive graphical modeling environment for all phases of watershed hydrology and hydraulics. WMS includes powerful tools to automate modeling processes such as automated basin delineation,

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geometric parameter calculations; GIS overlay computations (CN, rainfall depth, roughness coefficients, etc.), cross-section extraction from terrain data, and more. Coupled models of interest are: Rational Equation – Peak discharge from a catchment up to 200 acres. TR-55-General stormwater modeling Culvert and Other Calculators-Sizing of culverts using Manning’s Equation

Pros and Cons of WMS +Could be used to model cumulative impact analysis on a watershed by watershed basis +Includes the most number of tools, models and applications (coupled to various models) +GIS based -Complexity – Requires a skilled user of ArcGIS with modeling background. Would require extensive training for staff. -Data – Current spatial inputs of landuse, soils and elevation data are course resolution. -Expensive – Packages from free download of graphical version to $3750. Pricing for WMS Free demo version with all functionality Free graphical interface version available $1950 - $3750 plus modules Hydrocad (http://www.hydrocad.net/) HydroCAD is a Computer Aided Design tool used by Civil Engineers for modeling stormwater runoff. HydroCAD provides a wide range of commonly used drainage calculations. HydroCAD is ideal for studies using the TR-20, TR-55, or SBUH methods. (Please visit the Hydrology Library for background information.) HydroCAD provides a wide range of standard H&H techniques in an easy-to-use graphical form, managed by the on-screen routing diagram we pioneered in 1986. Pros and Cons of HydroCad +Most applicable to common tasks of evaluating runnoff from construction sites, sizing culverts etc.

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+Complexity – Still need a registered engineer for any formal project review, but could be used as a tool by Planning and Zoning and Highway Department with some background education and training. -Not GIS based -Not effective for watershed based or cumulative impact analysis. Pricing for Hydrocad Free demo version for downoload $195 - $1595 depending on number of nodes LMNO Engineering Online Calculators LMNO Engineering Online Calculators provide a number of tools on line for free or low cost applications. This would be a logical point for Planning and Zoning and Highway staff to start utilizing some of these tools and equations for stormwater evaluation. Two of the applications that seems appropriate for initial understanding. Rational Runnoff Calculator and Culvert http://www.lmnoeng.com/Hydrology/rational.htm http://www.lmnoeng.com/CircularCulvert.htm Pros and Cons of LMNO Online Calculators -Not GIS based -Not effective for watershed based or cumulative impact analysis -Data – Could use MN DOT manual for most inputs +Complexity – Still need a registered engineer for any formal project review, Planning and Zoning staff and others could start using immediately to understand background equations +Price – Packages from free to $200 Pricing for LMNO Online Calculators 7 days for 1 to 5 computers. $30 (US Dollars). 90 days for 1 to 5 computers. $90 (US Dollars). 1 year for 1 to 5 computers. $200 (US Dollars). 30 days for up to 30 computers. $120 (US Dollars).

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Road Construction Maintenance Protocols and Stormwater Ordinance Compliance This task was delayed until a new Highway Engineer was hired for the county in October, 2007. The Water Advisory Commmittee (WAC), Cook Coalition of Lake Associations and other watershed groups commented on the qualifications of the new Highway Engineer, including hydrology background. The County was fortunate in hiring Shae Kosmalski who brings a new level of expertise and commitment to water quality protection. She, Bill Lane from Planning and Zoning and Soil and Water staff will continue to work together to bring road mainatenace protocols into compliance with the stormwater ordinance. Bill has been successful in raising the bar for contractors and highway department staff by having an enforceable stormwater ordinace in place. Shae will continue to work on new protocols in her first year as Highway Engineer. Shae recommended that job performance standards be linked to her position and her supervisory staff. She felt that it was her responsibility to effectively train her staff to be in compliance with the new Stormwater Ordinance. One standard, suggested by the working group, was that no violations of the stormwater ordinance occur by county highway department staff. Bill noted that enforcement of a new stormwater ordinance is more difficult with contractors, if they see the county highway department breaking the ordinance. Everyone agreed that ongoing education is important, but the fact that there have been a few fines levied, has brought the level of work up to a new standard. There is still significant room for improvement. The ability to collaborate on various projects was discussed. One current proposal for inventorying existing culverts was discussed in terms of needs of the highway department and protection of water resources in the county. Staff will meet to discuss possibility of future grant applications.

Task 4- BWSR Wetland Management Consultation Informational meetings were held with Tim Nelson and Gary Kettleson from the Cook County Planning and Zoning Department. The decision was made not to pursue a separate comprehensive wetland management plan at this time. Tim cited the difficulties other communities have ratifying such plans and that the current combination of Soil and Water staff, Planning and Zoning Staff and the technical advisory panel (TEP) Research into these plans was conducted including gathering information on the “avoid, minimize and mitigate” language contained in the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), specific case studies from the Ricke Creek watershed district and Anoka County on implementing a wetland management plan and a document that includes hits on preparing a comprehensive wetland management plan. Other meetings with Water Advisory Committee (WAC) members indicated needs for mapping of coastal wetlands and outstanding resource value waters and having these maps accessible by the Planning and Zoning staff. Some of these GIS layers already exist, including biodiversity indices in the Biological Survey. The problem is having the interpretation, so that planners can use this to help making decisions. Other specific areas of interest for protection included headwater wetlands, riparian wetlands and lands that include rare native species. Other counties and resource personnel should be consulted and then funding for a formal project should be instituted. The baseline of the project can be the National Wetland Inventory (NWI), but more detailed information on coastal

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wetlands should be sought. An important piece of this will be the methodology for identifying these wetlands and to what level of precision do these need to be mapped or can some general GIS mapping serve the needs. Another suggested approach would be to attempt to map data related to Minnesota Rule 8420.0548 or special considerations on wetlands. Items include:

• Endangered and threatened species • Rare natural communities • Special fish and wildlife resources • Archaeological, historic, or cultural resource sites • Groundwater sensitivity (Consider the DRASTIC model) • Sensitive surface waters (Consider tying this to an overall county GIS watershed

model). • Education or research use • Waste disposal sites

There is no substitute for knowledgeable on the ground assistance when a landowner is considering altering the landscape. Results The lake monitoring results from this project will be utilized to identify whether the specific water body is meeting water quality standards as defined by the MPCA. Citizens and other organizations will be able to access the information through the MPCA Environmental Data Access (EDA) system to gain a better understanding of water quality conditions on their lake. Providing education and outreach to citizen monitors will likely result in more informed decisions and an active participation in stewardship of coastal resources. Further baseline information will be available to assess trends in water quality and will be used in a separate project that has been created to link critical lake features to the county GIS system. The most important aspect of this project is to keep citizens involved in the protection of water resources. The prioritized list of lakes and streams can be used into the future to obtain baseline water quality information. The Highway Engineer meeting was an excellent chance for the incoming Engineer to meet the various people involved with water resources in the county. In addition, this effective working relationship should be fostered as the need and potential for collaboration on erosion control on road systems is a priority in the Water Plan. The stormwater modeling tool suggestions can be used to evaluate what level of training will be required and what capabilities should be handled within and outside of the county. The wetland information should continue to be evaluated if parties believe that a separate wetland plan aside from the enformcement of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) is needed. Lessons Learned and Challenges An annual refresher course for training volunteer lake monitors is required each spring. Changes in grants, laboratories being utilized and procedure updates need to be communicated. Working with a laboratory who submits data directly to the STORET system is a benefit for the lake volunteers and staff involved. Challenges in the sampling primarily had to do with defining volunteers who could consistently go out and could change to the Water Planner’s changing schedule.

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Challenges surrounding Task 3 revolved around the fact that the existing Highway Engineer was retiring and the new Highway Engineer was hired near the end of the grant cycle. The meetings were productive and everyone involved felt that there was a renewed sense of working collaboratively with the Highway Department to implement changes in the existing protocols. Task 4 was inhibited by the fact that County Planning and Zoning personnel were not interested in considering a separate county specific wetland management or enforcement plan at this time. Staff felt that the current interpretation and use of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) was as or more effective than when other counties implement a formal wetland management plan.

List of Appendices Appendix A - Lakes Water Quality Monitoring Results Appendix B - Prioritized List of Lakes and Stream Monitoring Appendix C - ISTS Updated Brochure, Education Materials, Outreach Plan Appendix D – Highway Engineer Meeting Agenda

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Appendix A -Lakes Water Quality Monitoring Results

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Appendix B - Prioritized List of Lakes and Stream Monitoring

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Prioritized List of Lakes and Stream Monitoring in Coastal Zone (See excel spreadsheet with final report for more information)

Priority Lakes1 Caribou2 Moosehorn3 Barker4 Benson5 Blueberry6 Bogus7 Boys8 Christine9 Dyers10 Kimball11 Mark12 Marsh13 Mink14 Monker15 Scabbard16 Stevens17 Strobus18 Turtle19 White Pine20 Agnes 21 Bigsby22 Deeryard23 Devil Track24 Pike25 Trout26 Ward

Priority Streams1 Poplar River2 Cascade River3 Devil Track River4 Flute Reed River5 Temperance River6 Two Island River7 Cross River8 Kadunce Creek9 Brule River10 Nature Boy Creek11 Village Ditch12 Colville Creek13 Durfee Creek14 Kimball Creek15 Spruce Creek16 Sugarloaf Creek17 Leveaux Creek18 Indian Camp Creek19 Cutface Creek20 Cliff Creek21 Carlson Creek

Comments:There are no MN milestone rivers that provide regular monthly sampling (not event based) in Cook County.As of 2007, the Brule River and Poplar River are the only two rivers assumed to be fully assessed. See MPCA manual on assessment of rivers for tmdl. Guidance Manual for Assessing the Quality of Minnesota Surface Waters for the Determination of Impairment 305 (b) Report and 303 (d) List - October, 2007.The recommendations above are for the bare minimum to assess the lake for 303-d lists. Additional parameters should be considered when a known or suspected threat to water quality occurs.Some additional parameters for consideration are listed below along with a potential stressor.Septic System Impacts-Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity and Biological Oxygen DemandRoad Impacts – Chloride, Turbidity, Total Suspended SolidsRunoff Impacts – Phosphorous, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity

A more complete list of parameters for a stream or lake suffering from development impacts would likely include:Field measurements: pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Specific Conductivity, Temperature, Turbidity and Total Suspended SolidsLab paramters of Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids, Total Phosphorous, Ortho Phosphorous, Alkalinity, Chloride, Nitrogen Parameters (Total Nitrogen, Nitrate + Nitrite and Ammonia) The hydrolab owned by Cook County should be utilized for both Lake and Stream montioring to record field measurements.All data should be submitted to the MPCA EDA Storet database for inclusion in water quality assessments.

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Appendix C - ISTS Updated Brochure, Education Materials, Outreach Plan

Loan Process

1. Cheek with Soil & Water for availabil ity of funds (387-3647).

2. Arrange for a contractor bid. 3. Request a site inspection from County

Environmental Health (387-3632). This triggen; a time limit for repain;.

4. Provide to Soil & Water l)copyof "Notice of Non -Compliance", 2) copy of contnlCtor bid. and 3) AgBMP Loan Appli~ation. Soil & Water then signs Application and places you on the waiting list. You will be notified when funds are available.

5. Give signed AgBMP Loan application to lender for crl'(\it qualification.

6. Contmctor begins construction. As on all systcms built in Cook County, Envimnmentallkalth inspects during and after construction and provides landowner wilh a "Cenificalc ofComplianc~". This assures Ihalthe rcpain; were installed in conformance with state and counly standards.

7. Give to Lender 1) tlnal invoice from contractor, 2) "Cenificatc of Compliance" from County.

8. Lender payment is directly to contrac\Qr. Contractor provides signed Mechanics Lien WaiVCT to Lender.

9. Applicant, now a Borrower, makes monthly p.lymcnts to Lender.

Mainlena nce, .Mainlenance.,Maintenance

o Sewage treatment systems require regu lar inspection ami pumping - every one to Ihree years depend ing on use. Systems are expensive investments worth protecting.

o Yearly pumping is important fo r homes using garbage d isposals or dra ining grease and olher hard-Io-digest matcria ls.

o Bleach and other bactcria-killing products impair func tion therefore more frequent pumping is necessary. Systems depend on live bac teria to break down sewage.

For More Information Potential borrowers in Cook Counly may

contact Rcbttca Wiinancn about loan availability.

Soil & Waler 2nd Floor, Court House

411 West 2ud Street Grand Marais J\IN 55604

218-387-3647

Local un its of govcrnment, local lendcrs or individuals w ishing additional

infornlation may contact Dwight Wilcox.

Agrle ull"rp 8tst ~hnat:~""'nI !'ractie" l..Q lno Min neSOla Dcporln", nt. or At:rkullnr~

90 West Pl, to nt,·d. SI. Pa ul, M N 55107

(651)2 15-101 8

OSIl!Y2007

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2007 [STS Loan Program for

Cook County Minnesota

3% Financing for Repairs to Non-Compliant Individual Sewage Treatment Systems

Single- & Multi-Connection ISTS

Agriculture &:~t Management Practices loan Program (AgBMP)

State Revolvint: Funds (SRF) MinneS<)la Department of Agricutture

AdminislCrc<J by Cook County Soil & Water COltSCTV31ion

Local Water Managemcnt Program

Jim Johnson

Roger Haertel

Chel Jerry Anderson Johansen

Don Goodell , .. ~---

Eleanor Lease

Biz Clark Poplar

COOK COUNTY Water Management Plan

Advisory Committee

Dave Stark - Cook County Water Plan Coordinator Cell (218) 428-441 3

david.stark@co.cook.mn.us

This project was fUl'ld~'<i in part under the Coastal Zone Management ACL. by NOAA's

Oflice of Otcan and Coastal Resource ManagCl1'lCn t, in coopct'"Jlion wi th Millncsota's

Lake SllPCriQT Coostal Program.

Dear Coastal Zone Resident:

Season's greetings from the Cook County Water Advisory Committee! You are receiving this mailing because your address is located within the Coastal Zone Program Boundary and is for informational purposes only. Consider sharing the documents with a neighbor or returning to the Cook County Zoning Department if you already have a copy or have no need for the publications.

Maintenance e As 2007 comes to a close consider marking your calendar for any required maintenance of your septic system in 2008. All septic systems require routine pumping for longevity of the soil treatment area and to protect the water resources of Cook County. Septic tanks must be pumped every 2-3 years (required by state law) to remove scum and sludge.

Education - Included are two items to help you understand the functioning of your septic system and the importance of routine maintenance. The Septic System Owner's Guide is published by the University of Minnesota Extension and provides information on water use, operation and maintenance of your system. The Cook County Property Owner's Resource Guide includes county specific information on septic systems.

Care ~ State-licensed professionals must complete design , installation, inspection and pumping of septic systems . A list of certified personnel can be obtained at the county zoning department or can be found on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) website. Pete Gresczyk of G & G septic is currently the only state certified pumper in Cook County and can be reached at 387-1572.

Repair - If you suspect your system does not comply with county or state regulations have it inspected . Leroy Halberg from Cook County Environmental Health can perform system inspections and can be reached at 387-3632. Individuals can also contract with a state-licensed Inspector or Designer I to perform an inspection . Residential and commercial landowners may receive low interest (3%) financing through the Agriculture Best Management Practices

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(AgBMP) loan program for repair or replacement of non-compliant systems. Rebecca Wiinanen from the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) administers this program and can be reached at 387-3647.

Septic System Information Links Cook County Environmental Health - www.co.cook.mn.us/zoning/index.html MPCA Licensed Professionals - http://www.pca.state.mn.us/programslists/ists.xls MPCA Septic System Regulations - www.revisor.leg .state.mn.us/arule/7080/ University of Minnesota Extension Septic Program - http://septic.umn.edu/ Cook County Property Owners Resource Guide -www.co.cook.mn.us/sw/cook pog .pdf.

Books - Great Last Minute Gift Ideas 10 Learn More about Waler and "Waste" Septic System Owner's Manual - www.shelterpub.com/ shelter/ssombook.html Rainwater Collection -www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?pid=0966417062&ad=FGLBKS Humanure the 3"' Edition - www.joseph-jenkins.com/bookshumanure.html Creating an Oasis with Greywater -www.oasisdesign.neUgreywater/createanoasis/index.htm

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Most town and city dwellers rely on a public waste wate r treatment system tor sewage management. While public waste water t reatment systems may be available to some rural d wellers, most rely on private individuil l sewage twatment systems (ISTS).

The design and installation of ISTS is regu lat0d oy State Rules nnd permitted through the Cuok County Planning & Zoning Department. ISTS must be inlitalled by State licens('.d • .ontnu;wrs. L\ list of cont ractors ca n be obtained at the Planni ng & Zoning Department. Alternative sewage treatment system s will be considered tor approval. Contact th e Cook County Environmcntall-lealth Departmental 218-387-3632 .

•

I. Good vegetative cover should be maintained over the soil treatment system. Howevel; do not plant trees or shruhs hecause the roots may clog the distribution li neli.

2. Do not drive over the soillrca tment system and maintain snow cover in the winter to prevent the area from freezing.

8. Use of garbage disposals is not recommended_ Consider composting.

9. The septic tank MUST be dCillled tplllllpcd) evcly 2-3 years to re move floating scum and liludgc that al:cumu­latc. If this material is a!lowr.d to enter the soi! treatment system (mound or trcnch) it will C<l IlS(~ expensive and often irreparable da mage. 3. Use wille r-conserving fi xtures like low-flow shower­

heads and toilets. 4 . Distribute wash loads evenly throughout the w~;ek to

avoid overload ing the system with large amounts of wate r. 5. Wash only full loads in the di:;hwa~her and washing

lllachine. Consider a water-conselVing wash ing mach ine neeau:;c they use less wilter.

10. Rou te roof drains il nd drai n tile ilway fro m the drain­licld.

1J. [)n not dispose of solvents, paints, antifreeze, and eh ~~lllic.als down the (\r<lin .

6. Use litlUid detergents (powde red detergent:; add tilll~ particle s that may dog the lioil treatme nt system).

12. DO NOI' USE starters, feeders, cleaners and other additives. Then! is 00 quick fix or substitute lor proper oper­ation and regula r maintenance_

ror addi tiona l information on sewage treatment systems contact the University of Minnesota http:/ / septic.coaff!s.llllln.cctu/ homeoll'ncrli ndcx . h tm I

7. Reduce the use of harsh cleaners and antibacterial soaps.

DoYou Know ..• Se ptic Syste m Setback Requirements W elt

100 feet from the t reatment area if well has less than 50 feet of casing and does not encounter 10 fee t of impervious material.

50 feet from the treatment area if well has more than 50 feet of casing o r encounters 10 feet of impervious material.

Building5 • 10 feet from septic tank • 20 fcet from treatment area

Shoreland • 100, 150 feet from the vegetation

line, depending upon DNR protected waters classificati on, from any component of the sewage t reatment system.

Property Line 10 feet (rom any component of the septic system.

Road Right of W ay • 10 feet from any component of

the septic system,

i 100

~from v~g~t:uion line.

~\

\.~\ .. ~ ,. .. •

" setback from lake depends on classiflC.3Uon of lAke. 'Call Planning and Zoning fo r your lake classification.

Some commonly asked questions

Q Whm }){:nml<~ am IWc{kti /(J mstalll1 !'><!W(lge I retIlJHI!/ lI sysll:m;

11,lIu do I (;oll/u{;/>

A An <Ippiiralion is j ointiy s llhmilt t.:d by the licensed designer ami th(; h O!lH.:OW1H:T to the Plann ing to( liming lkpnrtmcn t.

Q W/w/ is a CCYfijiwlc of Cml1pliwlI.:f: ,' A A C('.r t iliG.1 tc of Com piianr:e show:,; that at the time of

inspect ion, tht: sew,lg( ~ t!l!;ltment systt:m W,LS insta lled prop(~rly. It IS iSSLH~d a fter a n(~w system 11;1;; hCf~n prope rly installed, or a ft er a n in;;pcetion I l l' <1 11 existi ng :->yMl:m has ti)u nd thai thf'. S{~W;lgc sySt(:1ll is in t:o lll pli;lnC(~ wit h Statl !

sta ndards. Th is Cer ti tk.1t(' of C() m plianco~ is conSitlt:fCd to I'l l: d lcct ive lo r a period of live yea r.,: fi l r i \ I1t!W systt:m amI th ree years 1(IT an exis ting sys!I!!!\.

Q IJo I !!IXlJ ( I .'i!!W(fg/! II1:a11111:1I1 s!l~ iclII ,:,:r/i/;/;(I//: if 1 {Ill! jUIi /

gOj llg 10 builtl (I ,~/I (:(/>

A y( :~ <I nti No. No, if .you do not livl: in shnrdanu. Ycs, if you live in shord ;md a nd t!-H: ~hed OJ" any o ther st rudlm: you ilre h uildin .g is J 60 s.quar~: teet or lo ng!:r.

Q Who tdls me willi / type orsy,~lI:In I ncet[> A Thl: lice nsed I ~TS d(:signcr l:all ll1,lke this d(:wnn ina!ion

hasl:d on su il and s ite c(J ll d itio ns , a nd specific needs of thl: owner.

Q I bm' is 1/1(: I.lJPC of ,ws1cm 11t'-t:(kd UI1 Illy ,mllJf.;rt.tj dcterm i n ed?

A The type of system is dt:h: n n incd by :;0 ;1 (t;/( tum, depth to water wb1e, pmxim ity to SUrf;ICt: wa ll:ns, ;md the !lumber o f peoph: it is inlendl:d 10 M',t'VI':. ["!cl;illlSC of high ~rou nd w,ller table and heilvy da~' so ib, flO pc n~enl of Gook Cou ntY'1i liCp­tit: sYlit(:ms art' mOll lui SYIi\eJllIi.

Q /-lou' ao! know iF/lie SCU'I,!.!;/: Ira!l I 1lt:nl.~.[J.~I': 1l 1 11011' cxi.~lillg Olr

Illy /JrDl)I:rl.l) works:' Who is n:sp(}lII,;ill/r; ji)/' clJ/xhug il.) A Most Systems in Cook County ;I n : mo unu syste ms. Signs of

mOlllld system bilu fCs incluue: wm arcas <! I"O\II Ki the [~Jgc ot the !llotlllli; ca ttai ls or other 1V{~tland vegetation; and/ o1· black a n~ali ;l rou nd ti l(: ed.l',e of the nlou nd, lh ~ ll ch systems ill fai!l1n~ revc;\1 pondi n )!; or kak:lg(~ to a low spot. lfbuying p ro pe rty, eVI',n with a Ccrt ifkate Ot' C0111 plinnn :, it is wist'. 10 hi re a sewage tn: ;It \JlI~ll t system inspector to conduct;1 Point ofSak inspection .

Q r II'WII IrJ sd/IIIY I1mlll:. T11C IJll.lJl:r 11'(1111$ (I l'oilu -rJ/:S({/c ilISpt!(;/ion IJFllly .~I:WI/gl: 1!"l:'-t:ttHU:lli syMt:lII. WIlli dill (:I/Il/(Jr:IIO do Ifllli)

A A staW .. lice nsed sewage treatmcnt system lnspl~( :tl)r or Designe r 1 should he contacted. I\. list G;111 h( ~ ohwil1l:d from the Cook Cou nty Plan n ing Co(' Zoning 1)(:pa r tmen l, or do ll' III oadp,d ti-om WW!II./}(;(I.IiI(rlr:. III /I, 11.~/"roglTl ll1 s/li.~lsl rq,riNtlZlli()n./I/))11 ( ;Ollk C;ou n ty F.nvirnnmcnlalll ea lth Depa rtme nt will also dn th (~ l'o itn-(jf .. Sa!~ inspections.

Q Do llwcd {r p en!!it w t:()n~lr!ll:t {/II (!!IrJ1IJu.~e or instal/II

c.:1I1Il}JOStil1g loi let .~

A Yes, they n :qui n : a jll:rmil fronl Cook COllnty Enviroome ll tali lea lth !)4:partJllCnt

Q C(1I1 I im;tall nI.!J Oil')! sr:UJill:t: In:atme l1l sy.~/I~!!I) 1)(1 l eVGII hOl'I:

to 11Ilv(! {I sewage / rc(I/I!w l ll .''.y.~lcm:'

A YOII (:<ITlnot inswll yo ur own stlwag(~ trea tment I;ystem. Only licenscd in.~til lkrs may. You arc rCl luin'(.l tl) havc 11 sewag(: tn~atn ll:n t sylilem if,l lly s tnJctu rc has ll lulllbing_ If your slme(ll n : d04~S no! lwvc pl u mhing,;m outhouse is acn:pt<lhlc.

Protecting your sewage treatment system from freezing: lJu ri ll):!: winh:rs w ith ,I !,Ick of s now co ver il nu l;ultl (e m l){: r,llu rcs, S4:W;lgl: treat IIH:llt systems can fret:zc. T his {'_a n be lint o n ly ,I tn :me l'ldOLIS inu lIl vt: ll ie n cc, h u t call rc.suh ill expl: nsivc rep'lirs. 10 hf~l p p n :vent your syste m fro m f reezing, t() l1(lw t lics(: 1:\':n'~ r<Jl guid ! ~li \l( :s:

Add a [;ly(:r Ilf hay o r s t raw mu lch (a- I ~ inches) ov(:r lh e pi pes, ta nk, .Hl d su illw .lt llw n f ;u e a .

"1.. Usr: normal a moull ts o f wat(:l, tl lc W;lnl1 l~r tlte bdt(:r.

:$ , p ix any Jt:aky p ill m bing imu [)O NO r ad d ,lIltifn :(~Z4; to the syli('~m.

4 . Keep al! tYJle ~ ofvehid !~s - including i\"!'V'S ;lJld s now m ohi les - otf of ti ll: sept ic s-"stem.

5. Mak(: lillfl: <Ill riscrs, insp(~ctio ll p i p(~s ;l!1d m anhoks h a ve cover:<. I\tl tl ing ins lIl:ll ioll ovcr pip(~1i ;Ind ovcr thl: se pLic t, (l ik is 'll.~o ,I good it!l:a.

fi. L(\I Ihe grass in your I;lw ll grow hi~lw r ill th(~ la te s um mer a n d ca rly tlill lOver Ihl: soi l trC<!lll w nl ;Jn~:1 tu ;11_:\ as a SilO\\-' catch <lnd p rovi de hl: tt(~r ins ula t io n.

7. If you' ]) he .\,\one lOr an exte nded ti nH ~, c()nsidl~r h;lving KIJIlll :onn vi.sit ;lnd w'w water n:gul arly_

Copies of this publication were included with the cover letter above.

21

ISTS Media Outreach Plan The following media outreach plan was prepared in consultation with the Cook County Water Advisory Comm ittee and members of the Cook County Planning and Zoning Department. The list below is a starting point on educating the public on seplic syslem issues, operations and maintenance.

• Utili ze infonnation included in the Properly Owner's Resource Guide as this document includes relevant information on current zoning requirements.

• Planning and Zoning Staff continues djstribuling the U of M Extension Septic System Oowers Guide on newly permitted systems. Consider providing copies to G&G septic so that information can be disseminated. Define fundin g source for th is activity. Perfonned a mailing directed at private landowner's in the Coastal Zone in 2007.

• Consider sending educational materials out when tax statement is sent . • Place reminders on Borea1.org and in local newspapers. • Remind citi zens that If you own a seasonal residence or expect long periods

withou t water use don ' t pump your seplic in the fall as thi s can lead to cracked tanks and costly repairs.

• • To lle Schroedcr Sani tary Sewer Distri'ct (TSSSD) to mail a copy of The Septic

System 's Owners Manual to each household in the di strict. • County commissioners to mention Sept ic System operation and maintenance

when on general rad io interviews. • Water Planner to provide infonnation while at Lake Association meetings. • Provide information atlwo orthe major summer events including the County Fair

and Fishenmms Picnic. • COLA and Water Planner to stress the important linkage between septi c systems

and lake water quality. • Provide infonnation on ISTS Loan Program at variolls venues li sted above. • Provide information on Lake Inspection programs and grants received for

.inspect ions and upgrades. • Confimled with G&G Septic that his company name and numbers can be

distributed on varioll s mailings. • Provide information on rainwater, greywater and blackwater systems.

22

16

Loa n Process

I . Check with Soil & Water for availability of funds (387-3647).

2. Arrange for a contractor bid. 3. Request a site in!i>ection from County

Environmental Health (387-3632) . This triggers a time limit for repairs .

4. Provide to Soil & Water t ) copy of "Notice of Non-Compliance", 2) copy of contractor bid, and 3) AgBMP Loan Awlication . Soil & Water lhen signs Application and pl aces you on the waiting list. You will be notified when funds are ava ilable.

5. Give signed AgBMP Loan application to lender for credit qualification.

6. Contractor begins construction , As on al l systems built in Cook County, Environmental Health in spects during and after constructi on and provides landowner with a "Certificate of Compliance". This assures that the repairs were installed in conformance with state and county standards.

7. Give to Lmder I) final invoice from conlIador. 2) "Certificate of Compliance" from County.

8, Lender payment is directly to contractor. Contractor provides signed Mechanics Lien Waiver to Lender .

9. Applicant, now a BOITower, makes monthly payments to Lender .

Maintenance .. Maintenan ce .. Maintenance

D Sewage treatment systems require regular inspection and pumping - every one to three years depending on use. Systems are expensive invesbnents worth protecting.

D Yearly pumping is important for homes using garbage disposals or draining grease and other hard-to-digest materials.

D Bleach and other bacteria-killing products impair function therefore more frequent pumping is necessary. Systems depend on live bacteria to break down sewage.

For More InfOJ'mation Potential borrowers in Cook COWlty may

contact Rebecca Wiinanen ahout loan availability.

Soil & W ater rd Floor, Court House

411 Wes t 2nd Street G rand Ma ra is M N 55604

218-J87·3647

Local units of govenunent, local lenders or individuals wishing additional

infonnation may contact Dwight Wilcox.

AgrlcultureBest Managem ent. PrActices L oans Minnesota Department. of Agriculture

90 West Plato Blvd. St. P aul, MN 55107

(651) 215- 10 18

0 51I61l007

2007 ISTS Loan Program for

Cook County Minnesota

3% Financing for Repairs to Non-Compliant Individual Sewage Treatment Systems

Single. & Multi·Connection ISTS

Agriculture Best Management Practices LoaJ. Program (AgBMP)

State Revolving Funds (SRF) MinnesotaDepartm ent of Agriculture

Administered by Cook County Soil & Water Conservation

Local Water Management Program

17

Dear Coastal Zone Resident: Season’s greetings from the Cook County Water Advisory Committee! You are receiving this mailing because your address is located within the Coastal Zone Program Boundary and is for informational purposes only. Consider sharing the documents with a neighbor or returning to the Cook County Zoning Department if you already have a copy or have no need for the publications. Maintenance - As 2007 comes to a close consider marking your calendar for any required maintenance of your septic system in 2008. All septic systems require routine pumping for longevity of the soil treatment area and to protect the water resources of Cook County. Septic tanks must be pumped every 2-3 years (required by state law) to remove scum and sludge. Education - Included are two items to help you understand the functioning of your septic system and the importance of routine maintenance. The Septic System Owner’s Guide is published by the University of Minnesota Extension and provides information on water use, operation and maintenance of your system. The Cook County Property Owner’s Resource Guide includes county specific information on septic systems. Care - State-licensed professionals must complete design, installation, inspection and pumping of septic systems. A list of certified personnel can be obtained at the county zoning department or can be found on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) website. Pete Gresczyk of G & G septic is currently the only state certified pumper in Cook County and can be reached at 387-1572. Repair - If you suspect your system does not comply with county or state regulations have it inspected. Leroy Halberg from Cook County Environmental Health can perform system inspections and can be reached at 387-3632. Individuals can also contract with a state-licensed Inspector or Designer I to perform an inspection. Residential and commercial landowners may receive low interest (3%) financing through the Agriculture Best Management Practices

Chel Anderson

Biz Clark Poplar

Jim Johnson Commission

Roger Haertel SWCD

Dave Stark - Cook County Water Plan Coordinator Cell (218) 428-4413

david.stark@co.cook.mn.us

COOK COUNTY Water Management Plan

Advisory Committee

Don Goodell Lutsen

Eleanor Lease Road Lake

Jerry Johansen

This project was funded in part under the Coastal Zone Management Act, by NOAA’s

Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, in cooperation with Minnesota’s

Lake Superior Coastal Program.

18

(AgBMP) loan program for repair or replacement of non-compliant systems. Rebecca Wiinanen from the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) administers this program and can be reached at 387-3647. Septic System Information Links Cook County Environmental Health - www.co.cook.mn.us/zoning/index.html MPCA Licensed Professionals - http://www.pca.state.mn.us/programs/ists/ists.xls MPCA Septic System Regulations - www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/7080/ University of Minnesota Extension Septic Program – http://septic.umn.edu/ Cook County Property Owners Resource Guide - www.co.cook.mn.us/sw/cook_pog.pdf. Books - Great Last Minute Gift Ideas to Learn More about Water and “Waste” Septic System Owner’s Manual - www.shelterpub.com/_shelter/ssom_book.html Rainwater Collection - www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?pid=0966417062&ad=FGLBKS Humanure the 3rd Edition - www.joseph-jenkins.com/books_humanure.html Creating an Oasis with Greywater - www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/createanoasis/index.htm

19

12

In eTre Most town and city dwellers rely on a public waste water treatm ent

system for sewage management. While public waste water treatment systems may be avai lable to some ru ral dwellers, most rely 0 11 p rivate individua1 sewage treatment systems (lS1'5).

T he design and installation of ISTS is regulated by State Rules and permitted through the Cook Cou nty Piannjng & Zoni ng Department. ISTS must be installed by State lice nsed con tractors. A lis t of contrac tors can be obtai ned at th e Pla n n ing & Zoning De partment. Alternat ive sewage trea tment system s will be considered for approvaL Con tac t the Cook County Environme ntal Health Departmental 218-387-3632.

1. Good vegetative cover should be maintained over the soil lreatment system . ll owever, do not p lan t trees or shrubs because the mots may clog the d istr ib ut ion lines.

2. Do not dr ive over the soil treatment system and main tain snow cover in the win ter to prevent the area from freezing.

3. Use water-conserving fIxtures like low-flow shower­heads and toilets.

4. Distribute wash loads evenly throughout the week to avoid ove rloadin g the system with large amounts of wate r.

5. Wash only full loads in the dishwas l1cr and washing machine. Consider a wate r-conserving washing machi ne because they usc less water.

6. Use liqu id dete rgents (powdered detergents add tine particles that may clog the soil trea tment system).

7. Reduce the LIse of harsh Cleaners <lnd antibacterial soaps.

DoYou Know ... Se ptic System Setback Requirements Well Shoreland

8. Use of gaTbage disposal s is not recolllmended. Consider composting.

9. The septic tank MUST b e c1eaned (pum ped) {~very

2-3 yea rs to remove f10ating scum and s1udge that accu mu­hlte. If this material is allowed to en ter the soil treatment system (mound or trench) it will cause expensive and often irreparable damage.

10. Rou te roof drains and drain tile away from the drain­ticld.

11 . Do no t dispose of solvents, paints, antifreeze, and chemicals down the drain.

12. DO NaT USE starters, feeders, cleaners and other additives. There is 00 quick ti.x or substitu te fo r proper oper­ation and regular maintenance.

For additional information on sewage treatmcnt systems contact the University of Minnesota http://septic.coafes.umn.edll! homeowner/ il1dex . h tml

• 100 feet from the treatment area if well has less than 50 feet of casing and does not enco unter 10 feet of impervious material.

50 feet from the treatment area if well has more than 50 feet of casing or encounters 10 feet of impervio us material.

• 100, I SO feet from the vegetation line. depending upon DNR protected waters class ification. from any co mponent of the sewage treatment system. x·----1

Buildings • 10 feet from septic tank • 20 feet from treatment area

150 Re creational Dev e l o~ment 100 lake SUEerior ' 40 S~ecia l Natural Envi ronment 150 Special Recreational 100

150 100 100 150 150

Property Line • 10 feet from any component of the

septiC system.

Road Right of Way • 10 Feet from any component of

the septic system.

*From vegetation line.

Well

x = setback from lake depends on classificat ion of lake. 'Call Planning and Zoning for you r lake classification.

20

Some commonly asked questions

Q What pennits arc needed ({) install a sewage treatment system; who do I COil/act?

A An applicat ion is jointly submitted by the licensed designer and the homeowner to the Planning & Zoning Department.

Q l-Vlwt is a CertificCI/e of Compliance? A A Certificate of Compliance shows that a t the time of

inspection, the sewage treatment system was installed properly. It is issued after a new system has been properly installed, or after an inspection of an existing system has found that the sewage system is in compliance with State standards. This Certificate of Compliance is considered to be effective for a period of five years for a new system and th ree years fo r an existing system.

Q Do 1 need a sewage treatmel1t system certificate if I am just going to build a shed?

A Yes and No. No, if you do not live in shoreland . Yes, if you live in shoreland and the shed or any other st ructure you are building is 160 square tee t or longer.

Q Who tells me what type of system I l1eed' A The licensed 1ST'S des igner can make this determination

based on soil and site con dit ions, and specific needs of the 01vner.

Q How is the type of system needed on my property determil1ed? A The type of system is determined by soil texture, depth to

water table, proxim ity to surface waters, and the number of people it is intended to ."P.l"VP. . Rp.(:aUfi~ of h igh ground ,vater table and heavy clay soil s, 80 percent of Cook County's sep­tic systems are mound systems.

Q How do I know if the sewage {reatrnel1t system now e.:"is(il1g 011

my property works? Who is responsible jar checking it? A Most systems in Cook County a re mound systems. Signs of.

mound system failu res include: wet areas around the edge of the mound; cattails or other wp.thll1n Vf-~g(:t.atlon; and/ or black areas around the edge of the mound. 1tench systems in fail ure reveal panding or lea kage to a low spot. Ifbuying property, even 1'\1ith a Certificate of Compliance, it is w ise to hire a sewage treatment system inspector to conduct a Point of Sale inspection.

Q I want to sell my home. The buyer wants a Point-at-Safe inspection of my sewage treatment system. Who do 1 contact to do this?

A A state-licensed sewage treatment system Inspector or Designer I should be contacted . A list can be obtained from the Cook County Planning & Zoning Department, or dovvnloaded from www.jJcci.statc.ml1.l.Is/ programs/lists/ registrationl1tml. Cook County Environmental Health Department will also do the Point-of-Sale inspections.

Q Do I need a permit to construct an outhouse or install a compostil1g toilet?

A Yes, they req uire a permit frol11 Cook County Environmental Hea lth Department.

Q Can [ install my own sewage treatment system? Do J even have to have a sewage treatment system?

A You cannot install your O\-VI1 sewage treatment system. Only licensed insta ller::; IIwy. You are requ ired to have a sewage treatme nt system if any structure has plumbing. If your structu re does not have plumbing, an outhouse is acceptable.

Protecting your sewage treatment system from freezing: During winters with a lack of snow cover and cold temperatu res, sewage treatment systems can freeze. This can be not only a tremendous inconven ience, but can result in expensive repairs. To help prevent your ~ystem from fr eezing, fo llow these general guidelines:

1. Add a layer of hay or straHl mulch (8-12 inches) over th e p ipes, tank, and soi l trea tn1en t area.

2. Use normal amounts of water, the warme r the better.

3. F ix any leaky plu mb ing and DO Naf' add an tifreeze to the systen1.

4. Keep all type~ of vehicles - including ATV's and snovlInobil es - off of the septic system.

s. Make sure all r isers, inspection p ipes and Inanho]es have covers. Adding insulation over pipes and over the septic tank is also a good idea.

6. Let th e grass in your lawn grow h igher in th e late summer and early fall over the soil treatment area to act as a snow catch and provide better in~u ] ation.

7. Ifyou'lJ be gone for an extended time, consider having someone visit and use \vater regularly.

8. Don't pump the tank in the fall and leave it empty over tIle winter.

I

,I

21

Copies of this publication were included with the cover letter above.

22

ISTS Media Outreach Plan The following media outreach plan was prepared in consultation with the Cook County Water Advisory Committee and members of the Cook County Planning and Zoning Department. The list below is a starting point on educating the public on septic system issues, operations and maintenance.

• Utilize information included in the Property Owner’s Resource Guide as this document includes relevant information on current zoning requirements.

• Planning and Zoning Staff continues distributing the U of M Extension Septic System Onwers Guide on newly permitted systems. Consider providing copies to G&G septic so that information can be disseminated. Define funding source for this activity. Performed a mailing directed at private landowner’s in the Coastal Zone in 2007.

• Consider sending educational materials out when tax statement is sent. • Place reminders on Boreal.org and in local newspapers. • Remind citizens that If you own a seasonal residence or expect long periods

without water use don’t pump your septic in the fall as this can lead to cracked tanks and costly repairs.

• • Tofte Schroeder Sanitary Sewer District (TSSSD) to mail a copy of The Septic

System’s Owners Manual to each household in the district. • County commissioners to mention Septic System operation and maintenance

when on general radio interviews. • Water Planner to provide information while at Lake Association meetings. • Provide information at two of the major summer events including the County Fair

and Fishermans Picnic. • COLA and Water Planner to stress the important linkage between septic systems

and lake water quality. • Provide information on ISTS Loan Program at various venues listed above. • Provide information on Lake Inspection programs and grants received for

inspections and upgrades. • Confirmed with G&G Septic that his company name and numbers can be

distributed on various mailings. • Provide information on rainwater, greywater and blackwater systems.

23

Appendix D – Highway Engineer Meeting Agenda

Agenda Meeting with County Highway Enginneer

Date: Thursday - October 25, 2007 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. Location: Cook County Courthouse ITV Room Introductions and County Roles Jim Johnson – County Commissioner and Chair of the Water Advisory Committee Dave Stark – Water Plan Coordinator Keith Anderson – Joint Powers Engineer Bill Lane – Planning and Zoning – Stormwater Ordinance Administration Shae Kosmalski – County Highway Engineer Potential for Project Collaboration and Grants (Discussion – All) Overview of Stormwater Ordinance and Plat Review Process (Bill Lane) Road Construction and Maintenance Protocols (Keith Anderson /Shae Kosmalski) Stormwater Analysis Tools (Dave Stark/Keith Anderson/Shae Kosmalski) Job Performance Standards (Jim Johnson/Shae Kosmalski) Outcomes Minutes from meeting. Recommendations on stormwater modeling tools for incorporation into grant report. New county road construction and maintenance protocols for incorporaton into grant report. Written job performance standards for incorporation into grant report Materials for Distribution Sign In Sheet – Documentation for Match Cook County Water Plan Coastal Grant Language Preliminary Recommendations on Stormwater Modeling Tools

Task 3: Coastal Grant Language Work with the Water Advisory Committee, County Highway Department, County Planning and Zoning Department, and Soil & Water Board to accomplish specific actions from the Water Plan related to reducing water quality impacts associated with roads and other land use activities managed or approved by Cook County. 1) Develop plat review process that includes storm water analysis and assessment by the developer using hydrologic modeling software or techniques. Investigate hydrologic modeling software tools available for stormwater analysis and assessment and investigate usefulness for cumulative effects analysis in the county plat review process. Make recommendation to county Planning office regarding what tool(s) to incorporate to improve plat review of stormwater issues. 2) Work with county Engineer to bring county road construction and maintenance protocols into compliance with county stormwater ordinances and the state-regulated NPDES stormwater program. 3) Establish job performance standards, related to county road system erosion control, and run-off pollutants, for county Engineer and responsible staff, for annual evaluation as part of performance review. This task is in the Cook County Water Plan Goal 5:1 Action Items 3, 5, 10, 12. Work on this task will occur concurrently with work on the other tasks. Deliverables Task 3: Recommendations on plat review tool(s). New county road construction and maintenance protocols. New job performance standards for county Engineer and responsible staff .

24

Agenda

Meeting with County Highway Enginneer Date: Thursday - October 25, 2007 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. Location: Cook County Courthouse ITV Room Introductions and County Roles Jim Johnson – County Commissioner and Chair of the Water Advisory Committee Dave Stark – Water Plan Coordinator Keith Anderson – Joint Powers Engineer Bill Lane – Planning and Zoning – Stormwater Ordinance Administration Shae Kosmalski – County Highway Engineer Potential for Project Collaboration and Grants (Discussion – All) Overview of Stormwater Ordinance and Plat Review Process (Bill Lane) Road Construction and Maintenance Protocols (Keith Anderson /Shae Kosmalski) Stormwater Analysis Tools (Dave Stark/Keith Anderson/Shae Kosmalski) Job Performance Standards (Jim Johnson/Shae Kosmalski) Outcomes Minutes from meeting. Recommendations on stormwater modeling tools for incorporation into grant report. New county road construction and maintenance protocols for incorporaton into grant report. Written job performance standards for incorporation into grant report. Materials for Distribution Sign In Sheet – Documentation for Match Cook County Water Plan Coastal Grant Language Preliminary Recommendations on Stormwater Modeling Tools