DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
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Authorization To Adopt Dakota County Agricultural Chemical Reduction Effort Plan
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, developing the Agricultural Chemical Reduction Effort (ACRE) Plan is a 2022 Board priority; and
WHEREAS, the 2020-2030 Dakota County Groundwater Plan identified reduction of agricultural chemical contamination as a high priority (strategy 1B1); specifically, tactic 1B1 states that the County will develop an ACRE Plan; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of ACRE is to reduce agricultural chemicals in groundwater to levels that no longer pose threats to human health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, the ACRE Plan was developed through extensive research on current Minnesota programs and other state programs focused on improving water quality from agricultural operations, completion of a groundwater nitrate model, a robust stakeholder engagement process, and guidance provided by the County Board, County Planning Commission, and an Agricultural Advisory Group; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 22-289 (July 19, 2022), the County Board authorized the release of the draft ACRE Plan for a 45-day public review period from July 20 to September 3, 2022; and
WHEREAS, comments were received from county residents and five organizations during the public review period resulting in no substantial changes to the ACRE Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Planning Commission reviewed the revised ACRE Plan on September 22, 2022, and recommended the adoption of the ACRE Plan to the Physical Development Committee of the Whole.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the Dakota County Agricultural Chemical Reduction Effort (ACRE) Plan.
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