Stormwater Management
Ramsey County is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a stormwater conveyance system associated with its roads, buildings, and parks and open space property. You can help to maintain the stormwater system by preventing or reporting illicit discharge.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit regulates the county’s Stormwater System. Requirements under this permit include:
- Adoption of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP).
- Regular inspections and maintenance of the county’s MS4.
- Public education and participation with water quality partners.
- Management of construction stormwater run-off on county road maintenance projects.
- Construction of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality.
- Annual reporting of the county’s efforts to comply with the MS4 Permit.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
- 2020 plan (PDF)
- 2020 annual report (PDF)
Best Management Practices projects
Ramsey County’s efforts to improve the quality of public waterways includes the construction of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater treatment. Stormwater treatment BMPs improve water quality by reducing pollutants to our lakes, wetlands and streams. Here are some of our completed projects in PDF format:
Lake monitoring
Ramsey County monitors 30 lakes for pollutants, water levels and water quality. From May through September, these lakes are sampled eight times on a rotating basis. Each lake is sampled for temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, secchi disk readings (water clarity) and pH levels. From June through August, lakes with county operated beaches are safety tested weekly to measure E. coli concentration. In our state-certified laboratory, the samples are tested for phosphorus, nitrogen, chloride, chlorophyll A, zooplankton and phytoplankton concentrations. From December through April, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and chloride concentration are also measured. This data is compiled into a comprehensive historical database and can be found on the websites listed below.
Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park flooding
Snail and Grass Lakes, wetland areas within Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park and surrounding properties have experienced flooding. Trails and natural areas within the park have been impacted by the flooding and the city of Shoreview has issued an emergency no-wake restriction on Snail Lake. Ramsey County Parks & Recreation is working with the city of Shoreview and the watershed district in an effort to find the cause of the flooding and determine possible mitigation efforts. In 2016 the installation of a permeable asphalt trail in the park is an innovative mitigation project.
Water quality partners
Ramsey County works closely with many local agencies to help improve water quality.
Numerous watershed districts within the County provide assistance in improving the County’s water quality through BMP construction, cost sharing with residents for eligible projects, and permit programs. Locate which watershed district you live in here: MAWD
Ramsey Conservation District works to improve water quality through BMP construction, public education, and cost sharing with the public on eligible projects.
How to help
- Install a rain garden or rain barrel on your property - cost share programs are available.
- Participate in the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program.
- Recycle and take your yard waste to local collection sites.
- Remember to clean up your dog waste.
- Report any illicit discharges.
- Notify the county of any construction sites that may be causing an environmental quality problem.