Summer 2018 Hometown Messenger

Storm water retention ponds

#AsktheCity

Storm water is surface water runoff from rain and melting snow that flows off streets, rooftops, lawns and farmland. WHERE DOES SURFACE WATER GO? Surface water runoff is collected through a network of underground pipes and surface ditches which route the runoff to storm water retention ponds, wetlands, lakes and streams. The flowing water can carry salt, sand, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, oil, litter and many other pollutants from the landscape to the storm water retention ponds, wetlands, lakes and streams. WHO OWNS STORMWATER RETENTION PONDS? Most stormwater retention ponds in the city are owned by the homeowners abutting the ponds, not the city. In most Road work season is in full swing in Shakopee with many projects well under way. Sealcoating operations are set to begin in late June and continue into July. Exact dates depend on weather and the contractor's schedule in other communities. Sealcoating, also known as chip sealing, is a pavement maintenance practice that extends pavement life and offers a revitalized driving surface. Crews sealcoat streets by using a mix of heated liquid asphalt and small rock. The process costs the city approximately a quarter of a conventional asphalt overlay and offers an effective barrier against water intrusion, aging and oxidation. Sealcoating essentially extends time between bituminous overlays, resulting in an overall lower cost over the life cycle of the pavement. Sealcoating can be a messy and dusty

cases, homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their yard up to the water’s edge. To verify responsibility at your property, contact the city or visit the easements page on the city website for more information. WHY DOES THE CITY MOW AROUND SOME PONDS? Mowing is a management technique for vegetated buffer areas like the perimeter of ponds. This can help reduce unwanted vegetation such as tree saplings and other invasive plants. WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR MAINTAINING THE STORMWATER POND IN MY BACKYARD? Please do not mow up to the water’s edge. Maintaining a native plant vegetative buffer

around the perimeter of the pond helps prevent erosion at the water’s edge and can provide habitat for bees, butterflies, birds and a variety of other animals. Remove or treat noxious weeds and tree saplings from the perimeter of the pond. CAN I SWIM OR FISH IN THESE PONDS? No. Storm water retention ponds and ditches collect runoff from city pavements and contain sediment, phosphorus, micro- organism and toxic chemicals. Do not swim in storm water retention ponds or stock the ponds with fish.

More info: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/publicworks

Sealcoat operations to start in late June, continue into July

Please note, while crews sweep streets of surplus rock days and weeks after installation, some chips will continue to release over time. This may result in excess rock along curbs and in yards. While this can be an inconvenience, it is a natural part of the process. Find the latest updates on the city's Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor pages, as well as on the city website at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/currentprojects.

operation. Therefore, all vehicles must be removed from the street. Residents are asked to obey any "No Parking" signs that signal upcoming road work. If possible, please avoid the area until all work is complete. If necessary to drive through a completed area, move slowly and cautiously. Residents living in the sealcoating areas are asked not to turn on their sprinklers until two hours after the rock has been laid on the street.

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