DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Technical Assistance Agreement with U.S. Geological Survey For Analysis Of Drinking Water Samples
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to complete laboratory analysis of drinking water samples.
SUMMARY
More than 90 percent of Dakota County residents rely on groundwater for their water supply, whether it comes from a public water supplier or from a private drinking water well. In 2023, the Minnesota Geological Survey published Part A of the Geologic Atlas of Dakota County. Part A is a series of geologic maps showing properties and distribution of sediments and rocks in the subsurface. In 2025, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin work on Part B of the Groundwater Atlas of Dakota County. Part B includes maps of water levels in aquifers, direction of groundwater flow, water chemistry, and sensitivity to pollution. Both atlases together provide information essential to sustainable management of groundwater resources for applications such as monitoring, water allocation, permitting, remediation of contaminated groundwater, and well construction. The Geologic Atlas and Groundwater Atlas are used by many and provide valuable information for engineering, environmental, economic, and societal purposes.
Expanding research of groundwater conditions, by testing for neonicotinoids, is an important step toward identifying and reducing groundwater contamination and protecting public health in the county. The DNR will collect water samples from 90 private drinking water wells to test for a standard list of general chemistry parameters. The County proposes to enhance the Groundwater Atlas by contributing sample analysis for a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, that will greatly expand our knowledge of groundwater contamination. Neonicotinoids are neurotoxic insecticides that are harmful to pollinators and birds. They are used on agricultural crops, seeds, lawns, gardens, golf courses, nursery and landscape plants, as well as in flea and tick pet treatments. The results will be compared to drinking water guidelines. The water test results and treatment recommendations, if warranted, will be shared with the well owner.
Testing for the presence of neonicotinoids will assist the DNR in age-dating the water, which will improve the accuracy of the hydrogeologic map and knowledge of the pollution sensitivity of the aquifers. A more accurate hydrogeologic map is valuable to Dakota County because it will help ensure long-term sustainability of the drinking water aquifers. This data will enable a more realistic view of groundwater flow and conditions, such as when reviewing appropriation permit requests for high water users. Partnering with the DNR to update the Groundwater Atlas and researching groundwater conditions for contaminants of emerging concern, like neonicotinoids, aligns with the Dakota County Groundwater Plan (tactics 1D1A and 2B1A).
The samples will be collected by DNR staff and shipped by county staff to the USGS California Water Science Center laboratory for analysis. Dakota County has collaborated with the USGS in previous studies. The USGS laboratory is the only lab capable of performing these analyses at low laboratory detection levels. The USGS has offered a Technical Assistance Agreement (Attachment: USGS TAA) with Dakota County for the analysis of 51 water samples. Samples will be sent to the USGS California Water Science Center, where samples will be analyzed for neonicotinoids and their metabolites (degradation or breakdown products). The term of the TAA is through December 31, 2025, with a Dakota County financial obligation of $70,000, with the option to amend the agreement, not to exceed $100,000, to allow for sampling of up to 90 private wells.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff requests authorizing the Environmental Resources Department Director to execute the Technical Assistance Agreement with the USGS to complete laboratory analysis of groundwater samples in an amount not to exceed $100,000 through December 31, 2025.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
All costs are covered by the currently approved Environmental Resources Capital Improvement and Operating Budgets.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, more than 90 percent of Dakota County residents rely on groundwater for their water supply, whether it comes from a public water supplier or from a private drinking water well; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin work on Part B of the Groundwater Atlas of Dakota County in 2025; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County proposes to enhance the Groundwater Atlas by contributing sample analysis for a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, that will greatly expand our knowledge of groundwater contamination; and
WHEREAS, continuing research on groundwater conditions, to include the pesticide class neonicotinoids, is an important step toward identifying and reducing groundwater contamination and protecting public health in the county; and
WHEREAS, the test results will assist the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in age-dating the water, which will improve the accuracy of the hydrogeologic map and knowledge of the pollution sensitivity of the aquifers; and
WHEREAS, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has offered a Technical Assistance Agreement with Dakota County for the analysis of 51 water samples for neonicotinoids; and
WHEREAS, samples will be collected by the DNR and sent to the USGS California Water Science Center, where samples will be analyzed; and
WHEREAS, the term of the Technical Assistance Agreement is through December 31, 2025, with a Dakota County financial obligation of $100,000; and
WHEREAS, the Board will allow the Environmental Resources Director to amend the contract, not to exceed $100,000 before the expiration of the agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to execute the Technical Assistance Agreement with the United States Geological Survey to complete laboratory analysis of groundwater samples in an amount of $70,000 not to exceed $100,000 through December 31, 2025, substantially as presented to the County Board of Commissioners on April 22, 2025, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: USGS TAA
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Vanessa Demuth