PUBLIC WORKS UPDATES
Ford Lightning F150 EVs Added to Public Works Fleet
As part of our Climate Plan Initiatives including re-envisioning City-wide energy practices and reducing emissions, our Public Works Dept. has acquired two EV trucks as part of our Energy and Transportation Initiatives. The new Ford Lightning F150s should average the equivalent of 76 mpg in the city and emit up to 40% less CO2 than similarly sized gas-powered trucks.
Splash Pads are Open – 9AM-9PM Daily
Central Park, 3503 Silver Lake Rd.
Emerald Park, 3925 Macalester Dr.
Be Active Be Green Bench Initiative
Our Public Works Crew is in the Village creating beautiful spaces and walkable trails and paths for people of all ages. This morning, they installed a new bench on Silver Lane. Look for our new benches on Shamrock and in Emerald Park, as well. These benches are part of the Ramsey County Active Living effort. For more information visit the Ramsey County Active Living Webpage.
Annual Water Quality Report 2023: City Drinking Water Meets Federal and State Standards
As required by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the City of Saint Anthony Village monitors its drinking water and has issued the results for the period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers’ understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. Saint Anthony is proud to report that no contaminants were detected at levels that violated state and federal drinking water standards. Visit the city website at savmn.com/waterquality to view our annual water report, which includes information on the monitoring of the City’s drinking water in 2023. QUESTIONS? Contact Public Works Director Jeremy Gumke, 612-782-3441 | jeremy.gumke@savmn.com.
STORM DRAINS: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Storm sewer systems carry water directly into our lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
If anything other than storm water enters the system, it is an illicit discharge. Substances can include oil, chemicals, sediment, and more.
Tips for Residents:
> Take used oil to a recycle center or a fast Oil-Change business.
> Re-vegetate bare or eroding areas of your lawn.
> Return old paint to the store where you purchased it.
> Secure your trash when placed on the street.
> Take all old chemicals, including paints and automobile fluids, to your local Household
> Hazardous Waste drop-off facility in Hennepin or Ramsey County.
> Do not pour fats, oils, or grease into your sink or sewer.
> Do not over fertilize your lawn.
> Pump your septic tank every 4 years.
For more information regarding illicit discharge and storm water management, visit savmn.com/222/Stormwater
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE
Well House No. 4 Rehab Ensures Reliability & Efficiency of City’s Water Infrastructure
The City recently undertook a project to rehabilitate one of its key water supply wells, Well No. 4. This work involved the removal, inspection, and rehabilitation of the well’s pump, motor, and associated piping; and is essential maintenance to ensure the well’s reliability and operational efficiency.
To complete this project, the City hired a local well contractor this winter, leveraging periods of lower water demands. This strategic scheduling minimizes the risk of water shortages during peak summer months when irrigation demands are at their highest. The successful rehabilitation of Well No. 4 ensures the continued reliability and efficiency of the well, thereby supporting the City’s vital water infrastructure.
Imbalance in Water Treatment Chemicals Causes Issue with Water Taste and Smell
Some residents in Saint Anthony Village experienced an unusual taste and smell in their drinking water as a result of an imbalance in water treatment chemicals. The water remained safe for consumption and other uses and our water utility personnel quickly worked to correct the imbalance by flushing the system to return the taste and smell of the water to normal.
This chemical imbalance was a result of returning the City’s Well No. 4 to service after its rehabilitation, and a line required additional flushing. In past well rehabilitations, we have never experienced this issue; but for future work on our wells, the City will take steps to prevent it from happening again. City staff has spent time working through the issue the past week and we want to provide additional information about which chemicals are involved and how the imbalance occurred. Saint Anthony Village uses five chemicals in the treatment of the City’s water supply. The first four are very commonly used by nearly every municipality in our region.
• Chlorine gas: disinfection
• Sodium Permanganate: removal of iron and manganese
• Polyphosphate: coats the distribution pipes to prevent scaling and deterioration
• Fluoride: dental health
• The final chemical is hydrogen peroxide and is relatively unique to St. Anthony as it is used in conjunction with ultra-violet light to destroy the 1, 4-Dioxane chemical.
Our Water Utility staff identified that the unusual taste and smell in the water is the result of having lower than normal levels of chlorine in the system after doubling our water production by putting Well No. 4 back on line. When the chlorine drops lower than normal, it amplifies the smell and taste of the other chemicals. Now that the chlorine level is back to its optimal level, the system will clear itself out and our water will return to normal as water is consumed.
With the City’s system flow and chlorine feed again balanced, the chemical mix causing the odor and taste issue has been eliminated but some areas of the system may still not yet have returned to normal. If you are still experiencing an issue, please run hot and cold water to clear your pipes. We appreciate your concern and thank you for your patience.
Silver Lake Road Chip Seal Improvements Protect Pavement, Increase Skid Resistance
Silver Lake Road (Hennepin Cty. Rd. 136) from 37th Avenue NE (Cty. Rd. 93) to St. Anthony Blvd. / Kenzie Terrace (Cty. Rd. 153) has been identified to be chip sealed in late summer 2024. Chip seals apply a thin layer of asphalt and aggregate that seal the surface of asphalt pavement. This protects the pavement from the effects of sun and water, increases skid resistance, and fills small cracks and other surface defects. The schedule for the work along Silver Lake Rd. (Cty. Rd. 136) will be set a few weeks ahead of time (subject to weather and other road closures), and should last only a few weeks with no full closure or detours expected. For more information, visit Hennepin County’s projects website to sign up for notifications. LINK TO HENNEPIN STREET PROJECTS
2024 Street and Utility Improvement Project
Due to inclement weather, the Contractor has rescheduled removal and replacement of deficient concrete curb for the week of July 8. In preparation for remove, the Contractor has begun sawing the concrete panels. The 2024 Street Improvement Project includes asphalt resurfacing (mill and overlay) improvements along the majority of Saint Anthony streets. The City has a comprehensive webpage dedicated to the 2024 Street Improvement Project with a large map and listing of the impacted streets and neighborhoods. LINK TO 2024 STREET PROJECT
Please direct questions and concerns with construction to Kate Achenbach, 651-302-3367. She is on site to represent the City during construction.
REMINDERS
Water Service Line Inventory
To comply with EPA Requirements, we need home and business owners to do a quick inspection of your water service line and submit the information online. For more info, visit our webpage: savemn.com/water-service-line-inventory.
NEED HELP? please call 612-782-3301 to ask questions or arrange for an inspection.
LINK TO WSL INFO VIDEO
LINK TO HOW TO COMPLETE ONLINE REPORT
Inflow and Infiltration Inspection Reminder
Two Inflow & Infiltration Inspections are required prior to listing your home or business for sale
> Sanitary Sewer Line Inspection Video
> Sump Pump Inspection
Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) is the excess flow of clear water into the City’s sanitary sewer system. The system is not designed to handle excess clear water and it can become overloaded and cause basement flooding or bypass raw wastewater to local streams and lakes. This ordinance is intended to help reduce peak sanitary sewer flows caused by Inflow and infiltration.
LINK TO INFLOW & INFILTRATION INSPECTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED:
What do I do if I have a water or sewer emergency?
During Normal Business Hours: Contact City Hall immediately: 612.782.3301
After Business Hours Contact the Fire Department: 612.782.3400
City crews will be dispatched to evaluate the situation and assist the property owner.
How do I make a park reservation?
Reservations are handled through St. Anthony Community Services.
Link to Park Reservation Requests