The City of Minneapolis and Park Board staff have been meeting with the developer of the apartment building at 1800 West Lake Street to resolve the issue of groundwater discharge into the lagoon between Lakes Calhoun and Isles. The following press release was issued by City Council Member Meg Tuthill on August 14, 2013:

DEVELOPER GIVEN DEADLINE TO RESOLVE GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE

City of Minneapolis and Park Board staff have been meeting with the developer of the apartment building at 1800 West Lake Street to resolve the issue of groundwater discharge into the lagoon between Lakes Calhoun and Isles. Council Member Meg Tuthill has announced the City has set a deadline for the developer to implement a solution. The developer needs to provide a proposed solution by September 27, 2013. The proposed solution must satisfy all City concerns, including being implemented before this year’s freezing to avoid public safety issues this winter. If the City’s deadline is not met, the City’s recourse will be to initiate a lawsuit. City Council approval is needed to initiate the lawsuit.

Tuthill said “Over the past three years, I’ve worked closely with City staff, Park Board Commissioner Anita Tabb and concerned residents on issues to protect the City’s natural resources. Resolving this groundwater discharge issue is important to preserve our Lakes, which are the jewel in our crown, and protects public safety. Stewardship of our environment is very important to me.”

Park Board Commissioner Tabb added, “This issue has caused great concern for the Park Board both because of its unknown impact on the ecosystem of the lagoon as well as its known impact on the safety of our residents and winter recreation users. I am delighted that Council Member Tuthill has championed bringing a resolution to this issue with the strong support of Mayor Rybak.”