Last Sunday we had a good turnout (see above) to stuff plastic Easter eggs in preparation for the Egg Hunt this coming Saturday, April 16^th.  It took just under two hours to stuff the 6,000 eggs with jelly beans and prize slips.  We really need everyone to show up at Driftwood Park (just west of Silver Lake Road on 5th St NW) on Saturday April 16^th at 9:45AM to get the park ready for the Hunt.  Please bring a 2-3 pound hammer if you have one to pound the stakes into the ground.  Dress warmly and come ready to have fun.  We should be finished by around 1PM.

 

Today’s presenter was Bill Cole, Supervisor of the Water Quality Standards Unit of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).  Established in 1967, the MPCA is a state agency committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate.  Working within the framework of numerous state and federal regulations the MPCA works to prevent and reduce contamination of our state’s water, lands and air.  The MPCA works cooperatively with Region 5 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to jointly protect Minnesota’s natural resources and determine the best use of limited federal resources.

 

Bill’s role as Supervisor of Water Quality Standards is guided by the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA) and Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Act (chapter 103H), Clean Water Legacy Act (chapter 114D), Water Pollution Control Act (chapter 115) and MPCA Authority (chapter 116).  The MPCA in turn partners with the state DNR, Department of Health, Department of Drink Water Safety, Department of Agriculture and The Board of Water and Soil Resources.

 

Minnesota Water Quality Standards are determined based on the beneficial uses of the water resource which could include: consumption, recreation, industrial use, agricultural use, esthetic value, etc.   

 

Numerical standards are developed to quantify the concentrations of specific chemicals allowable for each beneficial use.  Narrative standards are also developed for unacceptable non-chemical and esthetic concerns.

 

Anti-degradation regulations protect existing beneficial uses of bodies of water as well as exceptional characteristics (i.e. the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness)

 

Bill and President Charlie Longbella are pictured below.

 

Cindy Carlson reported that we still have 7 or 8 Gold Plate Dinner tickets to be sold.  Please follow up on your prospects ASAP.  We could also use some more Dine Around Town restaurant gift cards.