Wilkinson Lake Best Management Practices (BMP)

Background

Houston Engineering, Inc (HEI) worked closely with Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO), North Oaks Company (NOC), and the Minnesota Land Trust (MLT) on the Wilkinson Lake Best Management Practices (BMP) Project, which improved downstream water quality and restored critical wildlife habitat. Additional project partners that contributed to early feasibility work toward this project included St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) and Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD). A key component of this project was public outreach and education, with the goal of highlighting how BMPs improve water quality and augment habitat.

Taking place in North Oaks, MN, the project decreased sediment and phosphorus delivery into Wilkinson Lake and restored a historic deep-water wetland in a location that had been previously drained through ditching. The project was funded as part of the Small, Priority Watershed grant program that is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) with funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Project

The Wilkinson Lake project was a multi-faceted challenge. A limited number of opportunities existed for treating runoff entering the lake due to site topography and hydraulic design limitations. Wilkinson Lake is also a meeting point for several ditches that drain stormwater from surrounding residential properties and area highways.

The site’s conditions also needed consideration. With an eagle’s nest on site, buffering was required in the preliminary and final design. The design also had to avoid hydraulic impacts on upstream roadways. In addition, the existing wetland had restrictions on grading and all accommodations had to be made within project funding limits.

Despite these challenges, HEI brought tailored solutions to these complex problems. Bringing regulatory expertise, high value, and a strong background in sustainability, HEI developed a solution that addressed all project issues. With site topography and hydraulic design limitations in mind, HEI decided to excavate a deep-water habitat. The excavated materials were placed adjacent to the site, which in turn provide screening of site infrastructure.

Initiating frequent touchpoints early on, HEI ensured the project was successful in acquiring permits. Consistent, transparent communication between HEI and the client was also maintained throughout the life cycle of the project.

HEI’s solution not only accomplished the project’s goals but achieved the client’s desired outcome. Construction was completed during the fall of 2023.