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5. Staff Report-Access RisersSCANDIA Staff Repovt Date of Meeting: August 6, 2014 To: City Council From: Kristina Handt, Administrator Re: Access Risers Background: Last year staff began raising access pipes in the 201 system to be consistent with MN Rule 7080.1970 (see attached). Work has continued on this effort this summer and will go into next year. A few residents have complained at this was on the agenda for the Wastewater Advisory Committee on July 30tn Issue: Should access risers be placed above grade? Proposal Details: At the Wastewater Committee meeting Brad Bergo expressed his frustration that his access rise was raised above grade. Mike Gavin, representing his mother Barb Gavin, was also in attendance and not pleased that the riser was above grade. Mr. Gavin provided some photos which are also included in your packet. At the meeting Council Member Schneider pointed to MN Rule 7080.2450 which allows systems in place before 2008 to be placed below grade. Schneider suggested that is property owners want their risers at grade they be lowered so long as it is not susceptible to inflow and infiltration (I&I). Council Member Ness asked that the item be placed as the Council agenda for further discussion. Staff has been raising risers in an effort to address the I & I problems with the system. Property owners may install plantings around the pipe so it is not as much of an eye sore or hazard, however, access by the City must be preserved. Staff has provided additional photos which show some properties have done this. With the property on Lamar, staff was able to remove the plantings to access the tank and then replant them with no damage to the plantings. Grass seed has been spread and will grow to fill in the dirt areas. Staff is concerned about letting some property owners have their risers at grade and others above. It's best for I & I if all are a couple inches above grade. Options: 1) Leave risers above grade and continue to raise those on other properties as tanks are pumped. 2) Lower risers to grade or below Recommendation: Option 1