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Engineering sections: Public Works divisions: Related links: |
Lower Penn Lake Management PlanCurrent StatusA public open house was held Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the Bloomington Public Works Training Room. The open house provided the public an opportunity to comment on the current draft management plan for Lower Penn Lake. A short presentation was given on the history leading up to this plan as well as the goals going forward. Representatives from the Watershed District and Department of Natural Resources were also in attendance.
A public hearing will be held on January 25, 2010 by the City Council at its regular meeting in the City Council Chambers at the Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road. The purpose of the hearing is for the Council to consider the plan and take public testimony. Persons wishing to be heard in reference to the Lower Penn Lake Management Plan will be heard at this meeting. Draft Lower Penn Lake Management PlanThis document serves as an outline to identify an appropriate future long-term management strategy for Lower Penn Lake. The need for the management plan is a result of recent changes to the operation of the well as mandated by the Department of Natural Resources and State Law as well as concerns and comments received from the public. Questions on this draft plan can be directed to the Engineering Division at 985-563-4867 or 952-563-4557. Draft Lower Penn Lake Management Plan and Appendix A through J were updated November 3, 2009.
Management plan developmentThe City of Bloomington Engineering Division has been working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, and Public to gather information to ultimately develop a management plan for Lower Penn Lake. The goal of the plan is to outline detailed actions to preserve, maintain, or achieve desired attainable uses for the lake. The DNR has indicated future use of the groundwater well on Lower Penn Lake is not likely to be permitted. To address concerns about the water level in Lower Penn Lake without augmentation, The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, completed a preliminary water balance for the Lake in 2008. A water balance analysis studies the lake's inputs and outputs. For Lower Penn Lake the water balance is being used to determine sustainable water levels. Components such as groundwater, rainfall, evaporation, and surface flows are considered. Groundwater monitoring wells have been installed to estimate the groundwater interaction with Lower Penn Lake. These monitoring wells measure groundwater levels as they respond to weather conditions, lake water levels, and pumping of the well. These data are used to analyze the lake/groundwater interaction and determine the direction and volume of water that flows between the two systems. It is anticipated that the final study findings will be available in the fall of 2009. The information presented in the final study is critical to help identify the most feasible direction and likelihood of success for the management of Lower Penn Lake Lake. For further information, contact the City of Bloomington Engineering Division, 1700 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431, telephone: 952-563-4867; TDD: 952-563-8740.
The elevation of Lower Penn Lake fluctuates through the year as precipitation and storm water runoff enters the lake. The Normal Elevation of Lower Penn Lake is 807.0. Currently the existing groundwater well located at the north end of the lake is not being operated. Aeration to prevent winter kill of fish is accomplished by re-circulating lake water utilizing some of the same infrastructure. This operation is specifically permitted and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Questions can be directed to the Engineering Division at 952-563-4867 or 952-563-4533.
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