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 Water, Soil, And Sediment Samples
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Dakota County Emerging Contaminant Workgroup (ECW) was established to study emerging contaminants like neonicotinoids, and conduct research to guide County decisions to help residents and prevent contamination; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Groundwater Plan identifies researching groundwater conditions as a priority strategy (Strategy 1D), including the research of contaminants of emerging concern, on an ongoing basis to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for reducing contamination and protecting public health in the county; and
WHEREAS, the ECW and the groundwater unit’s sampling workplans include neonicotinoid sampling of water, soil, and sediments; and
WHEREAS, the United States Geological Survey has offered a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) with Dakota County for the analysis of water, soil, and sediment samples for neonicotinoids; and
WHEREAS, the term of the TAA is through December 31, 2030, with a not to exceed amount of $100,000 before expiration of the agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager, or delegate, to execute the Technical Assistance Agreement with
the United States Geological Survey to complete laboratory analysis in an amount not to exceed $100,000 through December 31, 2030, substantially as presented to the County Board of Commissioners on August 4, 2026, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s office as to form.
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BACKGROUND
The Dakota County Emerging Contaminants Workgroup (ECW) includes representation from the Dakota County Environmental Resources Department, Dakota County Public Health Department, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, and watershed organizations.
Neonicotinoids are neurotoxic insecticides that are harmful to pollinators, birds, aquatic species and other animals. They are used on agricultural crops, seeds, lawns, gardens, golf courses, nursery and landscape plants, as well as in flea and tick pet treatments. Neonicotinoids may also by harmful to humans, affecting the nervous system and potentially causing developmental and reproductive problems with prolonged or high exposure. Along with other pesticides and herbicides, they are considered contaminants of emerging concern.
Dakota County has collaborated with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in previous studies through a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA). The USGS laboratory is the only lab capable of performing neonicotinoid analyses at low laboratory detection levels (Attachment: USGS TAA Draft Contract).
The ECW collaborated with the Department of Natural Resources in 2025 to collect neonicotinoid water samples from 51 locations. Neonicotinoids were detected in 13 of the 51 samples at low concentrations. As a follow-up to the 2025 sampling, the ECW plans to collect ten water samples in 2026 to evaluate the presence of neonicotinoids in a combination of urban and rural lake ecosystems. Future year sampling will depend on the 2026 sample results, annually approved sampling workplans, and annually approved Environmental Resources Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Operating budgets. Continued monitoring of neonicotinoids is important because they are persistent and mobile in the environment.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff requests authorizing the County Manager, or delegate, to execute the TAA with the USGS to complete laboratory analysis of water, soil and sediment samples in an amount not to exceed $100,000 through December 31, 2030.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
The 2026 Environmental Resources CIP Budget includes $11,500 for Environmental Assessment and Remediation and is funded by Environmental Legacy Funding (ELF). Future year sampling costs will depend on annually approved workplans and annually approved Environmental Resources CIP and Operating budgets, not to exceed a total of $100,000.
|
Year |
Estimated Budget Amount |
Budget Location |
Funding Source |
|
2026 |
$11,500 |
CIP |
ELF |
|
2027 |
$35,100 |
CIP and Operating |
ELF |
|
2028 |
$17,800 |
CIP |
ELF |
|
2029 |
$17,800 |
CIP |
ELF |
|
2030 |
$17,800 |
CIP |
ELF |
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-208; 04/22/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: USGS TAA Draft Contract
CONTACT
Department Director: Nikki Stewart
Author: Valerie Neppl