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Surface Water Management
Orono Surface Water Management Plan
Lake Minnetonka
Geographically, the city lies along the north shore of Lake Minnetonka. The character of Orono is influenced strongly by its lakeside location and numerous wetlands, streams and ponds.
Surface Water Management Plan
The City of Orono lies entirely within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). In January 2018, the MCWD adopted an updated its watershed management plan. The plans help to prevent flooding, reduce erosion and sedimentation from surface flows, promote groundwater recharge, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
The City of Orono also adopted a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) in May of 2018as required by state law. The SWMP incorporates or enhances the rules and regulations as established by the watershed district. The city's plan also fulfills requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Metropolitan Council.
The city has several ordinances and policies consistent with the SWMP that guide the development and installation of storm sewers, ponds and other water quality treatment devices during development.
MS4 Permit / Surface Water Pollution Prevention Program
Further the City of Orono holds a MS4 permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program for operation of the City’s stormwater drainage system. The NPDES is a national regulatory program under the jurisdiction of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is administered at the State level by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
To comply with this, permit the city developed a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP).