Staff

Pinkalla, Ryan
Water Resources Technician
- (952) 227-1173
- rpinkalla@chanhassenmn.gov
Seidl, Joe
Water Resources Engineer
- (952) 227-1168
- jseidl@chanhassenmn.gov

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Surface Water Management Plan

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Overview

Chanhassen has a wealth of natural resources, including 12 lakes, 356 wetlands, and nearly 11 miles of streams and rivers and their tributaries. Chanhassen is the origin of Bluff Creek and Riley Creek, while Lotus Lake feeds directly into Purgatory Creek. The city is also home to unique and sensitive aquatic resources, such as a designated trout stream in Assumption Creek and a rare ecosystem in Seminary Fen. Cumulatively, surface water features account for 3,975 acres of the city's surface area or approximately 26% of the city's 24 square miles. The city's Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) provides a framework for protecting and improving Chanhassen's lakes, streams, and wetlands and addressing drainage and flooding issues.

The city's first Surface Water Management Plan was adopted in 1994 and directed development and resource management through intense growth. On August 28, 2006, the Chanhassen City Council unanimously voted to adopt the city's Second Generation Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). Chanhassen has recently begun the process of developing the Third Generation Plan. Residents are encouraged to comment on the existing plan content and changes they would like to see incorporated into the third-generation plan.

The existing plan can be found in the folders below.

Watershed Districts

MN Statutes 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D, 103E, 103F, and 103G are collectively known as the Minnesota Water Law. MN Statute 103D sets forth the conditions under which the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR) may establish a watershed district as well as the purpose and function of watershed districts. Among the requirements for watershed districts, 103D.401 requires that a district adopt a Watershed Management Plan and revise that plan once every ten years.

MN Statute 103B.235 requires that upon adopting the watershed plan, the cities must “prepare… a local water management plan, capital improvement plan, and official controls as necessary” to conform to the plan.

Each local plan must include:

A description of the physical environment and the land use;
A surface water drainage model
Specifications of stormwater features showing them to be adequate to meet performance standards
A definition of water quantity and water quality protection methods adequate to meet performance standards
Identification of regulated areas
An implementation program including an ordinance and a capital improvement program.

For more information on State Rules and Statutes, visit Minnesota.gov.

Local Water Plan Update

With the completion of the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed plan update, the last watershed management plan has been updated. As a result, Chanhassen has begun the process of updating our local water plan.

Citizen Feedback

The city is looking for your input. Please take the time to email your thoughts on the current plan and changes you would like to see in the next plan to Joe Seidl, Water Resources Engineer. Also, keep on the watch for open houses and public hearings as we look to create an effective and efficient local water plan that protects our water resources in a balanced and sustainable manner.

Chanhassen Watershed Districts

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