Minimal Impact Design Standards--Minnesota Takes the Lead

December 18, 2009 (7:30-9:00 a.m.)

Julie Westerlund, Minnehaha Watershed District and Co-chair of the Low Impact Development Team of the MN Stormwater Steering Committee.

Participants of the Mississippi River Forum kick-off workshop in April heard about how land use is impacting Minnesota's water resources. Consider this an update to that discussion! Earlier this year, Minnesota updated its approach to managing stormwater by passing legislation that directs the Pollution Control Agency to "develop performance standards, design standards, and other tools" to enable and promote improved stormwater management and better protect Minnesota's water resources. The result is MIDS - Minimal Impact Design Standards. The MIDS project represents the next generation of stormwater management. It consists of three main elements that address current challenges:

1. A higher clean water performance goal for new residential development and residential redevelopment that will provide enhanced protection for Minnesota’s water resources;
2. new modeling methods and credit calculations that will standardize the use of a range of "innovative" structural and nonstructural stormwater techniques; and
3. a credits system and ordinance package that will allow for increased flexibility and a streamlined approach to regulatory programs for developers and communities.

Come hear how the MIDS package will allow communities to adopt effective stormwater standards and techniques, meet regulatory requirements, and help Minnesota reach our clean water goals.

Light breakfast provided. Free.

Location: St. Cloud City Hall, 400 2nd Street South, St. Cloud, MN 56301 (map)

RSVP to Lark Weller by e-mail or by calling 651-290-3030 x304 for all meetings.